A PCS move to Interior Alaska brings a new assignment and a new set of housing decisions. Majors Realty Group helps service members and their households explore off-installation homes with practical local guidance, clear communication, and respect for your timeline.

Start with your installation and your arrival plan

Contact your installation housing office early to understand available options, eligibility, and the current process. Installation housing and privately owned homes are different choices; availability and requirements should be confirmed directly.

• Fort Wainwright: Review the Army's housing services information, then compare off-post homes in Fairbanks and surrounding areas based on the gate and work location you will actually use. See our Fort Wainwright guide.
• Eielson AFB: The Military Housing Office provides installation and community-housing guidance. Compare North Pole, Moose Creek, and other locations by winter access and everyday needs. See our Eielson AFB guide.
• Fort Greely: Start with the Fort Greely Housing Services Office and explore the Delta Junction area for off-post options. See our Fort Greely guide.

Should you rent or buy during this assignment?

Consider the length and uncertainty of your stay, available cash, maintenance responsibilities, and what you would do if you received new orders. Compare the full costs of each option. Homeownership includes transaction expenses, utilities, repairs, insurance, taxes, and the possibility of needing time to sell. A future rental plan needs its own financial and management review.

Confirm allowances and benefits with the appropriate military office. A housing allowance is not a guarantee that a particular home is affordable or that its future rent will cover your costs. Military OneSource's housing guide offers questions to help compare your choices.

Buying an off-installation home

1. Set your timeline and budget. Coordinate arrival, temporary lodging, household-goods delivery, and a realistic closing schedule. Keep room for changes.
2. Discuss financing early. If considering a VA-backed loan, ask your lender about your Certificate of Eligibility, credit and income review, occupancy requirements, costs, and the property's eligibility. Read the VA's home-buying process. Eligibility does not guarantee loan approval.
3. Compare actual routes. Check the gate you expect to use, current access rules, winter road conditions, parking, and the rest of your household's daily travel. Do not rely on a summer map estimate alone.
4. Inspect the home and its systems. Review heat, insulation, ventilation, water, wastewater, drainage, foundation, and access. An appraisal serves a different purpose from an independent home inspection.
5. Plan for distance. Agree on communication, detailed tours, inspection attendance, and document review. If a power of attorney may be needed, coordinate it with your legal adviser, lender, and closing provider.

Renting before or during your assignment

Confirm availability, lease dates, deposits, pet policies, utilities, snow removal, parking, and maintenance reporting before signing. Ask your housing office or installation legal assistance office to review military-related lease questions. Avoid assuming that every lease or every change in orders has the same requirements.

Explore rental and management information at Majors Property Management. Ask about current availability and the services appropriate to your situation.

Leaving Alaska: sell or retain your home?

Start planning as soon as your timeline becomes clearer. For a sale, request a current comparable-sales review, preparation plan, and estimated net proceeds. For a rental, review current rental evidence and budget for vacancy, turnover, repairs, replacement reserves, management, and owner-paid expenses. Confirm financing, insurance, and any association restrictions before changing the property's use.

Arrange dependable local oversight if you will be away. Discuss who can respond to a heating problem, inspect the property, coordinate repairs, and communicate with you across time zones. Rental demand and income are not guaranteed by proximity to an installation.

Your Alaska move, with a clearer plan

Tell us your assignment location, expected arrival window, housing priorities, and whether you are exploring buying, selling, or renting. Please keep orders and other sensitive documents out of a general website inquiry. Plan Your Military Move

For moving logistics and official support, visit Military OneSource PCS resources.

Prepared by Majors Realty Group · Updated September 20, 2026. We are an independent real estate brokerage; links to government resources do not imply military or government endorsement. Verify current benefits, eligibility, and installation requirements with the responsible office.