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Mortgage Programs

Howard County Housing Repair Program

The Home Repair Program helps income eligible Howard County homeowners make repairs to their homes. The home repairs help the homeowner meet local housing codes for health and safety conditions. Repairs may include, but are not limited to: heating and air systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, roofs, windows and doors. The Home Repair Program has served the community for many years, and helped to preserve homes for residents of Howard County. Homeowners have been given the chance to make improvements to their home, thus reducing housing blight in many neighborhoods.

Special needs?

The County can also assist homeowners with repairs or improvements to assist with mobility, hearing, or vision issues. These repairs can help make it easier to get in or around the home. Ramps, chair lifts, or grab bars are just some of the modifications that can be made through the program for eligible households.

Who is eligible?

You must be the homeowner and live in the home. It must be a single family residence located within Howard County. Your household must meet the family size and income limits determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). All property taxes and outstanding home mortgages must be current, and home must be covered by hazard insurance.

Pre-Application for the Housing Repair Program – click here to download

Program Description and Income Limits – click here to download

Please call 410-313-6316, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Upon receipt of the completed pre-application, you will be contacted to confirm your eligibility for the program.

Other Resources for Home Repairs
Howard County Housing also administers the Maryland Whole Home program to county homeowners. Maryland WholeHome offers grants and loans from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to assist homeowners with a variety of upgrades and repairs, including: the installation of energy efficient appliances; repair or replacement of heating and cooling systems; removal of lead paint; and addressing structural and maintenance issues. The program offers low-interest loans and grants based on needed work, household income, and the homeowner’s ability to repay. For more information, contact Howard County Housing Home Repair Program at 410-313-3508.Website

First Time Home Buyers Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) In Charles County

Charles County Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) provides direct financial assistance of up to $6,000 for settlement expenses to qualified low-income and moderate-income first time home buyers in Charles County. The loan is secured by a second mortgage, repayment of which is deferred until such time as the property is resold, transferred, refinanced, or the buyer discontinues occupancy of it as a principal residence.

Charles County Housing Authority website

Fact Sheet

Maryland Mortgage Program

Purchasing a home is a goal worth striving for. Your home is a place you can truly call your own, where you call the shots and can put your roots down for years to come. But sometimes the dream of owning a home can feel out of reach despite your hard work.

Rest assured, however, that there are programs from the state that exist to help you get there. They are designed for people that are able to afford the day-to-day costs of homeownership but who are kept from it by large downpayment requirements.​

They are designed to make the down payment and monthly mortgage payments of a home more affordable. They are for people just like you.

The Mortgage Program works with a statewide network of approved mortgage lending organizations that can help you choose the best loan products for you and your family. Talk to us today, and look forward to moving into a home of your own sooner than you imagined!

 

For more information visit the Maryland Mortgage Program.

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Who may apply for this program?
To qualify, you must:

  • Be the homeowner and occupy the house
  • Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
  • Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income 
  • For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan

What is an eligible area?
Applicants may check the address of their home to determine eligibility.

How may funds be used?

  • Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety hazards
  • Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards

How much money can I get?

  • Maximum loan is $20,000
  • Maximum grant is $7,500
  • Loans and grants can be combined for up to $27,500 in assistance

Note: Rural homeowners in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia may be eligible for higher loan or grant amounts under the Single Family Housing Section 504 Repair Pilot Program. Please contact the State Office for more details.

What are the terms of the loan or grant?

  • Loans can be repaid over 20 years
  • Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%
  • Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more
  • Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500
  • Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years
  • If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan and grant combination

Is there a deadline to apply? 

  • Applications for this program are accepted through your local RD office year round

How long does an application take? 
Approval times depend on funding availability in your area. Talk to a USDA home loan specialist in your area for help with the application

Who can answer questions and how do I get started?
Contact a USDA home loan specialist in your area

For more information visit United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

Law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.

How the Program Works

Eligible Single Family homes located in revitalization areas are listed exclusively for sale through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program. Properties are available for purchase through the program for seven days.

How to Participate in Good Neighbor Next Door

Check the listings for your state. Follow the instructions to submit your interest in purchasing a specific home. If more than one person submits an offer on a single home a selection will be made by random lottery. You must meet the requirements for a law enforcement officer, teacher, firefighter or emergency medical technician and comply with HUD’s regulations for the program.

