What Every Military Spouse Needs to Know About VA Loans in 2025–2026

Podcast episode cover image featuring Lexi Layne of Coldwell Banker and Lindsay Schellhorn, NMLS# 1895767, discussing "Military Home Buying 101" with a happy military family in front of a home.

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Why Military Families Across Florida Are Turning to VA Loans

For military families, few things matter more than stability — especially during a PCS (Permanent Change of Station). Whether you’re relocating to Patrick Space Force Base in Brevard County or Eglin Air Force Base in the Panhandle, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: Should we buy or rent at our next duty station?

At Morgan Financial, a veteran-owned, focused, and operated mortgage company based right here in Melbourne, Florida, we’ve helped military families across the state navigate this exact decision for more than 24 years.

From zero-down VA loans to fast, local closings, our mission is simple — to make homeownership fast, enjoyable, and consistent for those who serve.


Getting Pre-Approved with a Local Lender Makes All the Difference

During our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Lexi Layne of Coldwell Banker Realty, a military wife, REALTOR®, and former Montana resident who shared her family’s experience relocating to the Space Coast.

“When you’re a military family moving across the country, you need someone local in your corner who knows how VA loans work here in Florida. Having that relationship with a local lender makes all the difference — it’s not just about the loan, it’s about trust and understanding your situation.”
Lexi Layne, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Realty

Lexi’s story is one we hear often — families who could have used their VA loan earlier but didn’t realize how accessible it truly was. That’s why starting with a local pre-approval is key. A Florida-based lender like Morgan Financial understands the nuances of Brevard County property taxes, insurance, and local appraisal timelines — all of which can make or break a closing for a military family on a tight PCS schedule.

Plus, as a veteran-owned company, we speak your language. We know what it’s like to get last-minute orders or balance a move with deployment prep — and we’ve built our systems around helping you close on time.


Why Brevard County Is Ideal for Military Families

Florida’s Space Coast is one of the most desirable areas for military families. Patrick Space Force Base sits right between Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach, giving service members access to some of the state’s best schools, beaches, and communities.

Brevard County offers:

  • Affordable housing compared to other Florida metros

  • Easy access to Orlando International Airport

  • A strong military and veteran community

  • Great resale potential for when PCS orders change

Our clients often tell us that the combination of small-town feel and big-city convenience makes Melbourne, Viera, and the surrounding areas an ideal home base for military families.


The Morgan Financial Advantage for Florida’s Military Homebuyers

When you work with Morgan Financial, you’re not just getting a lender — you’re getting a local partner who understands the unique rhythm of military life.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Veteran Owned, Focused, and Operated — we’ve been serving those who serve for over 24 years

  • 100% Local — all processing, underwriting, and decision-making happens in-house in Melbourne

  • Fast Closings — We handle your VA loan from start to finish from our office located right here in Melbourne Florida so we can get you to the closing table fast!

  • Personalized Support — real people, not call centers

Whether you’re refinancing, using your VA benefit for the first time, or planning ahead for your next PCS, we’ll help you build a mortgage strategy that supports your long-term goals.


PCS Relocation? Here’s How to Prepare Financially

If you’re heading to a new duty station in Florida, here’s what to do before your household goods even hit the truck:

  1. Connect with a local lender early — even before you have orders in hand.

  2. Get pre-approved with your VA benefit so you know exactly what you can afford.

  3. Ask about temporary housing options if you’re arriving before your home closes.

  4. Plan for BAH transitions and cost-of-living differences across Florida bases.

  5. Work with a REALTOR® experienced in military relocations — like Lexi Layne — who can coordinate with your lender and timeline.

The PCS process can be stressful, but when you have the right team in place — a local lender, an agent who gets military moves, and a clear plan — it becomes manageable, even exciting.


Your Florida VA Loan Team

At Morgan Financial, we’re proud to serve those who serve. Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or military spouse, our team will guide you through every step of the VA loan process — from pre-approval to closing day.

📍 Located in Melbourne, FL, serving military families across:

  • Brevard County / Patrick Space Force Base

  • Eglin AFB / Fort Walton Beach

  • MacDill AFB / Tampa Bay

  • Jacksonville NAS and beyond


Featured Real Estate Agent:

Lexi Layne | Coldwell Banker Realty

📞 (650) 465-3436 | ✉️ lexi.layne@cbparadise.com

 

Ready to get started?
Contact Morgan Financial today to learn how we can help you make your next Florida move your smoothest one yet.

Joe

Chief Operating Officer

Joe Harris is the COO of Morgan Financial, where he oversees operations, sales, and marketing to ensure a fast, enjoyable, and consistent mortgage experience. With more than 25 years in the industry and over $1 billion funded, Joe combines deep expertise with a passion for helping clients achieve homeownership. He is also dedicated to training and equipping loan officers with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in a competitive market.

NMLS#322991