Jennifer Dawn
REALTOR®
Your Key to Military
Relocation and Resources
Hampton Roads, Virginia, is one of the nation’s most vibrant military communities — home to a strong support network, diverse housing options, and a deeply rooted appreciation for those who serve. From Naval Station Norfolk — the largest naval base in the world — to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Little Creek-Fort Story, the region offers military personnel and their families unique opportunities to thrive both professionally and personally.
With access to excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and the scenic Virginia coastline, Hampton Roads blends duty station practicality with high quality of life. Whether you're PCSing in or transitioning out, you'll find a welcoming community, robust resources, and a place to truly call home.
Jennifer Dawn— Your Military Relocation Specialist in Hampton Roads
As a dedicated REALTOR® and certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP), I’m honored to serve the incredible men, women, and families who serve our country. Whether you’re PCSing into Hampton Roads or preparing for your next assignment, I bring the specialized knowledge, strategic support, and unwavering care that military moves demand.
Experience You Can Trust
Having assisted countless service members and their families relocating to and from Hampton Roads, I understand the timelines, transitions, and unique pressures military life can bring. My deep market knowledge and hands-on experience mean I can anticipate your needs and deliver results — whether you need to buy sight-unseen, coordinate a remote closing, or move quickly under deadline.
Resources to Guide You, Support to Steady You
From VA loan guidance and PCS timelines to local utility setups and appraisal insights, I offer a full suite of relocation resources tailored to military families. My goal? To make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible — so you can focus on your mission, your family, and your future.
Recognized Excellence, Grounded Integrity
With a proven track record of service and multiple industry honors, I pride myself on combining white-glove professionalism with heartfelt connection. My Service & Recognition reflects a career built on trust, excellence, and deep community roots.
Real Estate That Builds Connection
To me, real estate isn’t just about contracts — it’s about community, connection, and creating a sense of home wherever you land. I am proud to advocate for fair, equitable housing and to ensure every client — regardless of background or branch — receives the respect, support, and service they deserve.
Whether you’re incoming, outgoing, or transitioning into your next chapter, I’m here to make your relocation a confident and rewarding experience.
Let’s navigate this journey together. You hold the orders — I’ll hold the key.
“While purchasing a house earlier this year Jennifer hands down did the most amazing job. She found exactly what I was looking for all the way down to the studs. I really appreciate great customer service and she is by far the greatest experience I have ever had. Home buying made easy she will work extremely hard to find what you are looking for. Call her today! What are you waiting for?”
“Literally the best agent you could ask for! Great communication skills, friendly and extremely knowledgeable in the field!”
“Jennifer helped find me a place to live even while I was on the other side of the world on deployment!”
““We could not recommend Jennifer more. She was helpful, attentive, knowledgeable and downright enjoyable. She was lovely to work with and helped us sell our house in 48 hours for over asking price. A wonderful experience!””
From Listing to Moving: Navigating Your PCS Move to Hampton Roads
“Jennifer is an absolute rockstar! She went above and beyond for my wife and I during our home sale. She was always available, answered every question and advised us through the offer process. 10/10 would recommend, undoubtedly the finest realtor in Hampton Roads.”
“Jennifer is awesome!! Great to work with. Easy to talk to. Always goes over and beyond to make sure we are satisfied with our decision.”
If you're a military service member or family receiving PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders to Hampton Roads, Virginia, you're likely wondering how to buy, sell, or relocate efficiently. Hampton Roads is home to some of the largest military bases on the East Coast, offering a strong real estate market for military families.
Let’s walk you through the PCS relocation process, including:
🗝 How to sell your home before moving
🗝 Buying a home in Hampton Roads near your new base
🗝 Resources & checklists for military families
As a REALTOR® with the MRP (Military Relocation Professional) designation, I understand the unique needs of military buyers and sellers. Let’s make your PCS move smooth and stress-free.