HUD requires that you sign a second mortgage and note for the discount amount. No interest or payments are required on this “silent second” provided that you fulfill the three-year occupancy requirement.

The number of properties available is limited and the list of available properties changes weekly.

To learn more, please visit our FHA Frequently Asked Question page.

To learn more, please visit the HUD website.

About the Design for Life (DFL) Property Tax Incentive Program

The Design for Life (DFL) Property Tax Incentive Program provides 3 tiers of property tax incentives to make homes more universally accessible:

1. Accessible Feature tax incentives are for certain features that are permanently installed to improve access to or within an owner’s principal residence (not limited to single-family homes).

2. Level I (VISITable) tax incentives are available for permanent installations to any new or existing single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes that meet Level I accessibility threshold.

3. Level II (LIVEable)  tax incentives are available for permanent installations to any new or existing single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes that meet Level II accessibility threshold.

For new home construction a school impact tax credit may be available for projects meeting Level I and Level II Accessibility standards.

Whether you are a first time homebuyer, young family, active adult, or person living with a temporary or permanent impairment, these additional design elements will enhance your home — and at the same time, meet your needs and your visitors’ needs throughout your life.

The Design for Life   Accessibility Standards for Level I (VISITable) and Level II (LIVEable) incorporate design elements such as a no-step entrance, which make it easier and safer to accommodate a person living with a temporary or permanent impairment, accommodate friends or relatives who have mobility limitations or even bring in a baby stroller or move in large furniture. Ultimately, homes that incorporate these features will help people age in place more comfortably, conveniently and cost effectively.

DESIGN FOR LIFE PROPERTY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM AT A GLANCE. DFL Permitting Information Application Process Apply Online ePlans

Bill 5-13 Property Tax Credit

Executive Regulation 3-14 Design for Life Tax Incentives

Design for Life Technical Guidelines

Website

DHCD helps eligible low- and moderate-income applicants finance home improvements including the repair and replacement of roofing, heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and disability accessibility modifications. Assistance for repairs is mainly in the form of loans, some of which may be forgivable or deferred based on eligibility. Grants may be available for lead and disability accessibility, based on eligibility.

Assistance is available only for eligible owner-occupied properties.

Rehabilitation Services operates the following programs:

Accessible Homes for Seniors Grant and Loan Program Loans and grants to assist homeowners make accessibility-related improvements.

Deferred Loan Program Deferred loans to assist homeowners correct major housing deficiencies and serious health, code and safety issues.

Emergency Roof Repair Program Forgivable loans for roof repair or replacement to homeowners who are aged 62 and older or who have disabilities.

Energy Savings Loan Program Deferred loans to assist homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient.

Home Preservation Program Deferred loans to assist homeowners correct major housing deficiencies and serious health, code and safety issues.

Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and Loan Program Loans and grants to assist homeowners and landlords lessen the risk of lead poisoning.

Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program Below market-rate and deferred loans to homeowners and landlords correct major deficiencies and serious health, code and safety issues.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must prove ownership of the housing unit and meet the income guidelines listed below.

Income Guidelines

Number of People
in Household		Max Annual
Income
1$54,950
2$62,800
3$70,650
4$78,500
5$84,800
6$91,100
7$98,750
8$111,850

How do I apply?

Complete a pre-application and send it to:

LIGHT Intake & Assessment Unit
2700 N. Charles Street, Suite 201
Baltimore, MD 21218

If you have any questions, please contact us at (410) 396-3023.

Or visit their website.

Maryland SmartBuy helps homebuyers with qualifying student debt purchase a home. The program works by paying off student debt during the purchase of the home through special Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) financing. Maryland SmartBuy involves the purchase of move-in-ready homes currently owned by, and available from, the state of Maryland.

Maryland SmartBuy 2.0 gives homebuyers an opportunity to purchase any home in Maryland that meets Maryland Mortgage Program guidelines while paying off student debt. This limited time program provides all of the student debt relief offered by the original Maryland SmartBuy while making more homes eligible for purchase.

For more information visit the Maryland Mortgage Program.

The Office of Homeownership offers a variety of incentive programs to homebuyers purchasing in Baltimore City. These incentives can make buying a home more affordable by lowering your closing costs and boosting your downpayment.

All incentives require homeownership counseling from a City-approved homeownership counseling agency prior to writing an offer, and a minimum $1,000 investment from the homebuyer’s own funds towards the purchase of the property. All incentives, with the exception of Live Near Your Work, are provided as five-year forgivable loans.

