## 1st Time Advantage Program

### 1. 1st Time Advantage Direct:
- No down payment assistance available.
- Competitive interest rates.
- External DPA sources can be used.

### 2. 1st Time Advantage 6000:
- $6,000 loan for down payment/closing costs.
- Zero percent interest.
- Repayment when the first mortgage ends.

### 3. 1st Time Advantage 3%, 4%, 5% Loans:
- DPA loan equals 3%, 4%, 5% of the first mortgage.
- Zero percent deferred second lien.

### 4. HomeStart:
- For borrowers with ≤50% AMI.
- 0% interest, 30-year deferred DPA loan equals 6% of MMP total loan amount.

## Targeted Areas in Maryland

Designated by the U.S. Census Bureau, Targeted Areas in Maryland provide fewer restrictions for homebuyers through the Maryland Mortgage Program. The state's counties fall into three categories:

**Full Counties:**
- Allegany County
- Baltimore City
- Caroline County
- Dorchester County
- Garrett County
- Kent County
- Somerset County

**Partial Counties:**
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore County
- Frederick County
- Harford County
- Montgomery County
- Prince George's County
- Washington County
- Wicomico County

**Non-Targeted Counties:**
- Calvert County
- Carroll County
- Cecil County
- Charles County
- Howard County
- Queen Anne's County
- St. Mary's County
- Talbot County
- Worcester County

This information helps identify whether a specific area is within a Targeted Area, providing valuable information for potential homebuyers.

Consult an approved MMP lender to choose the right loan. First-time homebuyer requirements apply. Exceptions for targeted areas, if sold the current home, more than three years since owning a home, or honorably discharged veteran. Submit DD-214 and Veteran First Time Homebuyer Exemption form.

**HomeStart Factsheet MMP eligibility**
This information helps identify whether a specific area is within a Targeted Area, providing valuable information for potential homebuyers.

Consult an approved MMP lender to choose the right loan. First-time homebuyer requirements apply. Exceptions for targeted areas, if sold the current home, more than three years since owning a home, or honorably discharged veteran. Submit DD-214 and Veteran First Time Homebuyer Exemption form.


Maryland MMP

## Flex Direct

Flex Direct is a Maryland loan program that offers competitive interest rates for repeat homebuyers. While there is no down payment assistance (DPA), you can use external sources for DPA.

## Flex 5000

Flex 5000 gives you a $5,000 loan for down payment and closing costs. This second lien has zero interest, and you don't need to make payments during the first mortgage period. Repayment is required when the first mortgage ends (repayment, refinance, transfer, sale, etc.). The 5000 line is eligible for [Partner Match funds](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Downpayment.aspx), if applicable.

## Flex 3% Loan

Flex 3% Loan is a Maryland loan program that provides a DPA loan equal to 3% of the first mortgage in a zero percent deferred second lien.

Talk to an approved [MMP lender](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Find-A-Lender.aspx) to determine which loan is best for you!


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## Programs to Support Homebuyers

Various organizations offer programs to assist homebuyers, including:

- **Employers:** Investing in the long-term sustainability of their workforce.
- **Home builders and real estate developers:** Providing financial incentives for property purchase.
- **Community organizations:** Encouraging homeownership to build sustainable neighborhoods.
- **Local governments:** Attracting new residents to their community.

These programs may include grants, loans, and other helpful assistance. Research early in the homebuying process to discover available programs.

If you're using the 1st Time Advantage 6000 or the Flex 6000 loan products, any financial assistance received from Partners is matched (up to $2,500) as additional down payment assistance. This additional funding is available as a no-interest, deferred loan from the state, payable when the first mortgage is fully paid off.

Certified Partners, including Employers, Homebuilders, Community Organizations, and Local Governments, can be found in our database. [Search for Partners](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Partner-Employers.aspx).

**Special Information for State of Maryland Employees:**
Contact a state-approved mortgage lenders to learn how you can add Partner Match assistance to your Maryland Mortgage Program home loan.

[Partner Match Programs - Fact Sheet](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/FactSheets/MMP_FactSheet_PartnerMatch.pdf)


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The **Montgomery Homeownership Program VIII** and the **Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan (MEDPAL)** are initiatives of the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) in partnership with Montgomery County, providing down payment and closing cost assistance loans for eligible homebuyers purchasing in Montgomery County. Talk to your loan officer to check eligibility.

