VA Loan Rates Just Dropped to 5.25% – Why January 2026 Is the Absolute Best Time for Military Buyers in Anne Arundel County
If you’re active duty, Guard, Reserve, or a veteran stationed at Fort Meade, NSA, Annapolis, or anywhere near the Chesapeake Bay, stop everything you’re doing and read this.
As of December 2025, VA loan rates have fallen to 5.25% (30-year fixed) – the lowest we’ve seen since early 2023. Combine that with the typical January–February buyer slowdown, and right now we’re staring at a once-in-3-years perfect storm for military families in Anne Arundel County.
Here’s why January 2026 is the single best window you’ll see in the next 18–24 months:
1. Rates at 5.25% + Zero Down = Historic Buying Power
A $450,000 home (the sweet spot for Severna Park, Odenton, and Pasadena right now) costs roughly $2,650/month at 5.25% with a VA loan. That’s the same payment you’d have at 6.875% on just a $380,000 home six months ago. You’re literally getting $70,000+ more house for the exact same paycheck.
2. Inventory Is Still High from the 2025 Rate Scare
Sellers who listed when rates were 7%+ are exhausted. Many have already cut prices once (average reduction in Anne Arundel County in October–November 2025 was $27,000). Come January, the ones who haven’t sold yet become extremely motivated. I’m already seeing concessions like full closing costs paid, home warranties, and even rate buydowns.
3. Less Competition = You Dictate the Terms
Civilian buyers vanish after the holidays. Military families who understand PCS cycles and BAH don’t. I closed 12 VA purchases in January–February last year while the rest of the county did 4. My military buyers wrote offers $30k–$60k under asking and still won.
4. Fort Meade, NSA Annapolis & Coast Guard Yard PCS Season Starts Early
Orders are already hitting for summer 2026 moves. Get in now and close by March – you’ll be settled before the spring rush drives prices back up when rates inevitably climb again.
Why I’m the Only Agent You Should Trust With Your VA Loan in Anne Arundel County
I’m Adam Chubbuck – retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, #24 ranked realtor in the entire state of Maryland (RealTrends 2025), and the guy who closed solo 67 homes and $29+ million in volume in 2025 alone – the majority with VA loans.
Here’s what that actually means for you:
– I’ve personally used my own VA loan 4 times – I know every trick, every lender that still does manual underwriting, and exactly which underwriters love military pay (LES, BAH, BAS, sea pay, etc.).
– My team closed more VA loans in Anne Arundel County in 2025 than most brokerages do in 5 years.
– I live 12 minutes from Fort Meade and 8 minutes from the Severn River – I know every neighborhood that maximizes your BAH and every street that floods (and the ones that don’t).
– Zero lender fees on every single VA deal I do – I fight for it and win every time.
Real numbers from my last 30 days (November–December 2025):
→ 7 VA buyers under contract
→ Average $18,500 in seller concessions
→ 4 homes bought below appraisal (yes, it still happens)
The Bottom Line
Rates at 5.25% won’t last. Spring 2026 will bring the crowds, multiple offers, and higher prices. January is when the motivated sellers are desperate and the competition is asleep.
If you’re military and even thinking about buying in Severna Park, Odenton, Pasadena, Glen Burnie, Crofton, or anywhere in Anne Arundel County in the next 12 months, message me right now.
Text or call 443-347-6692 or DM me with “VA 5.25” and I’ll send you the list of 20+ homes that just dropped price this month that check every box for military families (no flood insurance, quick commute to base, strong schools, and fenced yards).
Don’t wait for the news to tell you rates went back up.
Let’s get you into your forever home (or your next duty station home) while the window is wide open.
— Adam Chubbuck
Retired Navy Chief | Team Alpha Charlie
#24 Realtor in Maryland | 350+ Homes Sold in the Last 5 Years
Serving Those Who Serve ⚓
Ready? Text “VA 5.25” to 443-347-6692 and let’s make January 2026 the month you finally own in Anne Arundel County.
(And yes – I answer my own phone. Always.)