For more information on the various incentive programs, visit their website.

Mortgage Assistance

The Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) provides deferred loans up to $20,000 to first time homebuyers in Anne Arundel County to help with down payment and settlement costs. Eligible participants must be graduates of the ACDS Homeownership Counseling Program and may not have a household income greater than 80% of the Area Median Income (see income limits below).  The Mortgage Assistance Program can be used in conjunction with a mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Maryland Mortgage Program.

For more information visit https://acdsinc.org/  (Arundel Community Development Services, Inc.)

Healthy Neighborhoods Loan Program

Healthy Neighborhoods oversees a $30.5 million private loan fund and provides special below-market loans to homebuyers and homeowners in Baltimore City to encourage investment and standard-setting renovation. Healthy Neighborhoods provides four innovative loans to eligible borrowers.

For a list of loan pool lenders who have contributed to this fund, click here.

Purchase & Renovate

Buying a home in one of Baltimore’s Healthy Neighborhoods? Healthy Neighborhoods offers a loan to help you purchase and renovate your new house on Healthy Neighborhoods target blocks. What’s in it for you? A below-market interest rate, free design advice, no private mortgage insurance requirement and more. What’s in it for us? We get new neighbors invested in keeping Baltimore beautiful! Learn More

Special Purchase

The special first mortgage loan is available to home buyers who will purchase formerly vacant homes in Belair-Edison developed by St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center and other formerly vacant homes developed by Healthy Neighborhoods approved developers. Learn More

Refinance & Renovate

Already live in a Healthy Neighborhood? We can refinance your existing mortgage and lend you additional funds to update your home on a target block. Learn More

 

Home Improvement

If you live within the boundaries of a Healthy Neighborhood but not on a target block, we offer this loan to help you complete some renovation to your home. You can borrow between $5,000 and $20,000 to build a chef’s kitchen, put in a spa bathroom, update outdated windows, upgrade with new mechanical systems–whatever your home deserves and you desire. Learn More

Visit Healthy Neighborhoods Website

 

 

The Charles County Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to participate in the “House Keys 4 Employees” (HK4E) program. This program provides down payment/settlement expense assistance to first time home buyers who wish to purchase a home in Charles County.

This program is available to all Charles County Government employees subject to the Policy and Procedures Manual for Charles County, Maryland and, who have been employed with the County at least one (1) year and who are purchasing a home in Charles County, through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) with a qualified DHCD Community Development Administration (CDA) lender.

Qualified Charles County Government employees may receive a 0% interest $5,000 deferred loan from the Charles County Commissioners to be used towards down payment/settlement expenses for their new home. In addition, the State DHCD will also contribute a 0% interest, deferred $2,500 loan to bring the total amount of assistance to $7,500 for eligible employees.

For more information, visit their website or contact the Department of  Human Resources at 301-645-0585.

The Maryland Pathway to Homeownership program gives eligible homebuyers in Garrett County incredible financial incentives that put homeownership within reach. Available through the Maryland Mortgage Program, this Garrett County initiative gives you more buying power and makes it easier for your family to establish your family in the community. 

UP TO $15,000 DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE.  Learn more here…Pathway to Homeownership

For more information, visit the Maryland Mortgage Program website.

 

Live Baltimore – City Living Starts Here

Baltimore City offers a variety of incentive programs to homebuyers, homeowners, and renters. Each program has specific qualifications, managed by different city departments or nonprofits. If you think you qualify, contact the program administrator listed for the program you are interested in. Live Baltimore does not manage or fund any of these incentive programs, but we can help you review your options and put you in touch with the organizations that do.

Get started by clicking here…Live Baltimore

 

 

Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU)

To be eligible to purchase, or rent, through the MPDU program an individual or household must:

  • Have an income that is 100% or less than the median family income for the Baltimore Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), with adjustments for household size, as reported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and does not currently own a home.

