Down payment assistance
You probably need less cash than you think.
Every down payment and closing cost program for buyers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, in one place, with a live badge that says whether the money is there right now. Answer a few questions and see which ones fit you.
84
programs tracked
71
accepting applications
4
out of funds right now
3
states plus national programs
Out of funds right now
Get on the list and we will tell you the moment they reopen.Browse by state
Where are you buying?
Maryland
42 programs, 32 accepting
See programsWashington, DC
10 programs, 9 accepting
See programsVirginia
14 programs, 13 accepting
See programsNationwide
18 federal, nonprofit, and bank programs any DMV buyer can use
Shown on every state page and in your match results.
How it works
Four kinds of help, and what each one costs you later
The biggest number is not always the best deal. What you give up for the money matters more than the amount.
Grant
Money you do not pay back, as long as you meet the program's stay-in-the-home terms.
Forgivable loan
A second loan with no payment that is forgiven over time or after a set number of years in the home.
Deferred loan
A second loan with no interest and no payment. You repay it when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
Reduced-rate mortgage
A first mortgage at a below-market rate, sometimes bundled with assistance.
Open right now
A few worth knowing about
Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
- Up to $50,000, sized to your need
- Deferred loan · First-time buyers only
Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program
- $5,000 for city employees, with the city's page listing up to $10,000 for some purchases
- Forgivable loan · Repeat buyers welcome
DC Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) for District Government Employees
- Up to $20,000 deferred loan plus up to $5,000 matching grant; first responders and educators can reach $45,000
- Deferred loan · First-time buyers only
DC First-Time Homebuyer Reduced Recordation Tax Rate
- Buyer's recordation tax cut to 0.725% from 1.1% or 1.45% on homes up to $777,000; saves up to about $5,600
- Tax relief · First-time buyers only
Arlington County Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP)
- Up to 25% of the purchase price, capped at $112,500, as a deferred second trust
- Deferred loan · First-time buyers only
Fairfax County First-Time Homebuyers Program (Affordable Dwelling Unit and Workforce Dwelling Unit Homes)
- Below-market townhomes and condos, recently $95,000 to the low $200,000s, sold to income-qualified first-time buyers by drawing
- Other help · First-time buyers only
Also out there
Lender-funded assistance
Some mortgage lenders offer their own grants or second loans that cover a down payment. The money is real, but it is priced into the loan, usually through a higher rate or fees. That makes these programs cost more over time than the state and local programs on this site. They fit a narrow set of buyers: over the income caps, repeat buyers with no local option, or a deal that cannot wait for a program’s timeline. If you are in that spot, the loan team we work with can walk you through the trade.
Straight answers
What is down payment assistance?
Money from a state, county, city, employer, or nonprofit that covers part of your down payment or closing costs. It comes as a grant, a second loan that is forgiven over time, a second loan you repay when you sell, or a reduced mortgage rate. Most programs have income limits and many require a homebuyer education class.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not always. Many programs define first-time as not owning a home in the last three years, and several, like Maryland's Flex line and DC Open Doors, welcome repeat buyers. Each card on this site says which rule applies.
Can I combine programs?
Often, yes. A state loan, a county grant, and an employer match can stack on one purchase when each program allows it. The details matter, so we check every combination against the program rules before you write an offer.
Why does funding status matter?
Many programs are funded once a year and run out. If you plan around a program that closed last month, your deal falls apart. Every program here shows a live funding badge and the date it was last checked. If a program is out of money, you can ask to be alerted the moment it reopens.
Is this a loan pre-approval?
No. This is buyer education from a real estate agent. Matching and program details are estimates based on public program rules. Your eligibility is decided by the program administrator and your lender.
Program details are summarized from public sources and change without notice. Funding badges reflect the last time we checked, not a guarantee of availability. This is buyer education from a real estate agent, not a loan pre-approval or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is decided by each program administrator and your lender. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Not sure which programs fit? Ask.
Tell Sean where you want to buy and what you earn. He will tell you which programs are worth your time, including when to skip one.