Major Military Installations in Hampton Roads:
Naval Station Norfolk – The largest naval base in the world
Joint Base Langley-Eustis – Key Air Force & Army installation
Naval Air Station Oceana – Home to the Navy’s fighter jet community
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown – Ordnance and logistics hub
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth – Military healthcare & medical training
Dam Neck Annex – Naval Special Warfare training
Fort Eustis – Army training and logistics command
Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads – Coast Guard operations & response center
Moving to Hampton Roads? I’m here to help! As a REALTOR® with MRP designation, I provide expert guidance for military homebuyers and sellers.
📧 Email: jennifer@jenniferdawnrealestate.com
📞 Call: 757-524-0417
🌐 Website: jenniferdawnrealestate.com
📌 Jennifer D Holds the Key – Helping Military Families Navigate Their Next Move with Trust, Community, and Connection.
“Jennifer was hands down the best at helping us sell our house!! It was our first time selling a house and with my husband being away she truly made things so easy for us!! It went so smoothly! She is truly one of a kind and will help you with all your home buying/selling needs. I can’t wait to use her again!!”
🇺🇸 Military Relocation Resource Hub
Guides for Every Move — Whether You’re PCS’ing In or Out
Relocating as part of military life can be fast-paced, emotional, and full of moving parts — especially when it involves buying or selling a home. That’s why I’ve created this collection of handpicked resource guides to support you and your family from start to finish.
Whether you’re transitioning into Hampton Roads, PCS’ing across the country, or preparing for your final move, these tools are designed to simplify the process and empower you at every step.
Buyer guides to help you understand VA loans, appraisals, inspections, and more
Seller resources for staging, pricing, timelines, and appraisal prep
Local service directories, utilities, emergency checklists, and moving logistics
Checklists to help you stay organized, on time, and in control — even across time zones
Home management tools to keep everything running smoothly once you’re settled
As a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), I understand the nuances of military timelines, entitlements, and transitions. You don’t have to navigate it all alone — these resources are here to give you clarity, structure, and support whenever (and wherever) duty calls.
⭐ Pre-Listing Resource
Prepare to Sell with Strategy, Even on a Compressed Timeline When orders drop, the clock starts. This pre-listing guide is built for military sellers who need to move quickly without sacrificing strategy or value.
⭐ Know exactly what to prep before hitting the market
⭐ Get clarity on pricing, timelines, and professional marketing
⭐ Learn how to attract serious buyers even on short notice
This resource helps you list with confidence — whether you’re across town or already across the country.
⭐ Listing Resource
A Tactical Game Plan for Getting Your Home SOLD If you're PCSing, transferring duty stations, or separating from service, this guide lays out the full path to selling your home.
⭐ Step-by-step strategy from listing to settlement
⭐ How to handle remote negotiations and coordination
⭐ Staging, showing, and marketing guidance tailored for fast military timelines
You’ll feel fully supported no matter how far away you are.
⭐ Seller Checklists
Mission-Ready Checklists for Smooth Home Sales
You’ve got a lot to manage — these checklists are your command center.
⭐ Track everything from prep to closing
⭐ Know what documents to have on standby
⭐ Coordinate movers, repairs, and utility shut-offs with precision
Ideal for dual-military households, deployed sellers, or remote closings.
⭐ Seller Appraisal Toolkit
Make Sure Your Home Appraises Strong — Even If You’ve Already PCS’d This toolkit helps you protect your bottom line with expert strategies and clear expectations.
⭐ Learn how VA and FHA loans impact appraisals
⭐ Navigate the Tidewater Act and lender-required repairs
⭐ Understand your rights and options if value comes in low
Especially helpful for homes sold remotely or under VA loan guidelines.
“Jennifer was great to work with. I loved that she listened to me and was able to help me find the home that I wanted to live in. Thank You So Much, you are a 5 Star Realtor!!!”
⭐ Buyer Consultation
A Strategic First Step for Your PCS Home Search
This isn’t just a welcome — it’s a briefing. During your consultation, we’ll align your goals, budget, and orders to create a personalized home search strategy.