Current Maximum Income Limits for an MPDU

* Gross annual income from all current sources for all wage earners in the household.
Household SizeMaximum Income*
1$59,500
2$68,000
3$76,500
4$85,000
5$91,813
6$98,625
7$105,438
8$112,250
  • Be a City resident or employed within the City limits for at least the past 12 months (please refer to City limits map or Street Listing).
  • Be a City of Annapolis employee beyond their probationary period.
  • Be a teacher or staff member in a school that is included in the Annapolis Senior High School district as defined by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools which include Annapolis Senior High School, Annapolis Middle School, Hillsmere Elementary School and Rolling Knolls Elementary School. A person who has been employed within the Naval Academy or the Annapolis Naval Base for at least the past 12 months.
  • Be a person who has been employed within the Naval Academy or the Annapolis Naval Base for at least the past 12 months.
  • Is a resident of Anne Arundel County and has a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration. (May purchase or rent ninety (90) days after the property becomes available.)

To be eligible for the MPDU Program, you must complete an MPDU Program Application (PDF) for a “Certificate of Eligibility” which entitles the person or household to buy, or rent, an MPDU. ACDS staff will review your application and supporting documentation to determine if you meet all the qualifications.

If you are eligible for the MPDU program, ACDS staff will mail you a Certificate of Eligibility. ACDS will mail out Certificates within four weeks.

To purchase an MPDU, you should have a minimum household income of around $50,000 and should be able to qualify for a mortgage equal to the sales price of the house. If you have sufficient assets to use for a down payment, it may enable you to qualify for a lower mortgage. If so, please document this in a letter attached to the application.

 

IHA’s Purchase-Repair Homeownership program participants are paying less for homeownership than they were for rent, and they are building equity immediately!

IHA’s Purchase-Repair Homeownership Program provides affordable homeownership opportunities to families and individuals that wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage. Program participants receive free technical assistance from IHA through the entire homeownership process, from credit repair and budget counseling, preparation of the loan application, locating and placing an appropriate home under contract, how to repair and maintain their home, as well as on-going post-purchase counseling to eliminate any chance of foreclosure in the future. The entire community benefits by revitalizing neglected neighborhoods, reusing infrastructure and preserving existing housing. This program is currently available in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties in Maryland.

FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDE:

– No down payment
– Below market fixed interest rate
– No private mortgage insurance requirement
– Longer loan terms to reduce monthly payments
–
Maximum Income Eligibility Guidelines
Family SizeCarrollFrederickWashington
1 to 4$75,500$77,600$60,950
5 to 8$99,650$102,450$80,450

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRE-QUALIFICATION WORKSHEET.

Please return your completed worksheet and the signed authorization forms to:

Carol Carpenter Riggles
Homeownership Program Manager
criggles@interfaithhousing.org
301-662-4225 x1209

Vivian Duran
Housing Specialist
vduran@interfaithhousing.org
301-662-4225 x1210

criggles@interfaithhousing.org
FAX – (301) 662-6477

Call or email Carol if you need more information about this program. Her phone number is (301) 662-4225 ext. 1209 or visit their website.

Settlement/Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) 

PURPOSE: To assist homebuyers with financing for settlement/downpayment costs.

SCOPE: Loans are available through Howard County’s Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for settlement and downpayment costs. All loans will be deferred, due upon sale of home, refinance, or default. Low interest rates at 2 points below the primary mortgage interest rate. Lenders will process all requests.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must meet the following:

  • Income limits: See income chart located in the information packet below – page 4 (income limits subject to change every January and July).
  • House price limit – CDA purchase price limit for Howard County applies.  Please see SDLP information packet below for current limit.
  • First-time homebuyer for HomeStarter, HomeSteader, and DreamMaker Loans. First-time homebuyer restriction not required for Revitalization and Workforce Initiative Loans.
  • Have a minimum of $1,000 to apply towards settlement/downpayment costs plus one month PITI (mortgage payment) in savings account.
  • Lack sufficient funds to pay for the total settlement/downpayment costs.
  • Must be approved for a fixed rate primary mortgage loan.

HOW TO APPLY:

  • Complete an application with an approved lender.
  • Once the loan is approved with your lender, the lender will reserve funds directly with DHCD.
  • The lender will send all the required documents, including the application, to DHCD for processing funds.
  • Funding reservations are made only by the lender once all the necessary documents, including the primary mortgage loan approval letter, have been submitted to DHCD.
  • If you’re a soon-to-be homebuyer or a lender who’d like to know more, see our SDLP Information Packet (updated June 2020).

You may also contact Linda Phillips, SDLP Administrator with the Department of Housing & Community Development at 410-313-6318, option 1, or lphillips@howardcountymd.gov.

 

All homebuyers participating in the Settlement/Downpayment Loan Program are required to participate in pre-purchase counseling. Certificates are issued to the homebuyer in order to settle on the home purchase.

