The full plan · Printable edition
Orders to keys, by days to report.
Set your report date at the top and count backwards. The windows below are typical, not guaranteed. Lenders, title companies, and the market move them. The order does not change.
Days to report103
InstallationFort Ardent
GateNorth, 24/7
90+
days to reportbefore 17 Oct 2026
Orders in hand
- Talk to a lender who closes VA purchases every week. Ask for an underwritten approval, not a prequalification.
- Have ready: orders, two months of pay statements, two years of tax forms, bank statements, ID.
- Set the budget from the full monthly payment: principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA or district fees.
- Run your allowance against that payment. Decide on purpose how far past it you are willing to go.
75 to 60
days to report1 Nov to 16 Nov 2026
Pick the gate
- Confirm which gate you will use and its current hours.
- Build the search around drive time at 0630 and 1700, not map distance.
- Shortlist two neighborhoods, not six.
- Sign the written buyer agreement your state requires before touring.
60 to 45
days to report16 Nov to 1 Dec 2026
Tour and offer
- Ask your command about a house-hunting trip. Rules vary; your orders and your command set them.
- If you cannot travel, insist on a live video walk you control.
- Write the offer with deadlines that land before your report date.
45 to 30
days to report1 Dec to 16 Dec 2026
Under contract
- Inspection in week one. Hire the inspector yourself.
- Appraisal ordered the day you go under contract.
- Homeowners insurance quote now. The premium changes your monthly.
- Title work and HOA documents requested.
30 to 14
days to report16 Dec to 1 Jan 2027
Clear to close
- Lender conditions cleared, appraisal reviewed, clear to close issued.
- Household goods dates locked. Utilities scheduled.
- Decide: sign in person or by power of attorney. Set it up early with the lender and title company.
14 to 0
days to report1 Jan to 15 Jan 2027
Keys
- Final walkthrough on a live call if you are not there yet.
- Wire funds only after calling the title company at a number you looked up yourself.
- Keys. Report. Unpack the kitchen first.
Print this page. Tape it to the fridge you do not own yet.
Edition for report date 15 Jan 2027. Printed 4 Oct 2026.