### Montgomery Homeownership Program
- Available to any MMP-eligible borrower in Montgomery County.
- MMP first mortgage comes with a second mortgage equal to 40% of the qualifying borrower income, with a maximum of $25,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Second mortgage has a zero percent interest rate and repayment is deferred until sale, refinance, transfer, or 30 years, whichever comes first.
- Minimum down payment set by the insurer, and second mortgage funds can be used for the borrower contribution.
- [MHP Fact Sheet](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/FactSheets/MHP-VIII.pdf)

### Montgomery Employee DPA Loan
- Available to approved Montgomery County employees purchasing in Montgomery County.
- MMP first mortgage comes with a $25,000 second mortgage.
- Second mortgage has a zero percent interest rate and can be re-subordinated in the event of a non-cash out refinance.
- Repayment required in case of cash-out refinance or property sale/transfer, forgiven after 30 years.
- Minimum down payment set by the insurer, and borrower must provide at least 1% of the purchase price with their own funds in addition to the second mortgage.
- [MEDPAL Fact Sheet](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/FactSheets/MEDPAL-FactSheet.pdf)

### Getting Started
1. **Talk to a Lender:** Confirm eligibility and requirements, including Homebuyer Education Class attendance.
2. **Complete a Homebuyer Education Class:** Available throughout Maryland and online, mandatory for all borrowers.
3. [Check today's interest rates](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Pages/Interest-Rates.aspx).


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# Greenbelt Home Advantage Program

Make the switch to homeownership with the Greenbelt Home Advantage program. In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the City of Greenbelt, eligible first-time homebuyers in zip code 20770 can receive a $15,000 grant for down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home in Greenbelt.

**Download Resources:**
- [Greenbelt Home Advantage Fact Sheet](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/FactSheets/GreenbeltHomeAdvantage.pdf)
- [Greenbelt Home Advantage Flyer](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/Flyers/GreenbeltHomeAdvantage.pdf)

## Getting Started

If you're ready to benefit from this special program:

1. **Talk to a Lender:** Confirm your eligibility and meet requirements with the help of a lender. Ensure attendance in the right Homebuyer Education Class.
2. **Check Your Eligibility:** Verify your eligibility for a Maryland Mortgage Program loan. Note that eligibility doesn't guarantee approval, and factors like income, credit history, and employment will be considered.
3. **Complete a Homebuyer Education Class:** Be prepared to make informed decisions by completing a Homebuyer Education class, available throughout Maryland.

For more details, visit the [Greenbelt Home Advantage Program](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/GreenbeltHomeAdvantage/default.aspx).


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**HomeAbility Program**

HomeAbility helps Maryland homebuyers with disabilities. It offers loans for up to 95% of the home value and extra money for down payment and closing costs. The interest rate is low, and some of the money doesn't need to be paid back until you sell or refinance the home.

**Who Can Apply?**
- Anyone with a disability or taking care of a disabled family member.
- You must show proof of disability and have an income less than 80% of the average.

[Learn more about HomeAbility](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/FactSheets/HomeAbility.pdf) | [Get the Disability Certificate](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Loan%20Documentation/Certificate_of_Disability.pdf)

*Important: Only certain lenders can offer HomeAbility. [See the list of lenders](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/LendersList_MMPKit.pdf).*


**Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 Program**

Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 offers homebuyers the chance to purchase a Maryland home while addressing their student debt.

**Program Eligibility:**
To qualify, homebuyers need existing student debt (min. $1,000). The program provides up to 15% of the home purchase price (max. $20,000) to pay off student debt. Full debt for one borrower must be paid off during the home purchase, meeting Maryland Mortgage program requirements.

**Approved Lenders:**
Explore financing through [approved SmartBuy lenders](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/SmartBuy/Lenders.aspx). They assist in confirming eligibility and meeting program requirements.

[SmartBuy 3.0 Fact Sheet](https://mmp.maryland.gov/Lenders/Documents/FactSheets/MMP_FactSheet_SmartBuy3.pdf)


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## Eligibility

To be eligible for the housing programs, your household must meet the following criteria:

- Your income must fall within 50%, 60%, or 80% of the Median Family Income (MFI) for Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) units. For other non-IZ affordable units, households with incomes of 30%, 100%, or 120% of the MFI may be eligible. View current incomes, rents, and prices [here](https://dhcd.dc.gov/publication/2023-2024-inclusionary-zoning-maximum-income-rent-and-purchase-price-schedule).

- Both IZ and non-IZ affordable units require a valid IZ orientation certificate and registration in the IZ program/database.

- There must be at least one person per bedroom in your household.

- Housing costs may not exceed 50% of your income (before taxes).

- You cannot be enrolled in a full-time college or university program.

- The home must be your primary residence.

- You (or someone living with you) may not own other residential property at the time of lease or purchase.

- If you (or someone living with you) do not live or work in the District of Columbia, the odds of selection are very low.

## How to Begin

### Step 1 - Orientation

Complete a two-hour IZ Orientation. Find a class [here](https://dhcd.dc.gov/publication/inclusionary-zoning-orientation-classes). Note: You must take a new class every two years and update your registration to apply for a home.

### Step 2 - Registration

After completing the IZ Orientation and receiving a certificate, fill out the online registration form [here](https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5493787/Register-to-receive-Inclusionary-Zoning-RENTAL-emails). This form is necessary for IZ program registration.

