Up to $50,000 for first-time buyers — and most people don't know they qualify.
Maryland has some of the strongest first-time home buyer programs in the country — grants, forgivable loans, and rate assistance across every county. This free directory covers every active program so you can find the money that's waiting for you.
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Here's how Maryland buyers use this resource to go from "can I afford this?" to closing day.
Browse every active Maryland DPA program — statewide, county-level, and specialty programs all in one place.
Use the calculator and eligibility guide to understand which programs fit your income, credit, and location.
Our monthly FTHB workshop walks through every program in plain English. No jargon, no pressure.
Get matched with an approved lender who can confirm eligibility and get you pre-qualified in days.
Click any program to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Maryland's flagship DPA product. Provides up to $40,000 toward down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers statewide — the strongest broadly available program in Maryland.
Learn more →30-year fixed-rate mortgages with up to $24,000 for down payment and closing costs as no-interest deferred loans. Available to first-time and repeat buyers.
Learn more →The largest DPA amount available in Maryland. Exclusively for buyers purchasing in Prince George's County. Combines Maryland Mortgage Program financing with county-level assistance for an exceptional total benefit.
Learn more →Unique program for buyers carrying student loan debt. Pay off your student loans AND close on a home in one transaction. One of the most powerful programs in the state.
Learn more →County-funded program offering substantial down payment and closing cost assistance for buyers purchasing in Montgomery County. Income limits apply.
Learn more →Full-time permanent Baltimore City employees may qualify for forgivable down payment assistance when purchasing within city limits.
Learn more →Lottery-style program providing down payment and closing cost assistance for Baltimore City homebuyers. Funds are limited — early registration is critical.
Learn more →Multiple loan assistance options for Howard County buyers needing help with down payment and settlement costs. Several tiers based on income and purchase price.
Learn more →Municipal program for first-time buyers in the City of Gaithersburg offering down payment and closing cost assistance with below-market terms.
Learn more →Not sure which program is right for you?
Talk to a DPA-Approved Lender →Real experiences from Maryland home buyers we've had the privilege of working with.
"Our experience with DMV LoanPro was beyond my expectations! As a first-time home-owner everything was new to me. But they had amazing communications and I got a better rate than my bank quoted me!"
"Truly one of the best people I ever met. He is very knowledgeable and kind-hearted. Working with Craig he made our experience painless and enjoyable. I cannot thank him enough."
"Craig went above and beyond during my entire buying process. He answered all of my questions and helped me feel more comfortable. He squashed a lot of bad information I had heard over the years. Extremely knowledgeable and eager to assist. Can't say enough about how great he was."
"The difference between Craig and a financial institution is he does not try to make as much money off the deal — he works to assist you to ensure he can find comfortable and affordable financing that works for your situation. He is honest with you throughout the process."
"Working with Craig was a fantastic experience. He is knowledgeable, trustworthy, thorough, responsive and a man of his word. Got us the best rate on our mortgage. It was a pleasure."
"Craig is available for questions, efficient, easy to work with, and part of an extraordinary group of people who care about their clients. This company comes highly recommended!"
"Craig was able to catch on to the fact that there were some things we were not experienced with as first-time homebuyers. He took the time to educate us. It was like working with a family friend who cares and helped you through the process. We will use Craig for any future items."
"Craig made this process so easy and smooth. He was very straight up and honest about everything. He made our dream home come through for us. I recommend Craig Jenkins' services to everyone who is looking to make a purchase for their dream home."
Enter your details below to see a full breakdown of your estimated monthly mortgage payment — including how Down Payment Assistance reduces what you owe.
* Estimates only. Actual payments may vary. Contact a licensed lender for accurate figures. DPA availability subject to program eligibility.
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in Maryland — in plain English, with no sales pressure. Hosted by Craig Jenkins, a DPA-approved Maryland lender with over 20 years of experience.
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No directories, no runaround. Speak directly with a Maryland mortgage professional who specializes in first-time buyer programs.
We built this directory because too many Maryland first-time buyers leave money on the table — not because programs don't exist, but because no one showed them where to look. We specialize in helping buyers navigate every available DPA program, find the right loan structure, and close with confidence. The consultation is free and there's no obligation.
