Whether it's Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Cook Medical, Novo Nordisk, or IU Health that's bringing you here, the same practical questions come up early in a relocation. Here's where to actually start.

If you're active duty or a defense contractor

The Department of Defense permits up to 10 days of Permissive TDY for house hunting on a stateside PCS move. It's unpaid, meaning it uses your own time rather than counting against leave balance, but it's command-approved rather than automatic, so ask about it 30 to 60 days before your report date rather than assuming it's guaranteed. NSWC Crane Division sits in neighboring Martin County, commutable from Bedford and Lawrence County, and this same leave benefit applies whether Crane, or a nearby installation, is your destination.

If a VA loan is part of your plan

The no-down-payment feature that makes VA loans distinctive is still current in 2026. There's a funding fee, 2.3% of the loan amount for first-time use with no down payment, 3.6% for subsequent use, reducible with a down payment of 5% or more. Veterans receiving service-connected disability compensation are exempt from the funding fee entirely, though your exact eligibility is confirmed only through your Certificate of Eligibility, so it's worth checking with your lender or the VA directly rather than assuming.

For any relocation, military or corporate

•Start your house search well before your report date, not after you arrive. Thirty to sixty days out is a realistic window to begin serious touring.

•Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified, before you start touring homes in person.

•If you can't be here in person yet, ask about video walkthroughs so you can narrow the list before flying or driving in for a shorter, more focused trip.

For more on the bigger picture of why people relocate here, see what makes Bedford a relocation option families often overlook, Bloomington's diversified economy for relocating buyers, and what relocating buyers should know before they buy in Bloomington.

If a job is bringing you to south-central Indiana and you need a guide who already understands the relocation timeline, that's exactly what I do, for military and corporate moves alike. Call or text (812) 360-3863, or visit LesaMillerRealEstate.com/Links.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days of house-hunting leave does the military allow for a PCS move?

Up to 10 days of Permissive TDY for a stateside move, unpaid and command-approved. It's worth requesting 30 to 60 days before your report date rather than assuming it's automatic.

Do VA loans still require no down payment in 2026?

Yes, that core feature remains current. There is a funding fee, though veterans receiving service-connected disability compensation are exempt; confirm your specific eligibility through your Certificate of Eligibility.