Russell Chandler
Principal Agent | Associate Broker at Redfin
Maryland & Washington, DC
Buyer resources / Down payment & closing cost assistance
Maryland + Washington, DC
Buying a home may take less cash upfront than you think.
If saving for a down payment is holding you back, let's look at the possibilities. Programs in Maryland and DC may help with eligible down payment and closing costs.
Experienced local guidance. A practical next step.
Start with what is possible.
I'll help you understand the resources worth exploring, connect you with a participating lender or housing counselor, and build your home search around confirmed financing. You don't have to have every answer before we talk.
Explore your area
Start with Maryland statewide options, county programs or DC assistance.
Understand the cost
Compare cash needed, monthly payments and the terms of any assistance loan.
Plan your next move
Confirm eligibility and timing before relying on assistance in an offer.
Explore by location
Maryland homebuyer assistance
Start with the county where you hope to buy. State and local programs have different eligibility rules, financing requirements and funding limits.
Statewide
Maryland Mortgage Program
1st Time Advantage includes a $6,000 assistance loan and options equal to 3%, 4% or 5% of the first mortgage. HomeStart offers 6% for eligible households at or below 50% of area median income.
What to know
These are deferred, 0% assistance loans, not unrestricted grants. An MMP first mortgage and program qualifications are required. Ask about repayment when the first mortgage ends.
Official program details →Prince George's County
Pathway to Purchase
Up to $50,000Eligible first-time buyers may receive down payment and closing cost assistance through a zero-interest deferred loan. The County lists a household income limit of 80% of area median income.
What to know
Full forgiveness requires 15 years of owner occupancy. Earlier sale, transfer, refinance or moving out may require repayment. Apply through an approved lender.
Official program details →Montgomery County
Montgomery Homeownership Program
Eligible buyers using an MMP first mortgage may receive assistance up to $50,000, capped at 40% of household income.
What to know
This is a 0% deferred second mortgage, due upon sale, refinance, transfer or 30 years, whichever comes first. MEDPAL is a separate option for eligible employees, with different terms.
Official program details →Howard County
Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP)
Deferred loans help eligible buyers cover settlement and down payment costs. HomeStarter offers up to $40,000; other SDLP products have different caps.
What to know
Apply through an approved lender. Income, purchase-price, education and reserve rules apply. Repayment is generally due upon sale, refinance or default; funding is limited.
Official SDLP details →Anne Arundel County
ACDS Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
Up to $50,000Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS) offers eligible first-time buyers 0% deferred loans for down payment and settlement costs.
What to know
Complete ACDS homeownership counseling before signing a purchase contract. Household income is limited to 100% of area median income; a 1% buyer contribution and a $500,000 purchase-price limit apply.
No monthly loan payments. Repayment is due upon sale, transfer, loss of primary-residence status or at 30 years, whichever comes first.
Official ACDS details →Frederick County
Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $18,000 toward your home purchaseEligible first-time buyers who currently live or work in Frederick County may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance.
- $15,000 for households earning 51%–80% of area median income.
- Up to $18,000 for households earning 50% or less, subject to funding.
- 0% interest with no monthly payments.
What to know
Homebuyer education is required. The loan must be repaid when the home is sold, transferred, or no longer your primary residence.
Explore Frederick County Assistance →Charles County
Settlement Expense Loan Program — SELP
Up to $6,000 toward settlement expensesBuying your first home in Charles County? Eligible buyers with low or moderate incomes may qualify for assistance with settlement expenses.
What to know
Assistance comes as a loan secured by a second mortgage. Repayment is deferred until the property is sold, transferred, refinanced, or no longer your primary residence.
Eligibility and available funding must be confirmed with the county.
Explore Charles County Assistance →Harford County
Settlement Expense Loan Program — SELP
Funding currently unavailable
Harford County’s program helps eligible first-time buyers with down payment and closing costs when funding is available.
Published program limits are:
- Up to $20,000 within the Southern County Task Force Area.
- Up to $10,000 elsewhere in Harford County.
What to know
Assistance is a 0% deferred loan. Income limits, homebuyer counseling, and a minimum buyer contribution apply.
The county currently reports no available SELP funds. Check for updates before applying.
Check Harford County Funding Status →More Maryland options
Buying elsewhere in Maryland?
Other county and city programs may offer down payment or settlement assistance. Explore the state's directory to find resources for the area where you want to buy.
What to know
Eligibility, funding and repayment terms vary by program. Ask the administrator and your lender whether assistance can be combined with your mortgage or other help.
Explore the state directory →Explore by location
Washington, DC homebuyer assistance
Two starting points for a home purchase in the District. The right fit depends on your circumstances and the program's current requirements.
First-time buyers
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
DHCD lists up to $202,000 in purchase assistance, plus up to $4,000 in separate closing cost assistance. Amounts depend on household income, size, need and available funds.
What to know
This is loan assistance. Repayment varies by income; sale, transfer, certain refinances or moving out can make the balance due. Start with an approved community-based organization. DC residents receive priority.
Official program details →First-time & repeat buyers
DC Open Doors
Eligible buyers can pair a participating first mortgage with a loan that covers the required minimum down payment. Apply through a participating lender.
What to know
The down payment loan is deferred at 0% with no monthly payments. It is due at 30 years or earlier upon sale, transfer, refinancing or loss of primary-residence status. Income and lending requirements apply.
Official program details →Understand the assistance
Less cash today. Know the terms for tomorrow.
- Grants
- A grant may not require repayment, but conditions and recapture rules can apply. Read the actual award terms.
- Deferred loans
- Payment is postponed. The debt still exists, and a sale, refinance or other event can make it due.
- Forgivable loans
- Some or all of the balance may be forgiven after required conditions are met. Leaving early can mean repayment.
Local guidance, from questions to keys
Let's build your homebuying plan.
Talk through your goals
We'll discuss your preferred area, timing and questions.
Confirm the financing
A lender or program administrator verifies eligibility, costs and available funds.
Search with confidence
I'll help you find homes and negotiate around your approved financing and timeline.
Questions buyers often ask
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not for every program. DC Open Doors and MMP Flex can serve eligible repeat buyers. Definitions and exceptions differ, so confirm the rule for the specific program.
Will assistance cover everything I need to buy?
Not necessarily. You may still need money for a deposit, inspections, reserves or a required contribution. Ask your lender for a written estimate of your total cash to close.
Can I combine assistance with other help?
Sometimes. Each program and lender must approve the combination. Ask how any seller credit or other assistance affects eligible costs and your loan terms.
Does contacting Russell mean I am applying for a loan?
No. This is a real estate conversation. Lenders and program administrators handle applications, eligibility decisions, loan terms and funding.
Your next step can be a conversation.
Tell me where you hope to buy. We'll work through the possibilities together.
Program information reviewed October 28, 2026; Howard County SDLP, Anne Arundel County ACDS MAP, Frederick County HAP, Charles County SELP and Harford County SELP added and verified October 29, 2026. Harford County reports no SELP funds available as of that date. Official sources are linked on the program cards. Amounts are maximums, not guaranteed awards. Funding, eligibility, rates and terms can change. Confirm details with the applicable lender or administrator before making an offer.