Most Maryland DPA programs share similar baseline requirements. Here's what you generally need to qualify.
Important note: Eligibility varies by program, county, income level, and household size. The best way to confirm exactly which programs you qualify for is a quick conversation with a DPA-approved lender. It takes 15 minutes and costs nothing.
Check My Eligibility →Buying a home comes with a lot of jargon. Here are the terms you'll encounter most — explained clearly so nothing catches you off guard.
A mortgage where the interest rate changes periodically after an initial fixed period. Your payment can go up or down with market rates.
Paying off your loan gradually through scheduled payments. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments reduce the principal balance faster.
The true annual cost of borrowing — includes the interest rate plus lender fees. Comparing APRs gives a more accurate picture than comparing rates alone.
A mortgage not backed by a government agency. Typically requires 3–5% down and a credit score of 620+. Often used alongside DPA programs.
A government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Requires as little as 3.5% down and accepts scores from 580+, making it popular with first-time buyers.
A mortgage where the interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term — typically 15 or 30 years. Your principal and interest payment never changes.
Down payment assistance programs offered through Maryland, counties, and nonprofits. They provide grants or low-interest loans to cover your down payment and sometimes closing costs.
A lender's conditional commitment to loan you a specific amount, based on a review of your income, credit, and assets. Required before most DPA programs can be finalized.
The original loan amount — not including interest. As you make payments, principal decreases and your equity in the home increases.
Insurance required when your down payment is less than 20%. It protects the lender if you default. PMI can be cancelled once you reach 20% equity.
A mortgage benefit for eligible veterans and service members backed by the VA. Often requires no down payment and no PMI — one of the best loan products available.
A professional estimate of a home's market value ordered by your lender. If the home appraises below the purchase price, it can affect how much the lender will finance.
Fees paid at settlement — typically 2–5% of the purchase price. They include lender fees, title insurance, and prepaid items. Some DPA programs help cover these.
A condition that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common contingencies include a satisfactory home inspection, financing approval, and an appraisal at or above the purchase price.
A deposit (usually 1–3% of the purchase price) made with your offer. Held in escrow and applied to your down payment at closing — may be at risk if you back out without a valid contingency.
A neutral account holding funds during a transaction. Your lender also uses an escrow account to collect monthly payments for property taxes and homeowner's insurance.
A professional examination of the property's condition — covering the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Findings can be used to negotiate repairs or price reductions.
Your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Most DPA programs require a DTI below 45–50%. Lower is better.
The upfront cash you contribute toward the purchase price. In Maryland, DPA programs can cover this entirely — so you may need little or no cash out of pocket.
The portion of your home's value that you own — calculated as current market value minus what you still owe. Equity grows as you pay down your loan and as home values rise.
Fees paid at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate. One point = 1% of the loan amount. "Buying down the rate" can save money over time if you plan to stay long-term.
Annual taxes assessed by your local government based on your home's value. In Maryland, rates vary by county. Typically collected monthly through your escrow account.
Have a term you don't see here? Ask us at the free webinar.
Register for the Free Webinar →Official state resource. Mortgage calculators, current interest rates, and the full lender directory.
Federal housing resources for homebuyer education, counseling agencies, and first-time buyer programs.
Baltimore-specific homebuyer programs, neighborhood guides, and community resources for city buyers.
Market updates, program changes, and expert insights to help Maryland buyers make confident decisions.
Most first-time buyers in Maryland qualify for at least one down payment assistance program — yet fewer than 20% ever use them. Here's exactly why that happens, and the 3 questions to ask your lender before you sign anything.
Read Full Article →Watch Craig break down the most popular down payment assistance programs, who qualifies, and how to stack benefits for maximum savings.
Sourced from HousingWire & Mortgage News Daily
Practical guidance on Maryland DPA programs, credit, the mortgage process, and what's happening in the local housing market — written for real buyers, not industry insiders.
Down payment assistance can make the difference between waiting another 3 years and closing this year. Take the first step — it costs nothing and takes 15 minutes.