Funds are currently available and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested homebuyers should contact a participating first mortgage lender to begin the application process.

Availability of funds is limited.

Website

Prince George’s County Pathway to Purchase

If you are a first-time homebuyer, you could be eligible for up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost toward the purchase of your first home.

Eligible Properties

Any residential property including:

  • Resale
  • Foreclosure
  • Short Sale
  • New Construction

Pathway to Purchase is a 0% interest, deferred payment loan. The loan is forgiven after 10 years!

Loan Terms

Purchaser must pay back the loan in full when the home is sold, transferred or ceases to be the primary residence of the buyer(s) within the 10-year affordability period.

Purchase Price Limits

$337,000 for resale

$399,000 for new construction

For more information, visit the program website or call 301-883-5456.

Settlement Expense Loan Program

The Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) provides assistance to low and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers. The County can lend up to $10,000 to income-eligible purchasers to help pay closing costs required in the purchase of an existing home within the designated Community Conservation Areas of Baltimore County.

Assistance from SELP is in the form of a deferred loan that is forgivable if the homeowner occupies the property as their principal residence during the period of affordability as required by the HOME Investment Partnerships Act regulations. The period of affordability is 15 years.

Visit The Baltimore County Department of Planning website for more information.

Montgomery County’s Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Program offers affordably priced townhomes and condominiums – both new and resale – to first-time home-buyers who have a moderate household income (see list of minimum and maximum income levels below).

MPDU buyers must be able to qualify for a mortgage; pay a down payment; pay settlement fees including advance taxes and advance insurance; and pay a monthly mortgage payment, utilities, and other costs.  The MPDU Program does not provide financing to purchase MPDUs.  Special financing and down payment and closing cost assistance are available through the Housing Opportunities Commission.

MPDU owners are responsible for all home maintenance, home improvements, condo and homeowner association fees (if applicable), and compliance with homeowner or condominium rules and regulations.

For more information visit: Montgomery County Homeownership Program

Freddie Mac’s 3%-5% Down Solution

Home Possible® mortgages offer low down payments for low- to moderate-income homebuyers or buyers in high-cost or underserved communities.

Learn more here.

Click on link below and learn to Discover the Possibilities with Home Possible.

Homebuyer Assistance Program

The Frederick County Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) administered by the Frederick County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) helps local families with limited resources obtain their first home, by providing up to $8,000 in downpayment/closing cost assistance.  The application is submitted on behalf of the homebuyer by the first lender.

The Fact Sheet has program details regarding eligibility requirements, income limits, lead paint requirements, and loan amounts.  For the required homebuyer education training contact the Frederick Community Action Agency at (301) 600-1506.

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)

The Maryland Mortgage Program provides significant support to homebuyers through competitive rate mortgage loans; down payment assistance and Partner Match Programs, helping Marylanders overcome upfront financial barriers associated with down payment and settlement expenses.  Homebuyers that are eligible for a Maryland Mortgage Program home loan are also eligible for a down payment assistance loan of up to $5,000.  Through the Community Partners Incentive Program (CPIP) MMP will match our Homebuyer Assistance Program up to a maximum of $2,500 when the homebuyer uses the State’s Maryland Mortgage Program loan to purchase their home.

Heather Sutton
Housing Program Coordinator – Homeownership
Email : hsutton@frederickcountymd.gov

Housing & Community Development
5340 Spectrum Drive
Suite A
Frederick, MD 21703
Ph: 301-600-6647
Fx: 301-600-3585

Hours
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit Frederick County Government

Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Program

The MIHU Program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in specific zoning districts to sell or rent a portion (generally 10-15%) of the dwelling units to households of moderate income. MIHUs are sold or rented at affordable prices and rents set by Howard County Housing.

Open enrollment periods for the MIHU homeownership program are held quarterly. Any person or family can apply to buy an MIHU, provided their household income does not exceed the following maximums:

Household SizeMaximum Permitted Income – Effective 1/2/2020
Purchase
1$64,723
2$73,969
3$83,215
4$92,461
5$99,858
6$107,255
7$114,651
8+$122,048

MIHUs are priced as much as $100,000 or more below comparable market rate homes.  Prices range from approximately $244,300 for a new condominium to $370,000 for a new townhouse and prices vary depending upon the unit size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and amenities.  Previously owned condominiums and townhouses are usually priced slightly lower.  MIHU’s are interspersed throughout each community and homeowners enjoy the same community amenities as market rate purchasers.  Anyone interested in purchasing an MIHU must complete an application during one of four open enrollment periods held throughout the year – during the months of January, April, July and October.

