Buying at Shipley Homestead in Hanover, MD With a VA Loan

If you are a veteran or service member looking at new homes near Fort Meade, Shipley Homestead in Hanover, Maryland probably caught your eye. It is a new community of townhomes by Stanley Martin, with a clubhouse, three pools and quick access to the major roads.

You also have a VA loan benefit. So can you put the two together?

This guide explains how a VA loan can work at Shipley Homestead, what to know about price and incentives, how to avoid common VA new construction mistakes, and what to ask before you sign. It is written for veterans, active duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military families.

About Shipley Homestead Townhomes

Here is what we know about the community from our community page. Details can change, so confirm current availability and pricing with our team.

Community amenities include a clubhouse with three pools, a firepit lounge, a fitness center with an indoor gym, a dog park, a community garden and multiple playgrounds.

See the full details on our Shipley Homestead Townhomes page.

Why Shipley Homestead works for military and veteran buyers

Location is a big reason. Shipley Homestead is about 3 miles from Fort Meade. It is also close to I-95, I-295 and I-97.

Here is the distance to other places that matter:

• Fort Meade: about 3 miles
• Arundel Mills and Arundel Village: under 3 miles
• BWI Airport: under 9 miles
• Washington, DC: about 20 miles
• Downtown Baltimore: about 15 miles
• Annapolis: about 21 miles

Nearby schools listed for the community include Jessup Elementary (1.5 miles), Meade Middle (0.6 miles) and Meade High (0.6 miles). School zones can change, so confirm which schools serve your address.

For a family that is moving to the area on orders, or for a veteran who works near the base, a short commute and a new home with low upkeep can be a strong fit.

Can you use a VA loan at Shipley Homestead?

Veterans can use a VA loan to buy a new construction home from a builder. Our Shipley page highlights zero down with a VA loan. That said, every community and every lender is different. Before you write an offer, we confirm VA financing for the exact community with a VA lender, and we encourage you to do the same.

Here is what a VA loan can offer you at a new community like this one:

• Zero down for most eligible borrowers. See Does a VA Loan Require a Down Payment?
• No monthly private mortgage insurance.
• A built in protection requirement. For new construction, the VA requires a one year builder’s warranty or a 10 year insured protection plan. Ask the builder what warranty comes with your home.

For the full rules, read Can You Use a VA Loan for New Construction?

What would a VA loan cost at Shipley Homestead? An example

Let us run a simple example at the starting price. This is for illustration only. Your price, loan and costs will differ.

A few things to notice:

• The funding fee can be financed. Veterans who receive VA compensation for a service connected disability may be exempt. See the VA funding fee chart.
• A paid funding fee counts toward the 4% limit. The VA limits seller concessions, such as a paid funding fee, to 4% of the home’s reasonable value. The VA does not limit credits for normal closing costs.
• Closing costs still matter. On a VA purchase loan, only the funding fee can be financed. You pay other closing costs at closing, unless the builder or seller covers them.

Try our VA closing cost calculator to estimate your cash at closing, and read VA loan closing costs and VA loan seller concessions to see how the limits work.

Builder incentives and your VA loan

Our community page lists closing cost assistance of up to $25,000 through the preferred lender, First Heritage Mortgage. This is a qualification based offer, and incentives can change, so ask for the current terms.

Builder incentives can be a real help to a VA buyer. But a few questions are worth asking:

1. What exactly does the incentive cover? Closing costs, a rate buydown, the funding fee, or something else?
2. Does it require the builder’s preferred lender? If so, how does the lender’s total cost compare to an outside VA lender?
3. How does it fit the VA rules? Ask your lender how the credit counts toward the VA’s 4% concession limit and what is allowed on your loan.
4. Is it in writing? If it is not in the contract, it is not guaranteed.
5. What happens if closing is delayed? Ask how your incentive and rate lock are affected.

The smartest move: get a quote from the builder’s lender and one from an outside VA lender, then compare the total cost, not just the headline number. Read our full guide to builder incentives.

How to buy at Shipley Homestead with a VA loan: 8 steps

1. Get your Certificate of Eligibility. See how to get your VA Certificate of Eligibility.
2. Check your credit and finances. Read VA loan credit score requirements.
3. Get pre approved by a VA lender. Compare the builder’s preferred lender and at least one outside lender.
4. Tour the community with your agent. Many builders ask you to register your agent at your first visit, so bring us along. Do not walk in alone.
5. Choose your floorplan and homesite. Ask about homesite premiums and options like a loft or rooftop terrace.
6. Sign a contract that allows VA financing. Make sure incentives and the closing timeline are written in.
7. Complete the VA appraisal and your own inspections. The appraisal is not a full inspection. Hire your own inspector at key stages. See our new construction home inspection guide.
8. Final walkthrough and closing.

Common mistakes VA buyers make on new construction

• Walking in without an agent. If you register alone, you may lose the chance to have an agent on your side.
• Skipping the outside lender quote. The preferred lender may not have the best deal for you.
• Forgetting the 4% limit. Know what counts before you plan on big credits.
• Not getting incentives in writing.
• Skipping the inspection. New does not mean flawless.
• Ignoring the closing date. Ask what happens if construction runs late.

Why work with Gladden Global Network at Shipley Homestead

We are a veteran owned agency, and we market Shipley Homestead Townhomes. We know the community and we know the VA loan process. We can help you:

• Understand the floorplans, homesite premiums and options
• Register with the builder the right way
• Compare lenders and incentives
• Plan your inspections
• Connect with other military and veteran families in our community

Schedule a visit or join the interest list on our Shipley Homestead page, or call us at (410) 204-4070. Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM.