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Understanding Listing Types

Last updated:
8 min read
ListingsProperty TypesRentalsSalesRoommates

Understanding Listing Types

Overview

PCS Pal offers flexible listing options to help property owners connect with military families. Whether you're renting out an entire property, selling a home, or looking for compatible roommates, we have a listing type that fits your needs.

Main Listing Types

Traditional Rental Listings

Perfect for landlords and property managers who want to rent out entire properties to military families.

Best For:

  • Renting entire homes, apartments, or condos
  • Property managers with multiple units
  • Landlords looking for long-term tenants
  • Properties near military installations

Features Include:

  • Professional listing format
  • Photo galleries with unlimited images
  • Detailed unit information
  • BAH compatibility indicators
  • Military-specific amenities highlighting
  • Lease term flexibility options
  • Pet policy specifications
  • Utility inclusion details

Pricing Structure:

  • Monthly rent amount
  • Security deposit
  • Application fees
  • Optional military discounts

Sale Listings

Ideal for homeowners selling properties in military communities.

Best For:

  • Selling homes to military buyers
  • PCS-motivated sellers
  • Properties near military bases
  • VA loan-eligible properties

Features Include:

  • Comprehensive property details
  • Multiple listing photos
  • VA loan eligibility status
  • Property tax information
  • Home features and upgrades
  • School district information
  • Neighborhood details

Pricing Structure:

  • Sale price
  • Property taxes
  • HOA fees (if applicable)
  • Closing cost considerations

Roommate Rental Listings

A unique feature designed to help service members find compatible roommates through smart matching.

Best For:

  • Service members with extra rooms
  • Those looking to share housing costs
  • People seeking compatible living situations
  • Short-term housing needs

Features Include:

  • Individual room rental options
  • Compatibility-based matching algorithm
  • Lifestyle and preference matching
  • Shared space specifications
  • House rules and expectations
  • Verification badges for service members
  • Schedule compatibility indicators
  • Communication preferences

What Makes It Special:

  • Smart matching based on:
    • Work schedules and shifts
    • Lifestyle preferences (quiet vs. social)
    • Cleanliness standards
    • Guest policies
    • Noise tolerance
    • Smoking and drinking preferences
    • Pet ownership
  • Secure messaging before committing
  • Background verification options
  • Flexible lease terms

Property Types

Regardless of your listing type, you'll need to specify your property type:

Single Family Home

  • Standalone house
  • Private yard
  • No shared walls
  • Ideal for families

Multi-Family Home

  • Duplex, triplex, or fourplex
  • Multiple units in one structure
  • Shared lot
  • Good for investors

Apartment

  • Unit in a larger complex
  • Managed by property management
  • Shared amenities
  • Various floor plans

Apartment Complex

  • Multiple buildings
  • Professional management
  • Extensive amenities
  • Community features

Condo

  • Individually owned unit
  • HOA governed
  • Shared common areas
  • Mixed ownership

Townhouse

  • Multi-story attached unit
  • Private entrance
  • Some shared walls
  • Often includes small yard

Choosing the Right Listing Type

Ask Yourself:

Are you renting or selling?

  • Renting → Choose Rental or Roommate Rental
  • Selling → Choose Sale Listing

Is it the entire property or just a room?

  • Entire property → Traditional Rental or Sale
  • Individual room → Roommate Rental

Who is your ideal tenant/buyer?

  • Military families → Traditional Rental or Sale
  • Individual service member → Roommate Rental or Traditional Rental
  • Anyone → Traditional Rental or Sale

What's your timeline?

  • Long-term (1+ years) → Traditional Rental or Sale
  • Medium-term (6-12 months) → Traditional Rental
  • Short-term or flexible → Roommate Rental

Military-Specific Features

All listing types support military-focused features:

For Rentals

  • BAH rate compatibility indicators
  • Military clause acceptance
  • Deployment accommodation policies
  • PCS flexibility options
  • Military discount offerings
  • Base commute time calculations
  • Security clearance requirements (if applicable)

For Sales

  • VA loan eligibility status
  • VA assumable loan information
  • Military seller motivations
  • PCS timeline accommodation
  • Remote closing options
  • Power of attorney acceptance

Switching Between Listing Types

Can I change my listing type later?

You cannot directly convert between listing types (e.g., rental to sale), but you can:

  1. Mark your current listing as inactive
  2. Create a new listing with the desired type
  3. Reuse photos and details from your original listing

This ensures accurate categorization and helps users find the right properties for their needs.

Best Practices by Listing Type

Traditional Rentals

  • Set rent at or below BAH rates for faster rentals
  • Clearly state military-friendly policies
  • Include move-in specials for PCS families
  • Offer virtual tours for remote house hunters
  • Be flexible with lease start dates
  • Specify utilities included vs. tenant-paid

Sale Listings

  • Highlight VA loan eligibility
  • Mention recent upgrades and improvements
  • Include energy efficiency features
  • Provide detailed school district information
  • Specify HOA rules regarding rentals
  • Note any assumable mortgages

Roommate Rentals

  • Be honest about your living style
  • Clearly outline house rules
  • Specify shared vs. private spaces
  • Set expectations for guests
  • Define quiet hours
  • Explain cleaning responsibilities
  • Mention parking availability

Pro Tips

  • Rental listings typically get more views when priced at or below local BAH rates
  • Sale listings should emphasize VA loan eligibility to attract military buyers
  • Roommate rentals get better matches when you complete the full compatibility questionnaire
  • Include high-quality photos for all listing types (properties with 10+ photos get 3x more inquiries)
  • Update your listing status promptly to maintain credibility
  • Respond to inquiries within 24 hours for best results
  • Consider offering virtual tours for all property types
  • Highlight military-specific features prominently

Need More Help?

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Still Have Questions?

Contact our support team for personalized assistance in choosing the right listing type for your property.

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