In mid-2025, housing market trends are showing encouraging signs for servicemembers and Veterans looking to buy. As of May 2025, the average rate for a 30-year fixed VA Home Loan is hovering just below 6.5% — still higher than historic lows, but significantly improved compared to the 7%+ range seen in late 2023. That’s not the only good news. Inventory is improving nationwide. Zillow reports that total active listings across the country are up nearly 14% compared to this time last year. 

Even better, housing affordability is gradually returning to a more sustainable range. Data shows that monthly mortgage payments on a median-priced home were nearly $160 lower in May 2025 than they were in the fall of 2023. A new mortgage with 20% down now requires less than 32% of the median household income, improving the overall buying outlook. And, for servicemembers using VA Home Loans — many of which require no down payment at all — that barrier to entry is even lower.

While there’s still progress to be made — especially around affordability in high-cost duty station areas — these are promising shifts. To help our Members take advantage of this opportunity, AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) is offering a suite of limited-time programs designed to help you reduce out-of-pocket costs and move into your home faster.

1. Second Opinion¹

Whether you’re already working with another lender or just getting started, we invite you to take advantage of our free Second Opinion. Here’s how it works: Fill out our quick online application and give us the okay to pull your credit. Then we’ll show you what kind of loan terms we can offer — including interest rates, estimated costs, and fees — so you can compare your options side by side. No pressure, no obligation. We just want you to get the best deal possible.

If you decide to go with AMS, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If not, that’s okay too. Just for giving us a shot by applying, we’ll send you a $100 Amazon gift card as a thank-you for your time. Apply by December 31, 2025, to qualify.

2. $1,500 Lender Credit on Qualifying Purchase Mortgages²

In today’s housing market, every dollar counts — especially for military families navigating a PCS move or buying in a competitive area. That’s why AMS is offering a $1,500 lender credit on qualifying purchase mortgages to help make your next move a little easier on your wallet.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Your loan amount must be at least $250,000
• Your mortgage must close and fund with AMS by December 31, 2025
• This offer can’t be combined with other promotions

Questions about your eligibility or how to get started? AMS loan specialists are ready to walk you through the process — no pressure, just support from a team that understands the military lifestyle. Apply by December 31, 2025, to qualify.

3. Buy Now, Refi Later With No Fees³

Our No Fee Refi program is designed to give military homebuyers peace of mind when buying a home now, knowing you can refinance later with fewer costs once rates come down. Here’s how it works: When you purchase your home with an AMS mortgage, we’ll waive our AMS lender fee when you refinance that same loan with us within two years. That’s a $1,500 value, including our standard $1,149 admin fee and a $351 lender credit. You’ll still need to cover other typical refinance costs — like appraisal fees, title insurance, and government filing fees — but if you qualify for a VA IRRRL (streamline refinance), you might be able to skip the appraisal altogether.

To qualify for this offer, you just need to close your purchase mortgage with AMS by December 31, 2025, and complete your refinance within two years of that closing date.

4. Get a $2,500 Lender Credit on a VA Jumbo Loan⁴

VA jumbo loans make it possible to buy more expensive homes without private mortgage insurance (PMI) and with no prepayment penalties. Although you may need to pay a VA Funding Fee. Right now, AMS is offering a limited-time $2,500 lender credit on VA jumbo loans to help with closing costs or to lower your interest rate. You’ll need to close on your VA jumbo loan by December 31, 2025. This offer can’t be combined with other promotions. Apply by December 31, 2025, to qualify.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re thinking about buying, ready to start home-shopping in earnest, or considering a refinance, an AMS Military Mortgage Advisor will be happy to provide you with an honest and fair comparison of your mortgage options, including a wide range of affordable mortgages designed to meet your needs.

Ensuring Armed Forces Mutual Members Members obtain the best mortgage possible is our mission. Get your free mortgage assessment today or give us a call at 844-422-3622!

Disclaimers:

¹ If you already are working with another lender, and contact AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) for a second opinion, we will give you a $100 Amazon Gift Card when you submit a complete mortgage application, and consent to pull credit to evaluate your situation. Then AMS will provide you with potential mortgage options including interest rates and estimated costs/fees. You are not obligated to get a mortgage with AMS. All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. This offer is valid on applications submitted on or before 12/31/2025.

² AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) will provide a $1,500 lender credit on a purchase mortgage, minimum $250,000 loan amount, closed and funded with AMS on or before 12/31/2025. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

³ AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) will waive its lender fees when you refinance the AMS mortgage you used to purchase your home. This equates to a value of $1,500.00 (AMS will waive its standard $1,149.00 admin fee, plus provide a lender credit = $351.00). Other costs and fees may still apply, for example, a cash-out refinance would require an appraisal fee plus title insurance, applicable taxes and filing fees, and other closing costs. If you are eligible for a VA IRRRL (streamline refinance), then the appraisal may not be required. This offer is valid if you obtain your purchase mortgage through AMS on or before 12/31/2025 and then refinance that mortgage within two years of the closing date of your home purchase.

⁴ AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) will provide a $2,500 lender credit on a VA jumbo/high balance mortgage closed and funded with AMS on or before 12/31/2025. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.