Our Programs
Our Programs
Down Payment Assistance & 1st Time
Buyer Grant Programs
First Time Home Buyer Baltimore City B-HIP DPA Program
The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development offers the B-HIP Program, providing up to $10,000 in forgivable assistance for down payment and closing costs. This program supports first-time buyers purchasing a home within Baltimore City.
HPAP DC Program
Washington, D.C.’s Department of Housing and Community Development offers the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), providing up to $202,000 in assistance for first-time homebuyers, along with an additional $4,000 for closing costs. The total amount varies based on household size and income.
Frederick County HAP DPA Program
Frederick County’s Department of Housing & Community Development assists first-time buyers with up to $12,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, aiming to make homeownership more accessible in the county.
Gaithersburg GHALP DPA Program
For those purchasing within Gaithersburg’s city limits, the Gaithersburg Homeownership Assistance Loan Program (GHALP) provides between $12,000 and $25,000 in assistance for eligible first-time buyers, covering both closing costs and down payments.
Hagerstown Home Store DPA Program
Homebuyers purchasing in Hagerstown may receive up to $6,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs. This program collaborates with the Maryland Mortgage Program to maximize financial support.
Howard County SDLP Program
Howard County offers a deferred loan of up to $40,000 to assist with settlement and down payment costs. Homebuyers must meet eligibility requirements, contribute at least $1,000 towards the purchase, and have one month’s mortgage payment set aside. The loan carries a 3% capped interest rate.
Prince George’s County Pathway to Purchase
This program provides first-time buyers with up to $25,000 in a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan for down payment and closing costs. If the homeowner remains in the property for 10 years, the loan is fully forgiven; otherwise, repayment is required upon sale.
United Way Pathway to Homeownership
Eligible ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Frederick County can benefit from this matched savings program. For every $1 saved, participants receive up to $17,000 to put towards their home purchase.
FHLB Grant Program
The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) program provides first-time buyers in participating states with up to $12,500 in grant assistance. Buyers must have an income below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI) to qualify.
Essex 101.5% Financing Program
Exclusive to Direct Mortgage Loans, this program offers 5% of the loan amount as assistance, structured as a second mortgage with both forgivable and non-forgivable options. This program is open to both first-time and repeat buyers and allows for non-occupying co-borrowers.
The Maryland Mortgage Program
MMP SmartBuy 3.0 – Student Loan Assistance for Homebuyers
The SmartBuy 3.0 initiative assists homebuyers in addressing student loan debt while purchasing a property. Qualified applicants can receive up to 15% of the home's purchase price, with a maximum of $20,000, to pay off existing student loans. To be eligible, you must have at least $1,000 in student loan debt and meet the Maryland Mortgage Program's criteria.
MMP 1st Time Advantage – Benefits for New Homebuyers
The 1st Time Advantage program offers down payment and closing cost support to first-time homebuyers in Maryland. Assistance options include a fixed $6,000 grant or 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount. This support is provided as a 0% interest second mortgage, requiring no payments until the primary mortgage is settled, refinanced, or the property is sold.
MMP HomeStart – Support for Low-Income Buyers
Tailored for first-time buyers with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), the HomeStart program provides a zero-interest, 30-year deferred loan covering 6% of the total mortgage amount. This offers significant assistance without monthly payments until the home is sold or refinanced.
MMP HomeAbility – Assistance for Buyers with Disabilities
The HomeAbility program is designed for Maryland homebuyers with disabilities. It offers a conventional mortgage paired with a deferred loan of up to $45,000 at 0% interest for down payment and closing costs. Repayment is only required if the property is sold, refinanced, or transferred.
MMP Montgomery County – Local Support for Homebuyers
Residents looking to purchase in Montgomery County can access up to $25,000 through a 0% interest second mortgage to assist with down payment and closing costs. Any unused funds are applied directly to reduce the principal. This deferred loan doesn't require repayment until the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or after 30 years.