“I’m Getting Out in 2026 — Should I Buy a House in Chicago Now or Wait?”
“I’m Getting Out in 2026 — Should I Buy a House in Chicago Now or Wait?”
Every single week I get this exact text or call from Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties who are separating or retiring in the next 6–18 months.
Here’s the no-BS answer I give them (and now you):
Buy NOW. Here’s why 2026 transitioners are moving fastest right now:
1. You Can Close After Separation and Still Use Your VA Loan at 0% Down
As long as you’re on active orders or in the Guard/Reserve when we go under contract, your full VA entitlement is yours — even if you close 30–90 days after terminal leave starts.
I’ve closed dozens of veterans the week they got their DD-214 with zero down and the seller paying all closing costs.
2. BAH Now vs. Post-Separation Income
Right now your lender uses your current BAH (Chicago metro is ~$2,800–$3,600 depending on rank/dependents). After separation most lenders switch to base pay only or whatever your new job pays — which almost always lowers your buying power.
Lock in the higher BAH number while you still have it.
3. Rates Are the Lowest They’ll Be Before You Separate
VA 30-year fixed is hovering at 5.75–5.99% today (Dec 2025). Every Fed meeting in 2026 is expected to be a coin flip. Buy now, refinance later if they drop more (you’ve got nothing to lose).
4. Sellers Don’t Care That You’re Separating
They only care that:
Your VA pre-approval is rock solid
We can close on your timeline (even if it’s 90–120 days out)
You’ve got a post-military job letter or we use your VA disability rating as income (yes, that counts 100%)
Real Example From Last Month
Army E-6, separating April 2026
Went under contract December 2025 in Plainfield
Used current E-6 + BAH + dependents for approval ($512k purchase power)
Closing set for March 31, 2026 (day before terminal leave ends)
$494k purchase, $0 down, seller paid $14k toward closing + funding fee
New payment $2,980 — his current BAH is $3,411. He’s cash-flow positive from day one.
Your 2026 Transition Playbook (Do This Today)
Text me “2026” → (773) 861-5115 and I’ll send you the exact timeline checklist
I connect you with two transition-friendly VA lenders I trust (they do this every week)
We pick your house now, write the offer with a late March–June closing, and you move in literally the week you get out.
Stop paying Chicago rent while you’re still wearing the uniform.
You’ve got 3–15 months left on active duty — that’s the strongest buying power you’ll ever have.
Let’s turn your orders into an address.
Text “2026” right now
I’ve been doing this for transitioning troops since 2016. I’ve got you.
Alec Mancheski Chicago VA Realtor® (773) 861-5115 — I answer my own phone!
