Summary
This 2026 guide explains Maryland first-time homebuyer programs, the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), down payment and closing cost assistance, Partner Match, and financing options for eligible homebuyers.
Buying your first home in Maryland may be more affordable than you think.
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from first-time homebuyers is that they need a large down payment to purchase a home. In reality, there are several mortgage and down payment assistance programs available that may significantly reduce the amount of money you need upfront.
I’ve worked with Maryland homebuyers and first-time buyer programs for many years, and one of the most important parts of the process is determining which combination of financing and assistance makes the most sense for your individual situation.
What Is the Maryland Mortgage Program?
The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) is offered through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and provides eligible homebuyers with mortgage options that can be combined with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Depending on the program and your eligibility, assistance may be available as a fixed dollar amount or as a percentage of your first mortgage.
MMP isn’t limited to one type of mortgage, either. Depending on the specific program and borrower qualifications, conventional and government-backed financing options may be available.
Learn more about the Maryland Mortgage Program
What Down Payment Assistance Is Available in Maryland?
First Homes for First Responders and Teachers
Maryland’s new First Homes for First Responders and Teachers program provides eligible first-time homebuyers with a mortgage interest rate that is 0.50% below the MMP First-Time Advantage 5% Loan product and a 5% down payment and closing-cost assistance loan.
The program is designed for qualifying Maryland teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and certain other first responders. The assistance is a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second loan that generally becomes repayable when the first mortgage ends through a sale, refinance or other payoff.
There isn’t one single down payment assistance option that’s right for everyone.
The Maryland Mortgage Program currently offers multiple financing structures, including options that provide $6,000 in assistance and other options where assistance is calculated as a percentage of the first mortgage.
Certain borrowers may also qualify for additional assistance through specialty programs, participating employers, builders, community organizations or local jurisdictions.
That’s why I recommend looking beyond the advertised dollar amount. The goal should be to determine which program produces the best overall financing structure for you.
View current Maryland Mortgage Program down payment assistance information
Do You Have to Be a First-Time Homebuyer?
Not always.
The MMP 1st Time Advantage programs are specifically designed for eligible first-time homebuyers.
However, Maryland also offers MMP Flex loan options that may be available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.
This distinction is important because someone who has owned a home previously shouldn’t automatically assume that Maryland homebuyer assistance isn’t available to them.
What Is MMP Partner Match?
Some homebuyers may be able to increase their available assistance through the Maryland Mortgage Program’s Partner Match program.
When eligible borrowers receive homebuyer assistance from an approved participating employer, homebuilder or community partner and use an eligible MMP loan, Maryland may provide additional matching assistance.
Currently, eligible borrowers using the 1st Time Advantage 6000 or Flex 6000 programs may qualify for up to $2,500 in additional Partner Match assistance.
Learn more about MMP Partner Match
Are There Other First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Maryland?
Yes.
In addition to statewide Maryland Mortgage Program options, there may be assistance available through counties, cities, employers and other organizations.
Depending on where you’re buying and your individual circumstances, it may be possible to identify programs or incentives that aren’t obvious when you first begin looking for a mortgage.
This is one reason I like to discuss the homebuyer’s complete situation before recommending a particular loan.
Where you’re purchasing, household income, available assets, credit profile, property type and other factors can all affect which programs may be available.
Do You Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?
No.
A 20% down payment is not required for many homebuyers.
Depending on your qualifications, conventional, FHA, VA and other mortgage programs may allow substantially smaller down payments. Eligible down payment assistance can potentially reduce the amount you need to bring to closing even further.
The right question isn’t necessarily, “How much do I need to put down?”
It’s:
“What is the best financing strategy for my situation?”
Should You Get Pre-Approved Before Looking for a Home?
Generally, yes.
A good pre-approval does more than tell you the maximum purchase price for which you may qualify.
Before you start seriously shopping for homes, I believe you should understand:
- Your estimated monthly payment
- Approximately how much cash you’ll need for closing
- Which loan programs you may qualify for
- Whether down payment assistance may be available
- How property taxes and homeowners insurance affect your payment
- Whether improving your credit or adjusting debts could improve your financing options
Doing this work upfront can prevent surprises after you’re under contract.
Choosing the Right Maryland First-Time Homebuyer Program
There isn’t one “best” Maryland first-time homebuyer program for everyone.
Two buyers purchasing similarly priced homes can have very different financing needs.
One borrower may benefit most from maximizing down payment assistance. Another may be better served by contributing more of their own funds in exchange for a different interest rate or overall loan structure.
That’s where working with someone who understands the different programs—and how they interact—can make a meaningful difference.
Talk With a Maryland Mortgage Professional
If you’re considering purchasing a home in Maryland, you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own.
I’m Chris Jordan with the Chris Jordan Mortgage Team at Main Street Home Loans. I’ve spent many years helping homebuyers throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia understand their mortgage options, including first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs.
I’ll help you compare the available options and understand the numbers so you can make an informed decision about what works best for you.
Have questions or want to see what you may qualify for?
Contact the Chris Jordan Mortgage Team at 240-670-5090 or CJMT@mainstreethl.com.
Program availability, guidelines, interest rates, income limits and assistance amounts are subject to change. Eligibility is determined based on applicable program and underwriting requirements. Contact us for current program information and to discuss your individual circumstances.
