Homebuyer assistance programs

Financial aid, tax credits and rebates available for first-time and low-income homebuyers

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 use our Quick Quote calculator.

District of Columbia

• Frequently asked questions – Read about D.C. settlements and closings.
• Closing documents – General binding and non-binding legal documents typically signed at settlement.
• D.C. Tax Abatement Program – Learn how to qualify for the DC Tax Abatement Program, which may lower your closing costs.
• D.C. First-Time Homebuyer Credit – First-time homebuyers in Washington, D.C. click here to find out if you qualify. As of Jan. 2, 2013, this tax credit has not been renewed.
• D.C. Landlord-Tenant Information – Buying property with a rental unit? Click here to learn your rights versus your tenant’s rights.
• Housing and Community Development – Offers a variety of additional programs.
• Good Neighbor Next Door – HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50 % from the list price of the home to law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians.
• Live Near Your Work (LNYW) – Employees in the Washington region have a wide array of incentive programs to enable the purchase of an apartment, condominium, single or multi-family home close to work and realize the advantages of both equity and convenience.

Maryland

• Frequently asked questions – Read about Maryland settlements and closings.
• Closing documents – General binding and non-binding legal documents typically signed at settlement.
• MD First-time Homebuyer Credit – First-time homebuyers in Maryland, learn how to qualify for this program, which may lower your closing costs.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland offers several programs to assist resident first-time homebuyers in purchasing a home and paying closing costs. Programs are available throughout the state, and requirements vary by county:

• More House 4 Less – Administered by the Community Development Administration, offers several programs for homebuyers.
• Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program (DSELP) – This program helps eligible borrowers purchase a home by funding a portion of their closing costs.
• House Keys for Employees Program (HK4E) – An employer partnership program to help Maryland’s workforce become homeowners through a creative match program with the State of Maryland.
• 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.
• Live Near Your Work (LNYW) – Employees in the Washington region have a wide array of incentive programs to enable the purchase of an apartment, condominium, single or multi-family home close to work and realize the advantages of both equity and convenience.

• Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission offers a variety of home buyer programs for Montgomery County residents.
• Downpayment on your Dream – Prince Georges County offers a variety of home buyer programs for Prince Georges County residents.
• Down Payment and Closing Cost Initiative – Available to residents in Prince George’s County.
• Good Neighbor Next Door – HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home to law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians.

Virginia

• Frequently asked questions – Read about Virginia settlements and closings.
• Closing Documents – General binding and non-binding legal documents typically signed at settlement.
• Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) – 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.
• Office of Housing Program Implementation – 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 – Offers several programs for Arlington residents.
• Fairfax County/City through their Department of Housing and Community Development – Offers local home buyers a choice of two programs based on income and purchase price.
• Good Neighbor Next Door – HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home to law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians.
• Live Near Your Work (LNYW) – Employees in the Washington region have a wide array of incentive programs to enable the purchase of an apartment, condominium, single or multi-family home close to work and realize the advantages of both equity and convenience.