House-Hunting Trip (HHT): Complete Guide to Maximizing Your PCS Benefit

Bottom Line Up Front: House-Hunting Trip (HHT) = government-funded trip to new duty station before PCS (you + spouse, 10 days, airfare + hotel covered). Use it to find housing, research schools, explore area. Not required, but highly recommended for OCONUS or unfamiliar locations. Must be authorized in orders. Using HHT instead of rushing into the first available apartment can avoid $1,500-$3,000 in moving costs and bad-fit lease penalties.

What Is House-Hunting Trip (HHT)?

Definition

Permissive TDY allowing you and spouse to visit new duty station before PCS to find housing.

Who Pays

• ✅ Government pays airfare (for you + spouse only, NOT kids)
• ✅ Lodging reimbursed (up to per diem rates)
• ✅ Rental car reimbursed (if authorized)
• ❌ Meals (per diem only, ~$60-$80/day)
• ❌ Kids' travel/lodging (not covered)

Duration

• Typical: 5-10 days
• OCONUS: Up to 10 days
• CONUS: Usually 5 days

Who Can Go

• Service member
• Spouse (if command-sponsored)
• NOT kids (government doesn't pay for kids to travel on HHT)

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When to Request HHT

Best Timing

• 30-60 days before PCS date
• Gives you time to find housing
• But not so early that housing market changes

Request Process

1. Talk to commander/first sergeant
2. Request HHT in orders (must be written in orders to get reimbursed)
3. Get approval
4. Book travel via DTS (Defense Travel System)

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What to Do During HHT (10-Day Itinerary)

Day 1: Arrival & Check-In

• Fly to new duty station
• Check into hotel
• Get rental car
• Visit base (if open to visitors)

Days 2-4: Housing Search (Primary Mission)

Schedule 10-15 property viewings:

• Mix of on-base and off-base options
• Different neighborhoods
• Various price points

What to bring:

• Smartphone (take photos/videos of each property)
• Notebook (rate each property 1-10)
• Measuring tape (furniture planning)
• Questions list

Questions to ask landlords/housing office:

• When is property available?
• What's included in rent? (Utilities? Appliances?)
• Pet policy?
• Lease length? (Military clause?)
• Application process timeline?

Days 5-6: School Research (If You Have Kids)

Visit:

• DoDEA schools (on-base)
• Top 3 public schools in area
• Private schools (if considering)

What to ask:

• Enrollment process
• Waitlist status
• Class sizes
• AP/honors programs (for high school)
• Sports/extracurricular activities

Day 7: Neighborhood Exploration

Drive through:

• Potential neighborhoods
• Commute routes (test during rush hour)
• Grocery stores, gym, parks
• Base amenities

Evaluate:

• Safety (crime stats on CrimeReports.com)
• Convenience (distance to base, shopping)
• Community feel

Day 8: Decision Day

Compare options:

• Review all properties visited
• Create pros/cons list
• Calculate costs (rent + utilities vs. BAH)

Apply to top 2-3:

• Submit applications
• Provide orders, LES, references
• Pay application fees

Day 9: Backup Planning

If you haven't found housing:

• Apply to on-base housing waitlist (backup)
• Identify Airbnb/short-term options for first 30 days
• Get realtor contact info (for continued remote search)

Day 10: Return Home

• Finalize applications
• Follow up via email/phone
• Await approval (usually 2-5 days)

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HHT Cost Breakdown (What You Pay vs. What's Reimbursed)

Government Pays

• ✅ Airfare (you + spouse)
• ✅ Rental car (if authorized, usually is)
• ✅ Hotel (up to per diem - varies by location)
  • San Diego: $180/night
  • Rural bases: $95/night
• ✅ Meals/incidentals (per diem: $60-$80/day)

You Pay Out-of-Pocket

• ❌ Kids' airfare/lodging
• ❌ Meals over per diem
• ❌ Entertainment/extras
• ❌ Application fees ($50-$100 per property)

Typical out-of-pocket: $500-$1,000

ROI of HHT

Without HHT:

• Rush into first available apartment
• Pay $2,800/month (vs. $2,400 BAH)
• Out-of-pocket: $400/month over 12 months = $4,800

With HHT:

• Find apartment at $2,100/month
• Pocket $300/month BAH difference = $3,600/year saved
• HHT cost: $1,000
• Net savings: $2,600 in first year

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Common HHT Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Not Requesting HHT in Orders

Reality: You take trip on your own dime. Not reimbursed.

Fix: Ensure HHT is explicitly authorized in PCS orders.

❌ Mistake #2: Going Too Early

Reality: You go 4 months before PCS. Housing market changes. Properties you liked are gone.

Fix: Schedule 30-60 days before PCS (sweet spot).

❌ Mistake #3: Only Looking at 2-3 Properties

Reality: You see 3 apartments, pick one, later realize you missed better options.

Fix: Schedule 10-15 viewings. Compare thoroughly.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Bringing Spouse (If Married)

Reality: You pick apartment alone. Spouse hates it. Resentment builds.

Fix: Bring spouse if married. Housing is shared decision.

❌ Mistake #5: Not Researching Schools

Reality: You pick housing in bad school district. Kid's education suffers.

Fix: Research GreatSchools.org ratings BEFORE selecting housing.

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HHT Alternatives (If HHT Not Authorized)

Virtual HHT

• Use Google Street View to explore neighborhoods
• Video tours from realtors
• Zoom calls with landlords
• Join "[Base Name] Housing" Facebook groups
• Ask for recommendations

Pros:

• Free
• Can do from home

Cons:

• Can't see properties in person
• Miss neighborhood "feel"
• Higher risk of bad housing choice

Remote Housing Coordination

• Work with base housing office remotely
• They can schedule viewings, send photos
• Hire realtor to tour properties for you (FaceTime during tour)

Cost: Usually free (realtors paid by landlord)

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Action Steps

90 Days Before PCS:

1. ✅ Check if HHT is authorized in orders
2. ✅ If not, request HHT from commander
3. ✅ Research housing market at new location

60 Days Before PCS:

1. ✅ Book HHT travel (airfare, rental car, hotel)
2. ✅ Schedule property viewings (10-15 minimum)
3. ✅ Contact schools (if applicable)

During HHT:

1. ✅ View 10-15 properties
2. ✅ Visit schools
3. ✅ Explore neighborhoods
4. ✅ Apply to top 2-3 properties

After HHT:

1. ✅ Follow up on applications
2. ✅ Secure housing before PCS
3. ✅ Submit HHT expense report in DTS (within 5 days)

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Verification & Sources

Official Sources:

• JTR (Joint Travel Regulations) Chapter 5, Part D
• DFAS HHT reimbursement policies
• Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO)

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

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Related Guides

• On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Complete Analysis
• TLE & DLA PCS Allowances Guide
• OCONUS PCS Complete Guide

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Remember: HHT is one of the best PCS benefits. Use it. Don't rush into housing sight-unseen. $1,000 HHT investment can save you $5,000+ in bad housing choices, long commutes, or poor school districts. Plan well, schedule viewings ahead, and use every day of your HHT wisely.