⭐ Guidance on VA pre-approval
⭐ Market education tailored to your timeline
⭐ Remote buyer support from tour to offer
Perfect for first-time buyers or cross-country PCS moves.
⭐ Buyer Resource
A Full-Spectrum Guide to Buying with Confidence While on the Move
This guide answers the big questions: Can I use my BAH? What’s covered by VA loans? What do I need to do from out of state?
⭐ Learn the full buying process from offer to closing
⭐ Understand how VA loans differ from conventional options
⭐ Navigate inspections, escrow, and move-in planning with clarity
Designed to serve you from base housing to forever home.
⭐ Buyer Checklists
From Home Search to PCS Unpack — Stay Mission-Ready
Military buyers juggle deadlines, TDYs, and family transitions. This checklist system keeps everything moving.
⭐ Buyer timeline from pre-approval to keys
⭐ PCS-friendly moving prep and utility setup
⭐ Local vendor contacts for seamless transitions
Because organization is key when your timeline isn’t flexible.
⭐ Buyer Appraisal Toolkit
Understand the Appraisal Process and Protect Your VA Loan Approval
For military buyers, an appraisal isn’t just a formality — it’s a major factor in loan approval.
⭐ Learn what appraisers look for under VA, FHA, and conventional loans
⭐ Understand the Tidewater process and your right to challenge value
⭐ Get prepared in advance so there are no surprises
This toolkit helps ensure your offer stands strong — and your loan stays intact.
⭐ Flood Zone Overview
Understand Flood Risk Before You Buy or Sell in Hampton Roads
Service members moving to coastal Virginia need to understand FEMA zones, BFE, LiMWA, and insurance implications.
⭐ Compare AE, VE, and X zones
⭐ Learn how flood zones affect VA loan approval and insurance
⭐ Protect your investment from unexpected risk
Peace of mind starts with being informed.
⭐ Emergency Preparedness Resource
Because Your Family’s Readiness Doesn’t End at the Base
This guide goes beyond hurricane kits — it’s about full-spectrum household readiness.
⭐ Family evacuation planning & pet prep
⭐ Emergency contacts, backup plans, and document checklists
⭐ Local utility and storm contact info for each city in Hampton Roads
Built to support your household while you're deployed or TDY.
VA Loan Options and FAQs
Active duty personnel, veterans, reserves, and guard can take advantage of VA home loan financing. Zero down payment and relaxed debt ratio and loan-to-value underwriting standards mean purchasing sooner and with more buying power. If you have questions about your VA loan, I can set you up with an experienced loan officer to answer any questions you may have.
Click link for VA/DOD eBenefits
Learn more about Hampton Roads, VA
Cost of Living in Hampton Roads, VA
For Military Families Relocating to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Suffolk
Current Market Highlights (2024–2025)
Source Insight Hampton Roads Alliance The overall cost of living in Hampton Roads is ~5% below the national average, offering affordability across housing, utilities, and everyday expenses. BestPlaces.net Most cities in the region show lower-than-average housing and utility costs, while maintaining coastal amenities and access to base locations. Economic Research Institute (ERI) Total cost of living in Hampton Roads is currently 8–10% less than the U.S. average, including housing, food, healthcare, and transportation. HRPDC (Planning District Commission) Reports indicate housing in the region is 6.9% less expensive than national norms, with healthcare and commuting costs also trending below average. SoFi Offers state-level housing context showing that Hampton Roads remains one of the more affordable coastal metro areas in Virginia.
What This Means for Military Families
BAH tends to go further in Hampton Roads than in similar coastal duty stations.
The region offers a wide variety of housing options, from base-adjacent rentals to affordable single-family homes.
Lower utility and healthcare costs can help stretch your budget during PCS transitions.
Whether you're moving to Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, or Little Creek-Fort Story — Hampton Roads offers cost-conscious options without sacrificing access or quality of life.