To learn what happens after you submit your application read: Now What?

The application includes information about the applicant’s income, assets and household size. In addition, an applicant may qualify for one or more purchasing preferences, such as: a first-time home buyer, living or working in Howard County, or employed by County government, the school system, or a nonprofit organization.

Once an application is received and determined complete, the applicant’s name is placed in a database. As MIHUs become available, eligible applicants are notified and invited to attend a lottery drawing to select an eligible purchaser for each home. The selected purchaser must contract with the seller, obtain a mortgage commitment, and pay all down payment and settlement costs.

Read our most Frequently Asked Questions about our MIHU program.

Questions?  Call the Department of Housing and Community Development at (410) 313-6318 for additional information.

Website: Home Ownership Opportunities

Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial transactions that you may ever make and has numerous associated fees and costs. Coming up with the money for theses additional upfront costs is often the largest hurdle facing first-time homebuyers. Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services, in cooperation with the Community Development Block Grant program with the City of Cumberland, provides qualified first time homebuyers a grant to assist with the closing costs associated with purchasing a home within the City of Cumberland. This grant can assist you with navigating around this hurdle, there is no lien placed on the homebuyer’s property and does not require you to ever pay back the money.

All applications are to be submitted to Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services, 635 East First Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. To obtain a grant application or ask questions, please call 301-722-6958. Because income guidelines change frequently, applications are not made available online. For more information, visit the website.

Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services

Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service (SNHS) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization serving targeted neighborhoods and populations in the City of Salisbury and surrounding areas. Our mission is to cultivate sustainable neighborhoods with partnerships and lending that inspire self-reliance, growth and optimism. SNHS has combined private, philanthropic and government resources for growing and improving programs and services.

Visit their website for more details.

The Allegany County Commissioners have provided a tax assessment freeze equal to that received through the City of Cumberland’s program. Applicants must have work approved by the Cumberland Historic Preservation Commission in order to be eligible. Approved City of Cumberland Historic District Tax Incentive Applications will be forwarded to the Allegany County Office of Finance for processing. There is not a separate application required.

For qualified renovations that have been approved by the Historic Preservation Commission, a 10% credit can be deducted from the property owner’s annual city property taxes. A minimum expenditure of $5,000 is required. This credit can be used for up to 5 years if the amount of credit is greater than the amount of annual taxes due.

Additionally, a city property tax assessment freeze is available for a period of up to 10 years. The length of the freeze depends upon the amount of the expenditure in relation to the pre-improvement market value of the property. In 2006, this program was expanded to include not only the Canal Place Preservation District, but also all National Register of Historic Districts within Cumberland. Maps of these districts are available on our Historic District Maps page. Application forms are also available by emailing Kathy McKenney, Cumberland’s Historic Planner at  kathy.mckenney@cumberlandmd.gov.

Additional information can be found here.

The Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Program (MPDU)

This program was established to provide affordable new housing to people with moderate incomes. Program is available to individuals and families earning 80 percent of the median income.

Affordable loan programs cannot exceed 33% of the total purchase price or $50,000 and other specific income criteria may apply.

For more information contact Anne Van Benschoten at 410-758-3977, extension 2064 or email.

The Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Program (PDF) is designed to assist income eligible homeowners with low cost or no cost loans to correct hazardous conditions, eliminate safety hazards, repair or replace major systems, correct interior and exterior deficiencies, energy improvements, modifications for persons with disabilities and eliminate lead based paint hazards.

The Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP), like the Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Program, is designed to assist income eligible homeowners with low cost or no cost loans to correct hazardous conditions, eliminate safety hazards, repair/replace major systems, correct interior and exterior deficiencies, energy improvements, modifications for persons with disabilities and eliminate lead based paint hazards. This program is funded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

The above information is a brief summary of these programs. Detailed regulations, policies and procedures govern the programs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to file an application, contact the Housing Rehabilitation Program staff.

Debbie Sparks
Phone: 410-887-3124
dsparks@baltimorecountymd.gov

 

House Keys for Employees Program – Calvert County

Partnership with the State of Maryland to provide down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers through the House Keys 4 Employees Program.

Housing Resource Links