Your Dream Home Starts Here
Our real estate advisors are here to assist all Buyers to accomplish their goals. From First-Time Home Buyers looking for down payment assistance options and closing cost concessions to savvy investors and flippers looking for Off-Market Pocket Listings to Buyers looking to purchase their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th home, we can help
Down Payment Assistance & 1st Time Buyer Grant Programs
Looking for help with down payment assistance and county, federal, and state grants, take a moment to check out this site – Maryland Down Payment Assistance
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.
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.
Ready to Buy Smart? Let’s Set You Up for Success.
Buying a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a major life decision that deserves careful thought, expert guidance, and a plan that fits your unique goals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding the process empowers you to make confident, informed choices.
At Barrister Brokers, we believe in educating our clients at every step. From securing the right financing to navigating negotiations, we’ve put together a collection of practical, real-world tips to guide you through the homebuying journey.
Down Payment Assistance & 1st Time Buyer Grant Programs
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.
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.
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.
