Summary answer: For a firm 2-year assignment, given Herndon's genuine current price cooling (down 5-6% YoY in several 2026 measures), buying now while pricing is favorable could work, but the typical 6-8% combined selling costs on a $700,000+ home make a short hold genuinely tight — run the real numbers before committing either way.
I'm Johnny with JQ Real Estate. Let me walk through the actual trade-offs honestly.
The core math for a 2-year window
| Factor | Favors Buying | Favors Renting |
|---|---|---|
| Current price cooling | ✓ — you're buying at a genuinely better entry point than 2025's peak | |
| Selling costs (typically 6-8% combined) | ✓ — a genuinely large dollar amount to recoup in just 2 years | |
| $0 down VA financing | ✓ — removes the capital lockup |
Why the condo segment genuinely changes this math
If you're considering Herndon's condo inventory ($250,000-$450,000) rather than a single-family home, the lower dollar amount involved makes a 2-year hold genuinely less risky than the same calculation on a $700,000+ property — worth weighing property type alongside the rent-vs-buy decision itself.
What to run before deciding
- Realistic resale value in 2 years based on genuine local appreciation trends
- Actual selling costs specific to your target property type
Why working with a military-experienced agent helps here
Given Herndon's genuine appeal to relocating government and defense-adjacent professionals, many local agents and lenders have real, repeated experience with VA financing, PCS timelines, and the unique flexibility military families often need. This experience can meaningfully smooth out a process that might otherwise feel unfamiliar if you're new to military-driven home buying.
Run your specific numbers before deciding
Reach out and I'll walk through the real numbers for your specific situation and property type.
One more practical note: keep copies of all your PCS paperwork organized and accessible, since lenders and agents alike will likely request various documents throughout the process.
For more Herndon buyer and seller questions, visit our Herndon real estate hub.