Military Relocation to Castle Rock & Douglas County: McLean Giles, CMRS

McLean Giles of the Giles Team, Coldwell Banker Realty, is a Certified Military Residential Specialist (CMRS). He helps active-duty service members, veterans and military families buy and sell homes in Castle Rock, Parker, Castle Pines, Franktown and Elbert County, Colorado, including with VA-backed loans.

What is a Certified Military Residential Specialist (CMRS)?

CMRS is a real estate designation. It's training for agents who work with active-duty service members and veterans buying homes, including the VA home loan process. McLean Giles holds it. It's a professional designation, not military service.

How does the Giles Team help military buyers?

Plan around your orders. Tell us your report date and move window. We'll plan showings, offer timing and closing around them as closely as the market allows.
Work with your VA lender. We coordinate with the VA-approved lender you choose through the appraisal and closing.
Know your deadlines. Ginger, a licensed attorney and Realtor, walks you through every deadline in your Colorado contract.
Price and negotiate honestly. McLean has an MBA, previously owned a commodities brokerage, and holds the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation.

What are the basics of a VA home loan?

From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov):

VA-backed purchase loans are made by private lenders such as banks, mortgage companies and credit unions. The VA backs part of the loan.
To be eligible, you need a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE), you must meet the VA's and your lender's credit and income standards, and you must live in the home.
A VA purchase loan often requires no down payment, as long as the sale price isn't higher than the home's appraised value.
VA loans don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee. Some, including certain veterans with service-connected disabilities, are exempt.
VA loans can be used to buy a single-family home (up to 4 units), a condo in a VA-approved project, or a manufactured home or lot, among other uses.

Your lender makes the final loan decision. We'll point you to the VA's official resources and work alongside your lender.

Which military installations are near Castle Rock and Parker?

Straight-line distances, rounded, from town centers to each installation (actual driving distances are longer):

Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora): about 14 miles from Parker and about 24 miles from Castle Rock.
U.S. Air Force Academy (just north of Colorado Springs): about 26 miles from Castle Rock and about 35 miles from Parker.
Peterson Space Force Base (Colorado Springs): about 39 miles from Castle Rock and about 47 miles from Parker.
Schriever Space Force Base (east of Colorado Springs): about 44 miles from Castle Rock and about 50 miles from Parker.
Fort Carson (south of Colorado Springs): about 45 miles from Castle Rock and about 53 miles from Parker.

Commute times depend on traffic, gate and route, so test-drive yours at the time you'd make it. Castle Rock sits on I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, which is why many buyers with jobs north or south consider it.

What should military sellers know?

If you've received PCS orders and need to sell, tell us your timeline early. We'll talk through pricing from current sales, prep, photography, video and drone marketing, and how to handle showings if you've already moved.

Military relocation questions we hear often

Do I need a down payment with a VA loan?

Often not. According to the VA, a VA-backed purchase loan often requires no down payment as long as the sale price isn't higher than the appraised value. Your lender's requirements still apply.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

It's the document that shows a lender you qualify for a VA-backed home loan. You can request it through the VA, and many lenders can help.

How far is Castle Rock from the Air Force Academy?

About 26 miles in a straight line from the town center. Driving distance is longer and depends on your route.

Can you help if I'm buying before I arrive in Colorado?

Yes. Tell us your report date and when you can be here. We'll plan showings around your trip and keep inspections, the appraisal and closing on schedule with your lender and title company.

Talk to McLean about your move

Call or text (720) 593-2378 or email team@gilesteam.com. See also Buy a Home and Castle Rock.

Giles Team | Coldwell Banker Realty South Metro · 6501 E Belleview Ave, Suite 500, Englewood, CO 80111 · (720) 593-2378 · team@gilesteam.com
McLean Giles, Colorado license FA.100052648 · Ginger Giles, Colorado license FA.100052642

VA information checked against va.gov in October 2026. This is general information, not loan advice. Last updated: October 18, 2026.