Maryland Mortgage Program
The full program and the DPA menu.
Maryland Down Payment Assistance: Pick Your Amount
Maryland does down payment help differently: the Maryland Mortgage Program lets you choose your assistance from a menu, repeat buyers qualify, and outside help can be matched. Here is how to use it.
How Maryland down payment assistance works
Buying in Maryland does not have to mean saving your whole down payment first. The Maryland Mortgage Program, run by the state, pairs a first mortgage with a menu of down payment assistance you choose from: 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan, a flat $6,000, or 6% through HomeStart for lower-income households. Every option is a zero-percent deferred second with no monthly payment, repaid only when you sell or refinance. Repeat buyers qualify through the Flex line, and approved outside help can be matched through Partner Match. A 640 credit score qualifies.
The Maryland options at a glance
DPA options (3%–6% or $6k)
Pick your amount, and how to choose.
Flex (repeat buyers)
The same menu, no first-time requirement.
Partner Match
Stack approved outside down payment help.
DPA + VA loan
DPA covers closing costs on a zero-down VA loan.
Eligibility & limits
640 credit, income limits by jurisdiction.
Why work with us
A participating lender, not a referral site.
Cornerstone First Mortgage originates your Maryland Mortgage Program loans directly, we are an approved participating lender, not a lead broker that sells your information. Mike Certo has closed these loans across the Baltimore and DC-suburb markets, and he will tell you straight which DPA amount is right for your purchase, and whether you can layer outside help, before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Tell us your county, credit range, and whether you have owned before or served, and we will map your Maryland Mortgage Program options in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike at (480) 296-6513.
Local guides
Down payment assistance by county
Explore your metro and compare your options.
Baltimore
Attainable prices — DPA covers a large share.
Montgomery County
High-cost DC suburb — the 5% option + Partner Match.
Prince George's County
DC access, attainable — Joint Base Andrews.
Anne Arundel
Annapolis + Fort Meade — VA loan stack.
Frederick
Commuter market between DC & Baltimore.
Eligibility & limits
640 credit · income limits by jurisdiction.
Compare your options
DPA options (3%–6%)
Pick your amount, and how to choose.
Flex (repeat buyers)
The same menu, no first-time requirement.
Partner Match
Stack approved outside down payment help.
DPA + FHA loan
Cover FHA's 3.5% down with your chosen DPA.
DPA + VA loan
DPA covers closing costs on a zero-down VA loan.
Maryland DPA blog
Guides and updates as programs change.
FAQ
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Maryland?
Through the Maryland Mortgage Program you choose your amount: 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan, a flat $6,000, or 6% through HomeStart (for households at/below 50% of AMI). Approved outside help can be matched through Partner Match. All are 0% deferred seconds with no monthly payment.
Is Maryland down payment assistance a grant?
No. Maryland Mortgage Program DPA is a 0% deferred second mortgage, not a grant. There is no monthly payment, but it is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
Can repeat buyers get Maryland down payment assistance?
Yes. The Maryland Mortgage Program's Flex line serves repeat buyers, not just first-time buyers, with the same DPA menu and a 640 credit score requirement.
What credit score do I need for Maryland down payment assistance?
The Maryland Mortgage Program requires a 640 minimum credit score. First mortgages are conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA, and income and price limits are set by jurisdiction.
See your Maryland options
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Maryland path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.