Maryland offers statewide and local programs that may help qualified homebuyers with down payment and closing costs. Program funding, interest rates, income limits, purchase-price limits and eligibility rules can change, so buyers should confirm the current requirements before relying on assistance in a purchase offer.

Maryland Mortgage Program

The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, offers eligible buyers 30-year fixed-rate mortgage options. Many products may include down payment and closing-cost assistance.

MMP 1st Time Advantage

1st Time Advantage is designed primarily for eligible first-time homebuyers and certain qualifying exceptions. Current choices may include:

• A Direct option without MMP down payment assistance
• A $6,000 deferred, zero-interest assistance loan
• A 3% assistance loan based on the first-mortgage amount
• Potential Partner Match assistance when an eligible employer, builder or community partner participates

MMP Flex Loans

MMP Flex offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgage options for eligible first-time and repeat homebuyers. Some Flex products include down payment assistance structured as a deferred, zero-interest second loan. Repeat buyers and buyers who currently own property must meet the applicable MMP rules.

Household income, property, occupancy, education and other requirements may apply. Use MMP’s current eligibility information rather than old static charts.

Montgomery County Programs

Montgomery Homeownership Program and MEDPAL

MMP currently lists the Montgomery Homeownership Program and Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan (MEDPAL) as county specialty products. Eligible borrowers may receive substantial deferred, zero-interest assistance with an MMP first mortgage. MEDPAL is limited to approved Montgomery County employees and has additional requirements.

Review the current Montgomery County MMP specialty products.

Housing Opportunities Commission Programs

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County offers first-mortgage and assistance options for eligible first-time buyers purchasing in Montgomery County. Current possibilities may include purchase assistance and the Montgomery County Housing Assistance Fund (McHAF), subject to funding and program requirements.

HOC announced a 2026 McHAF phase offering eligible buyers up to $25,000 for down payment or closing costs. Availability should be confirmed before a buyer depends on those funds.

Gaithersburg Down Payment Assistance

The City of Gaithersburg Downpayment Assistance Program currently states that eligible buyers may receive up to $40,000 toward down payment and closing costs. The assistance is a deferred, zero-interest loan and is not forgivable. A pre-application and additional city requirements apply.

Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program

The Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program, administered by Arundel Community Development Services, currently offers eligible first-time homebuyers deferred assistance of up to $50,000 for down payment and settlement costs. Applicants must complete the required homeownership counseling process and meet current income and property requirements.

Other Maryland Local Programs

Additional assistance may be available through counties, cities, employers, builders and nonprofit organizations. MMP maintains a current list of assistance offered by location, including programs serving Prince George’s County, Howard County, Washington County and other areas.

Some outside assistance may be combined with MMP financing, and eligible partner assistance may qualify for matching funds. Compatibility must be reviewed for the specific first mortgage and assistance source.

Which Maryland Program Is Best?

The program offering the most assistance is not automatically the best financial choice. Interest rate, monthly payment, mortgage insurance, repayment terms, processing time, required borrower funds and long-term plans should be compared together.

The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team has extensive experience with Maryland first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs. We can review your location, income, credit, available savings and homebuying goals to identify the options worth considering.

Questions about Maryland homebuyer assistance? Call (240) 670-5090, email us directly or pre-qualify online.

Program funding, rates, limits, guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Not all borrowers or properties will qualify.