Home Buyer Programs and FAQs

Federal Title & Escrow Company has compiled information for you, the homebuyer, pertaining to real estate closings. Here you will find general guidelines as well as state specific information that may affect your closing and closing costs. If you want to calculate your closing costs, please request an instant quote. To get started, click on the link that is the new property's jurisdiction:

Washington D.C.

• General Information - Click here to read frequently asked questions regarding settlements and closings.
• Closing Documents - Click here to see general binding and non-binding legal/closing documents that you typically sign at settlement.
• DC Tax Abatement Program - This link explains the qualifications for the DC Tax Abatement Program and may lower your closing costs.
• DC First-Time Homebuyer Credit - If you are a first-time homebuyer in Washington, D.C. click here to find out if you qualify for this program.
• DC Landlord-Tenant Information - Buying property with a rental unit? Click here to learn your rights versus your tenant's rights.
• Washington D.C's Housing and Community Development offers a variety of additional programs.

Maryland

• General Information - Click here to read frequently asked questions regarding settlements and closings.
• Closing Documents - Click here to see general binding and non-binding legal/closing documents that you typically sign at settlement.
• MD First-Time Homebuyer Credit - If you are a first-time homebuyer in Maryland, click here to find out if you qualify for this program, it may lower your closing costs.
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland offers several programs to assist resident first-time home buyers in purchasing a home and paying closing costs. These programs are available throughout the state. Requirements vary by county.
• More House 4 Less administered by the Community Development Administration offers several programs for home buyers.
• DSELP is the Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program. This program helps eligible borrowers purchase a home by funding a portion of their closing costs.
• HK4E The House Keys for Employees Program is an employer partnership program to help Maryland's workforce become homeowners through a creative match program with the State of Maryland.
• HK4E - Prince Georges County The House Keys for Employees Program is an employer partnership program to help Maryland's workforce become homeowners through a creative match program. PG County School system employees will be among the eligible group of employees who may qualify for up to $20,000 in closing costs assistance from the County.
• MMP Plus is a premium priced first mortgage program that offers a first mortgage (at a slightly higher interest rate) that provides borrowers with a 2% closing cost assistance grant.
• LNYW Live Near Your Work program offers a premium priced first mortgage program that offers a first mortgage (at a slightly higher interest rate) that provides borrowers who are purchasing a home within 25 miles of their place of employment with a 3% closing cost assistance grant.
• Montgomery County Housing Opportunity Commission offers a variety of home buyer programs for Montgomery County residents.
• Prince Georges County offers a variety of home buyer programs for Prince Georges County residents.

Virginia

• General Information - Click here to read frequently asked questions regarding settlements and closings.
• Closing Documents - Click here to see general binding and non-binding legal/closing documents that you typically sign at settlement.
• The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) is the state's mortgage finance agency. Each year VHDA allocates money through specific programs to the various jurisdictions. The cities and counties tailor local programs to meet local needs.
• The Office of Housing Program Implementation Division in the City of Alexandria offers several programs to assist residents and employees buying within the city limits. Special assistance is also available for city police officers, teachers and other public employees.
• Arlington County's Community Planning, Housing, and Development Director offers several programs for Arlington residents.
• Fairfax County/City through their Department of Housing and Community Development offer local home buyers a choice of two programs based on income and purchase price.