Lowder New Homes

Military Homebuyers

Providing Homes for Military Families in Alabama’s River Region

At Lowder New Homes, we have many years of experience providing new homes for military families in Alabama’s River Region. We understand the military lifestyle, as well as the logistical and financial challenges military personnel face in seeking housing that works for them. That’s why we offer reliable, well-built quick move-in-ready homes in safe communities that feature exceptional schools and top-of-the-line amenities. Many of our preferred lenders have extensive experience in originating VA loans and can ensure a fast and easy approval and financing process for your family.

    Maxwell Air Force Base

    Montgomery, Alabama is home to Maxwell Air Force Base, a large military complex consisting of more than 12,500 combined active duty, reserves, and civilian personnel. As such, there is an ongoing demand for comfortable housing options for military families — some living on-base, and others seeking off-base housing options.

      Military Housing FAQ's

      How Military Housing Works

      When you first enlist in the military — as any new recruit can confirm — the military basically decides for you where and how you will live. During Basic Training, you will live on base with other recruits in the barracks with bunk beds, common bathrooms, etc. As you move up the ranks, more housing options become available. On-base options usually include dorms for single men and women, as well as apartment housing or single-family dwellings for married couples and those with families on base. Eventually, you may be given the option to live off-base and become a commuter.

      Paying for Military Housing

      Many new military recruits worry about the seemingly low pay they receive, especially at first — but their wages don't reflect their full financial status. The government basically offers two key resources to help you pay for housing: 

      • The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is a monthly stipend provided to military personnel who qualify to live off-base. The BAH is provided in addition to your wages and can be used for either rent or mortgage payments. The amount of the BAH is based on the local cost of living, so if you transfer to another place, the BAH will be adjusted to match. (The cost of living in the Bay Area is much greater than in Montgomery, for example — so there would be a difference in the amount of your BAH if you transferred there.) 
      • VA Loan. For qualified active duty and former military personnel, the VA loan offers a path to homeownership by providing a government-backed mortgage loan with no downpayment and minimal credit qualifications. By combining the BAH and the VA loan, it's easier to become a military homeowner than most people think. 

      Military members can qualify for a mortgage with a VA loan and pay some or all of the mortgage payment with the housing allowance.