Most people drive, fly, or maybe Uber to breakfast.
Alan showed up by submarine.
Okay, technically the submarine brought him into San Diego, and then we met for breakfast, but that sounds way less interesting.
Alan is a past coworker, former client, and now a good friend. We got the chance to sit down, catch up, talk Navy life, family, future retirement plans, and of course, real estate. What was supposed to be a simple breakfast turned into a two-hour strategy session, which is honestly one of my favorite kinds of mornings.
Talking Through the Next Move
We talked through what the next chapter may look like for him and his wife. Alan had used his VA entitlement here in San Diego, and his wife had used hers in Hawaii. As we talked through their next PCS and the possibility of buying again, I mentioned that they may still have residual entitlement available from both of those purchases.
That’s when he gave me the look.
The “wait, you can do that?” look.
And just like that, breakfast became a financial planning session with coffee, eggs, and napkin math.
VA Entitlement Strategy Over Breakfast
We started calculating what residual entitlement might still be available from his San Diego purchase and his wife’s Hawaii purchase, and how those numbers could potentially help them buy a third property when they PCS again.
We also talked through the idea of self-managing the Hawaii property while moving into a larger home at their next duty station.
This is the part of real estate I genuinely love.
Not just opening doors. Not just writing offers. But sitting across from someone, hearing their goals, and helping them see the different avenues they may have available.
Military Real Estate Is Rarely Just One House
For military families, real estate is rarely just one house. It can be a series of decisions made over time. One PCS, one property, one entitlement calculation, one rent-versus-sell conversation at a time.
Sometimes that strategy happens in an office.
Sometimes it happens over breakfast.
And sometimes it starts because your friend casually shows up to San Diego by submarine.
Want to Run Your Own VA Entitlement Numbers?
If you have already used your VA loan and want to get a better idea of what entitlement you may still have available, we built a VA entitlement calculator to help you start running your own numbers.
Use the VA Entitlement Calculator
It will not replace a full review of your Certificate of Eligibility, current loan details, county loan limits, and purchase goals, but it is a great place to start.