### Step 3 – Purchase Registration (optional)

Attend an approved eight-hour homebuyer class. Options are available [here](https://dhcd.dc.gov/page/homeownership-cbos). When you receive your eight-hour certificate, notify the relevant authorities at iz.adu@dc.gov or 202-442-7221.

## Getting a Home

Most IZ homes are offered through lotteries, which are random drawings. IZ is not an emergency housing program.

- Check your email regularly for notifications about available homes for your income and household size. Check your email 1-2 times a week, including your junk, spam, or other folders.

- Lotteries happen when homes become available, and there is no regular schedule.

- If your information changes (income, household members, etc.), inform authorities at iz.adu@dc.gov or 202-442-7221.

- Explore other housing options at [www.dchousingsearch.org](https://dchousingsearch.org/) and follow the directions for each listing.

## After Renting or Purchasing an IZ Home

- Households living in an IZ home may not rent out or sublet any part of the IZ home for any length of time.

- Renters of an IZ home must prove residency, household size, and income each year.

- Owners of an IZ home must prove that the home is their primary residence each year.

- Owners of an IZ home who wish to sell/refinance must submit a Resale Price Request to DHCD and wait for a pricing letter.


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# Down Payment Assistance Grant

If a down payment is a hurdle to your first home, the Down Payment Assistance Grant can expedite the process. 

## About the Grant

**What Is It?**
The Down Payment Assistance Grant is a true grant, never requiring repayment. It complements other non-Virginia Housing assistance.

## Eligibility Requirements

To qualify:

- First-time or repeat buyer in Areas of Economic Opportunity
- Non-bond or bond FHA/Conventional or non-bond Conventional No MI loan from Virginia Housing
- Household income within Virginia Housing’s limits
- Within Virginia Housing’s sales price / loan limits

[Income and Sales Price / Loan Limits
](https://www.virginiahousing.com/partners/lenders/lending-limits-requirements)

## How It Works

The grant is exclusive to eligible Virginia Housing loans.

[Learn About Virginia Housing Loans](https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/home-loans)


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# UPDATE
The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) had a record-setting year in Fiscal Year 2023. Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, over $70 million in HPAP loans were made, supporting 480 District residents becoming first-time homebuyers. Over 300 of these new homebuyers identify as Black or African-American, contributing to Mayor Bowser’s goal of 20,000 net new Black homeowners by 2030.

## HPAP Funds Availability
This dashboard shares the amount of Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) funds that are available for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), which begins on October 1, 2023.

At the time that all funds have been reserved, no additional funds will be available. Funds for an HPAP loan are only reserved when a complete lender package is submitted by your lender, and received and confirmed by the HPAP underwriter.

A complete lender package includes, among other documents, a sales contract, an appraisal, and satisfactory inspections. For more information, please reference your Notice of Eligibility (NOE)*. If you have not yet applied for HPAP or received a Notice of Eligibility, or have any other questions, please contact your Housing Counselor or visit [Eligibility/How to Apply](https://dhcd.dc.gov/node/983922) for more information.

*Any HPAP NOE issued after June 22, 2022, is extended to be eligible through December 31, 2023.

Additional information regarding the FY24 reopening can be found in the FAQ below.

The Home Purchase Assistance (HPAP) program provides interest-free loans and closing cost assistance to qualified applicants to purchase single-family houses, condominiums, or cooperative units in the District. The loan amount is based on a combination of factors, including income, household size, and the amount of assets that each applicant must commit toward a property’s purchase. The loan is subordinate to a private first trust mortgage.

Eligible applicants can receive a maximum of $202,000 in gap financing assistance and an additional $4,000 in closing cost assistance. The HPAP loan for borrowers with incomes below 80 percent of the median family income (MFI) is deferred until the property is sold, refinanced to take out equity, or is no longer their primary residence. Moderate-income borrowers who earn between 80 percent and 110 percent MFI will have payments deferred for five years with a 40-year principal-only repayment period.

The maximum first trust loan amount cannot exceed the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) conventional conforming loan limit.

## Areas of Interest:
- [Eligibility/How to Apply](https://dhcd.dc.gov/node/983922)
- [HPAP Income Assistance Chart](https://dhcd.dc.gov/node/1675051)
- [DCHousingSearch.org](https://dchousingsearch.org/)
- [FrontDoor.dc.gov](https://www.frontdoor.dc.gov/)
- [Homebuyer Fact Sheet [English]](https://dhcd.dc.gov/publication/homebuyer-fact-sheet)

Home Buying Loan Programs

Maryland Mortgage Program 1st Time Advantage

Maryland Mortgage Program Flex

Maryland Partner Match Programs

Montgomery County Specialty Products

Greenbelt, Maryland Home Advantage

Maryland Home Ability Program

Maryland SmartBuy Program

Washington DC Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Affordable Housing Program

Virginia Down Payment Assistance Grant

Washington DC Home Purchase Assistance Program