Should I use MMP or another down payment assistance program?

It depends on the complete scenario. Different programs can change the interest rate, payment, cash to close, and future repayment obligations. Comparing the available structures side by side is the best way to decide.

Maryland Mortgage Program · First Time Advantage · NMLS #2656628

Maryland Mortgage Program, Find the Down Payment Assistance That Fits Your Goal.

The Maryland Mortgage Program, or MMP, offers 30 year fixed mortgage options and several forms of down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible Maryland homebuyers. The right choice depends on your income, property, county, first time buyer status, and how much cash you want to preserve.

Find My Mortgage Path → Send Ken My Scenario

Hughesville, Maryland Serving buyers statewide Scenario first guidance

Ken Powell

Mortgage Loan Officer · Fairway Home Mortgage

NMLS #2656628 · MD & VA

Current MMP 1st Time Advantage Options

How Maryland's First Time Advantage Programs Work.

MMP 1st Time Advantage is designed for eligible first time homebuyers and certain qualifying exceptions. Most assistance is structured as a zero percent deferred second lien rather than free cash, so the repayment terms matter just as much as the assistance amount.

1st Time Advantage Direct

No MMP down payment assistance. This option usually offers MMP's most competitive interest rate, and eligible outside assistance may still be used.

No MMP DPA

1st Time Advantage 6000

A $6,000 zero percent deferred second lien for down payment and closing costs. No payments are due while the first mortgage remains outstanding. The second lien becomes due when the first mortgage ends, such as through sale, refinance, transfer, or repayment.

$6,000 deferred DPA

1st Time Advantage 3%, 4% or 5%

Assistance equal to 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first mortgage amount, structured as a zero percent deferred second lien.

Percentage based DPA

HomeStart

For eligible borrowers with household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income. HomeStart provides a 0% interest, 30 year deferred DPA loan equal to 6% of the MMP first lien amount.

6% DPA · income targeted

MMP UPLIFT

For buyers purchasing an eligible UPLIFT property. The program provides DPA equal to 5% of the first mortgage, subject to the state program's property and borrower requirements.

5% DPA · eligible properties

First Homes for First Responders & Teachers

For eligible first responders and teachers purchasing their first home. The program provides a DPA loan equal to 5% of the first mortgage in a zero percent deferred second lien.

5% DPA · eligible professions

Who Counts as a First Time Homebuyer for This Program?

MMP 1st Time Advantage is primarily for first time homebuyers, but Maryland recognizes several exceptions. You may still qualify if it has been more than three years since you owned a principal residence, if you are purchasing in an eligible targeted area and meet the state's conditions, or if you are an honorably discharged veteran who qualifies for the federal first time homebuyer exemption and has not previously used it.

The Maryland HomeCredit mortgage credit certificate may not be layered with the 1st Time Advantage line. Homebuyer education and current MMP income, credit, and purchase price requirements also apply.

Scenario First

More Assistance Is Not Automatically the Better Mortgage.

The right answer is the structure that improves your total cash to close and long term payment without creating a tradeoff you did not expect.

What Ken Compares

✓ MMP interest rate and monthly payment
✓ Amount and type of down payment assistance
✓ Whether the assistance is deferred, forgivable, repayable, or a true grant
✓ Seller contribution and available buyer funds
✓ Standard FHA or conventional options without state assistance
✓ Local county or employer based assistance that may be available

Why This Matters

A buyer who needs the lowest possible cash to close may value a larger DPA amount. Another buyer may have enough savings and prefer a lower rate with less assistance. There is no universal best program.

My job is to show you the numbers side by side so you can choose the financing that fits your actual goal.

Maryland & Southern Maryland

MMP and Down Payment Assistance Across Maryland.

MMP is a statewide Maryland program, but income limits, purchase price limits, property eligibility, and local assistance opportunities can change by location.

Charles County

Buyers in Hughesville, Waldorf, La Plata, White Plains, and surrounding communities can compare MMP with other Maryland and county assistance options.

Charles County mortgage options →

Calvert County

Buyers in Prince Frederick, Lusby, Dunkirk, and nearby communities can compare MMP with county and employer based programs when available.

Calvert County mortgage options →

St. Mary's County

Buyers in California, Lexington Park, Leonardtown, Great Mills, and surrounding areas can use MMP when eligible and compare it with other DPA structures.

St. Mary's County mortgage options →

Ken also serves eligible buyers throughout Maryland, including Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Baltimore, and Harford counties. Current income and purchase price limits should always be checked for the exact property and household before you make an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maryland Mortgage Program Questions, Answered.

How much down payment assistance can MMP 1st Time Advantage provide?+

Current 1st Time Advantage options include a $6,000 deferred DPA loan, 3%, 4%, and 5% deferred DPA loans, plus specialty options such as HomeStart at 6% for eligible lower income buyers and 5% programs for qualifying UPLIFT properties and eligible first responders and teachers.

Is Maryland Mortgage Program assistance free money?+

Usually not. Many MMP assistance options are zero percent deferred second liens. You may not make monthly payments on the assistance, but the balance can become due when the first mortgage ends, including through sale, refinance, transfer, or repayment. The exact structure depends on the product.

Do I have to be a first time buyer?+

For the 1st Time Advantage line, you generally must be a first time homebuyer or meet a state exception, such as not owning a principal residence for more than three years, qualifying in a targeted area, or meeting the veteran first time homebuyer exemption requirements.

Can I use MMP in Southern Maryland?+

Yes, MMP is available statewide for eligible properties and borrowers, including Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties. Income, purchase price, credit, education, and property requirements still apply.

Should I use MMP or a Fairway down payment assistance program?+

It depends on the numbers. MMP, lender available DPA, grants, forgivable seconds, and repayable seconds can produce different interest rates, payments, cash to close, and future repayment obligations. Ken compares the available structures side by side instead of assuming one program is always best.

Official MMP details and current eligibility information: Maryland Mortgage Program 1st Time Advantage.