Summary answer: For a firm 2-year assignment, buying in Bailey's Crossroads is a genuinely reasonable case — the meaningfully lower price point, VA's $0-down option, and strong Virginia Housing down payment assistance eligibility all reduce the financial risk of a shorter hold compared to pricier NOVA markets.
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The core math for a 2-year window
| Factor | Favors Buying | Favors Renting |
|---|---|---|
| Selling costs (typically 6-8% combined) | ✓ — a short hold makes these harder to recoup | |
| $0 down VA financing | ✓ — removes the capital lockup | |
| Bailey's Crossroads' lower price point | ✓ — genuinely smaller dollar risk than pricier NOVA if plans change |
Run your specific numbers before deciding
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