Our Programs
Down Payment Assistance Mayland
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 financial aid for first-time homebuyers, providing up to $202,000 in assistance 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 helps first-time buyers with up to $12,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. This program is designed to make homeownership more accessible in Frederick County.
Gaithersburg GHALP DPA Program
For those purchasing within Gaithersburg’s city limits, this program provides between $12,000 and $25,000 in assistance for eligible first-time buyers, helping cover 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 works in conjunction 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.
Down Payment Assistance Mayland
The Maryland Mortgage Program
MMP SmartBuy 3.0 – Student Loan Relief for Homebuyers
The SmartBuy 3.0 program helps homebuyers tackle student debt while purchasing a home. Eligible buyers can receive up to 15% of the home’s purchase price (up to $20,000) to pay off student loans. To qualify, you must have at least $1,000 in student loan debt and meet Maryland Mortgage Program eligibility requirements.
MMP 1st Time Advantage – Support for First-Time Buyers
The 1st Time Advantage program provides down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers in Maryland. Assistance options include: ✅ Fixed $6,000 grant ✅ 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount This assistance is structured as a 0% interest second mortgage—no payments are required until the first mortgage is paid off, refinanced, or the home is sold.
MMP HomeStart – Assistance for Low-Income Homebuyers
Designed for first-time homebuyers earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), MMP HomeStart offers a zero-interest, 30-year deferred loan covering 6% of the total mortgage amount. This means buyers get substantial down payment support without monthly payments until the home is sold or refinanced.
MMP Home Ability – Support for Homebuyers with Disabilities
The Home Ability program is tailored for Maryland homebuyers with disabilities. It offers a conventional mortgage combined with a second, deferred loan of up to $45,000 for down payment and closing costs. This 0% interest loan only requires repayment if the home is sold, refinanced, or transferred.
MMP Montgomery County – Local Assistance for Buyers
Montgomery County residents purchasing a home can benefit from up to $25,000 in a 0% interest second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. Any unused funds go directly toward reducing the principal. This deferred loan requires no repayment until the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or after 30 years.