Courtney H oustonGroup
IT’S PCS SEASON
Here’s What I’ve Learned REDEFINING VALUE
It’s Not Always the Obvious Stuff
LET’S TALK HOME FEATURES WHERE ARE PEOPLE INVESTING?
South Carolina, North Carolina, and California
CINCO DE MAYO
The One Thing Every Buyer & Seller Should Do
IT’S PCS SEASON here’s what I’ve learned
After moving across four states in eight years of Marine Corps life, I’ve learned a few things the hard way—and the helpful way. So whether you’re brand new to PCS life or this isn’t your first rodeo, here’s my realworld advice:
FOR THE FIRST-TIMERS:
WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU ACTUALLY WANT IN A HOME – not just what the orders say you need. Proximity to base matters, but so does walkability, natural light, or even space for your dog.
ASK EVERY QUESTION YOU HAVEThere’s no shame in not knowing—this lifestyle comes with its own lingo and learning curve.
DON’T LET THE TIMELINE RUSH YOUIt’s okay to explore temporary housing if it gives you time to make the right move.
FOR THE SEASONED MOVERS:
CONSIDER YOUR LONG GAME – Could this duty station also become your future vacation rental? Investment property? Home base? Let’s chat about that.
GIVE YOURSELF A SOFT LANDINGEven when you’ve done this a dozen times, the change still hits. Unpack the candle, hang the photos, make it feel like home.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: YOUR EXPERIENCE IS VALID, NO MATTER HOW “USED TO THIS” YOU ARE. EVERY PCS IS DIFFERENT.
REDEFINING VALUE
It’s not always the obvious stuff
A HOME’S VALUE ISN’T ALWAYS IN THE SIZE OR THE FINISHES. SOMETIMES IT’S IN THE BREEZE THAT MOVES THROUGH THE SCREENED PORCH. THE WAY THE SUN HITS THE KITCHEN AT 4PM. THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE YOUR KIDS FEEL SAFE RIDING THEIR BIKES.
WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, MY JOB IS TO HELP YOU HIGHLIGHT OR RECOGNIZE THOSE THINGS. NOT JUST THE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS.
LET’S TALK HOME FEATURES THAT DESERVE MORE CREDIT
YOU KNOW WHAT DOESN’T GET ENOUGH LOVE?
A GOOD FLOOR PLAN – Not a huge house-just a smart one.
A WELCOMING ENTRY – First impressions aren’t just for buyers, they’re for you—every day.
PROPER STORAGE – Because life includes backpacks, Costco runs, and beach towels. The right home makes life easier. It doesn’t just look pretty in pictures.
WHERE I’M SEEING PEOPLE INVEST RIGHT NOW
Think:
Each of my markets— South Carolina, North Carolina, and California— offers something unique. But one thing they all have in common? Buyers are looking for lifestyle. Not just location.
PROXIMITY TO WATER OR MOUNTAINS
POTENTIAL FOR RENTAL INCOME
ROOM FOR CHICKENS OR A GARDEN
A SLICE OF QUIET
So, whether you’re dreaming of land with no HOA or a vacation home that pays for itself—I’m happy to run numbers and talk strategy.
IN HONOR
OF CINCO
DE MAYO a little something festive
INGREDIENTS:
1 CAN BLACK BEANS, RINSED AND MASHED SLIGHTLY
1 TSP CUMIN
1/2 TSP GARLIC POWDER
1/2 TSP SMOKED PAPRIKA
SALT TO TASTE
1/4 CUP CHOPPED CILANTRO
1/4 CUP FINELY DICED RED ONION OR SCALLIONS
DAIRY-FREE CHEESE (LIKE VIOLIFE OR MIYOKO’S, OPTIONAL)
AVOCADO OR GUACAMOLE FOR SERVING
TORTILLAS (CASSAVA OR ALMOND FLOUR FOR GRAINFREE!)
OLIVE OR AVOCADO OIL FOR COOKING
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. IN A BOWL, COMBINE MASHED BLACK BEANS, SEASONINGS, ONION, AND CILANTRO.
2. SPREAD MIXTURE ON ONE HALF OF A TORTILLA. ADD DAIRY-FREE CHEESE IF DESIRED.
3. FOLD AND COOK ON A SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT WITH A LITTLE OIL UNTIL CRISPY AND GOLDEN ON BOTH SIDES.
4. SERVE WITH GUAC, LIME WEDGES, OR SALSA.
Perfect for the whole family—plus they reheat like a dream!
