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. Save $1,500-$3,000 by using HHT instead of rushing into first available apartment.

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.