Should You Sell or Rent with PCS Orders?

By James Sanson | Published: May 19, 2025

Got PCS orders? Deciding whether to sell or rent your Arizona home is a big choice. Military families near Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan, or MCAS Yuma face this dilemma often, balancing finances, timelines, and stress. heroSOLD™ helps you weigh both options with clear pros, cons, and tailored solutions.

This guide breaks down selling vs. renting, so you can choose what’s best for your family and move with confidence.

Can I Rent My House Near Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan, or MCAS Yuma Instead of Selling?

Option 1: Sell Your Home

Selling your home during PCS orders gives you a clean break, instant equity, and freedom from property worries. It’s ideal for families moving far away or wanting to simplify their finances.

Pros of Selling

• Immediate Equity: Access cash for your next home or relocation costs.
• No Landlord Stress: Avoid managing tenants or repairs from another state or country.
• Clear VA Loan Eligibility: Free up your VA loan entitlement for your next purchase.
• Fast Cash Offers: heroSOLD™ connects you with no-repair buyers in as little as 7 days.

Cons of Selling

• Market Risks: A soft market may mean lower offers, especially in winter.
• Lost Appreciation: You miss out on future home value increases.

For example, a Luke AFB family in Goodyear sold their home in 9 days with our Cash Fast Close program, using the funds to settle into their new base overseas.

Option 2: Rent Your Home

Renting keeps your home as an investment, potentially generating passive income while you’re stationed elsewhere. It’s appealing if you expect home values to rise or want to return later.

Pros of Renting

• Passive Income: Tenants can cover your mortgage and generate extra cash.
• Long-Term Wealth: Retain the home for future appreciation.
• Flexibility: Return to your home after PCS or keep it as an investment.

Cons of Renting

• Management Hassle: Handle tenants and repairs remotely or pay a property manager (8%–12% of rent).
• Vacancy Risks: Unrented periods mean no income and ongoing costs.
• Maintenance Costs: You’re responsible for repairs, which can be tough from afar.

A Davis-Monthan family rented their Tucson home but faced unexpected repair costs and a vacancy, prompting them to sell with heroSOLD™ during their next PCS.

When Does Selling Make More Sense?

Selling often suits military families who:

• Are PCSing overseas or far from Arizona.
• Want to avoid landlord responsibilities during deployment.
• Need cash for their next home or relocation expenses.
• Prefer a stress-free move without property management.

heroSOLD™ offers fast, no-pressure cash offers, so you can sell without listings, showings, or repairs. A Yuma Marine sold their Foothills home in 8 days, freeing up their VA loan for a new purchase.

When Does Renting Make More Sense?

Renting may be better if:

• Your home is in a high-demand rental market like Glendale near Luke AFB.
• You plan to return to Arizona after PCS.
• Home values are rising, and you want long-term gains.
• You’re comfortable hiring a property manager or handling tenants.

However, weigh the costs. In Tucson near Davis-Monthan, average property management fees are 10% of rent, and vacancies can cost $1,500–$2,000 per month.

Military-Friendly Selling Programs

If you choose to sell, heroSOLD™ offers programs tailored for PCS moves. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

• Buy Before You Sell: Purchase your next home before closing this one.
• Sell and Lease Back: Sell now, stay up to 60 days post-closing.
• Fix It To Sell: We cover repairs and closing costs for higher offers.
• Cash Fast Close: Get cash in 7–10 days for urgent moves.
• Enhanced MLS Experience: Market to VA buyers and investors for top dollar.

Learn more at our military home seller programs page.

When’s the Best Time to Sell or Rent in Arizona?

Timing impacts both selling and renting. Here’s a breakdown:

• Spring (March–May): Peak demand for VA buyers and renters near Luke AFB and Davis-Monthan.
• Fall (September–November): Strong buyer and tenant interest in Yuma and Tucson.
• Winter (December–February): Slower market but ideal for cash sales or long-term leases.

We analyze local VA buyer and rental trends to optimize your decision.

Serving Military Families Across Arizona

We’ve helped hundreds of military families near Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan, and MCAS Yuma decide between selling and renting. Our team supports sellers and landlords in neighborhoods like Litchfield Park, Rita Ranch, and Fortuna Foothills, ensuring your PCS move is smooth.

“heroSOLD™ helped us sell in 7 days before our PCS to Germany. No stress.” – Mr. Carter

“We rented first, then sold with heroSOLD™. They made it easy.” – Ms. Patel

Still On the Fence?

Choosing between selling and renting depends on your goals, timeline, and finances. heroSOLD™ provides free valuations and side-by-side comparisons to clarify your options. Whether you’re in Glendale, Tucson, or Yuma, we’re here to help you move forward.

Related Reads

• VA Loan Payoff & Selling Tips
• Top Mistakes Military Sellers Make
• Arizona Military Home Selling Guide

Published by James Sanson | Last updated: May 19, 2025