Newcomers

To view information on any DoD installation worldwide, you can go to MILITARY ONESOURCE, select INSTALLATIONS, pull up detailed, official information compiled by the installation’s Family Center professionals.

• For information on Los Angeles AFB
• Online tools for taking charge of your move, to include
  • A personal moving calendar
  • A “to do” list
  • And key phone number list
• Build your own relocation financial plan with this online budget planning tool
• Relocation information just for kids
• Create a personalized plan & calendar with MilitaryHomefront’s on-line tool

Another factor is your plans for buying a home or renting. Housing costs in the Los Angeles area may be higher than at your current location, but as with anywhere, your choice of location is directly tied to your lifestyle, commute and links to what schools your children will attend.

What do you need to consider when buying while active duty? Check out www.kiplinger.com and download their military home buying package. Also, check with your bank, insurance company, or with a realtor to see if they offer any special programs or discounts from military buyers.

For instance, one major military credit union offers a Mover’s Advantage program making you eligible for cash back of up to $3,100 when selling a home at your old location or purchasing a home at your new location through their program. Another offers you a guaranteed closing date. If the date is missed, they’ll make out a check, equal to your monthly mortgage payment, to the charity or non-profit of your choice. Many boast 24/7 account access, an important feature during a move.

If you are a military member SELLING a home as you PCS, and you purchased or contacted the purchase of the home prior to 1 July 2006, you may be eligible for DoD’s Expanded Homeowner’s Assistance Program.

Check your bank’s website to see if they have locations in El Segundo or the Los Angeles area. There are a lot of options if you are interested in rentals – often friends or coworkers in the area can give you information on properties they know of that are military-owned rentals, or give you the name of a realtor who specialized in military relocations & rentals.

On Base Housing – www.tierra-vista.com
Los Angeles Air Force Base boasts one of the most beautiful housing areas in the Air Force. Located in San Pedro, approx. 15-20 miles from LAAFB in El Segundo, housing boasts beautifully maintained grounds, numerous quality of life and recreational amenities, the security of “gated” living AND some units have views of Cabrillo Marina or the Pacific Ocean! Managed for the Air Force by Tierra Vista Land Leasing and they have an office at Fort MacArthur adjacent to the Housing Office.

The Housing Office is a great resource and can assist you in assessing your needs. They have private housing listings for the area and can pull information from their databases to help you get started on your search for the perfect rental property. Their office is located at Fort MacArthur, adjacent to the Tierra Vista Leasing Office.

To check out some online resources, an official resource is www.ahrn.com.

Another popular website used by military owners to list properties for sale or for rent is: www.militarybyowner.com

These websites are very popular with renters and landlords alike and can make your search a lot easier. South Bay Rental – www.southbayrental.com

For a fee of approx. $60, you’ll get instant access to an extensive array of rentals in the South Bay area. In addition to e-mails, you can also sign up to get immediate messages sent to your smart phone too. (Keep your receipt for your moving expenses file for next year’s taxes as an UN-reimbursed moving expense)

West Side Rentals – www.westsiderentals.com For a dollar a day, $30 a month, you’ll get access to this database of rentals.

There is no question, moving can cost money! As a military member or DoD Civilian, some of your costs may be reimbursed, however, there are always out-of-pocket expenses. Here are some quick pointers that you may find helpful.