Available Programs

Every Maryland Down Payment Assistance Program We Offer.

These are Fairway-approved, compliance-reviewed programs available to eligible Maryland home buyers. Eligibility subject to program requirements.

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National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)

Up to 5% of purchase price

Fairway empowers home buyers with the National Homebuyers Fund, offering both first-time and existing homebuyers up to 5% of their new home's purchase price to assist with down payment and closing costs.

Forgivable DPA Option, 3.5%

✓3.5% of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is lower
✓30-year second lien with 0% interest
✓Forgiven after 3 years, so long as the property remains the borrower's primary residence

Repayable DPA Option, 3.5% or 5%

✓3.5% or 5% of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is lower
✓10-year second lien with an interest rate of 2% higher than the first mortgage
✓Monthly payments required

Not available in New York or Washington. Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Copyright©2026 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation doing business as Fairway Home Mortgage. NMLS#2289.

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Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)

State of Maryland DPA

The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) provides competitive interest rates and down payment assistance to eligible Maryland home buyers through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

✓Down payment and closing cost assistance
✓Competitive fixed interest rates
✓Available for first-time and repeat buyers in targeted areas
✓Income and purchase price limits apply by county

View Maryland Mortgage Program details → mmp.maryland.gov

Buying in Calvert County? See the county's House Keys 4 Employees program, which offers eligible first-time buyers up to $15,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance through the MMP.

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Freddie Mac BorrowSmart, $2,500 Credit

Very low-income buyers (VLIP)

Fairway provides a $2,500 credit toward the down payment for eligible very low-income purchase (VLIP) buyers in connection with Freddie Mac's Home Possible® mortgage. No repayment required.

✓$2,500 credit, no repayment required
✓Freddie Mac Home Possible® eligible mortgages
✓Homebuyer education required for all first-time borrowers
✓At least one borrower must be a first-time homebuyer
✓Available in all states · Income and purchase price limits apply

Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289.

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FHA $100 Down Program

HUD REO properties

Purchase and renovate a HUD REO home for only $100 down. This FHA program allows buyers to finance both the purchase of a HUD REO property and renovation costs with just $100 down payment.

Program Guidelines

✓Must be buyer's primary residence · single-family
✓Only HUD REO homes eligible, visit hudhomestore.gov
✓Buyer cannot have purchased a HUD home in prior 24 months
✓Max renovation budget: $75K (limited) or no maximum (standard)

Renovation Options

✓New roof installation
✓Kitchen remodeling
✓New flooring · bathroom updates
✓Mold remediation & much more

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FHA SolarHoper Program

Solar panels rolled into mortgage

The FHA allows the cost of new solar panels and their installation to be rolled into the base loan amount when purchasing or refinancing a home. Eligible borrowers can take advantage of the Hoper incentive program and receive up to $13,000, applied toward the down payment or kept as cash reserves after closing.

✓Roll solar panel cost into your mortgage loan amount
✓Up to $13,000 Hoper incentive for eligible borrowers
✓Funds applied to down payment or kept as cash reserves after closing
✓Available for purchase or refinance · nationwide except AK, AL, HI, MN, ND, NY, SD

Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289.

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USDA Rural Development, $0 Down

No DPA needed

USDA loans provide 100% financing for eligible rural and suburban homes, no down payment assistance program required. Large portions of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties qualify. I check eligibility at no cost.

USDA Guaranteed Loan Program details → rd.usda.gov

FAQ

Down Payment Assistance Questions, Answered.

Can I combine down payment assistance with a VA or USDA loan?+

VA and USDA loans already provide $0 down payment, so additional DPA is often not needed or applicable. However, some programs can help cover closing costs in conjunction with VA or USDA loans. I'll show you the full picture.

Is the NHF grant available to repeat home buyers?+

Yes, the National Homebuyers Fund program is available to both first-time and existing homebuyers. You do not need to be a first-time buyer to qualify.

What are the income limits for down payment assistance in Maryland?+

Income limits vary by program, county, and household size. The Maryland Mortgage Program and Freddie Mac BorrowSmart both have income limits. I check your specific eligibility at no cost during our initial consultation.

Does down payment assistance affect my interest rate?+

Some DPA programs are paired with slightly higher interest rates to offset the assistance cost. I always show you a side-by-side comparison of a DPA loan vs. a standard loan so you can make an informed decision.

Can I use down payment assistance to buy in Southern Maryland?+

Yes, all programs listed here are available in Maryland, including Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties. Some programs also have geographic restrictions. I'll confirm what applies to your specific area.

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Chenoa Fund DPA, FHA Financing

3.5% or 5% DPA with FHA

Fairway offers the Chenoa Fund DPA program by CBC Mortgage Agency for qualified borrowers using FHA financing. The program provides down payment assistance of 3.5% or 5% of the property's sales price or adjusted value, whichever is less.

Program Details

✓Only available on FHA purchase transactions
✓Minimum FICO® Score: 600
✓No first-time homebuyer requirement
✓No income limits
✓Manufactured homes eligible
✓1/0 and 2/1 temporary buydowns available

Assistance Structure

✓3.5% or 5% of sales price or adjusted value (whichever is less)
✓Repayable second lien with 10-year term
✓Interest rate 2% higher than first lien rate
✓FHA loan limits apply
✓Homebuyer education may be required based on credit

Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. Eligibility subject to program stipulations, qualifying factors, applicable income and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions, and property limits. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289.

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Homeward Edge Assistance

True Grant, No Repayment

Homeward Edge is a true grant, there is no repayment required. The program provides 2% of the purchase price or $4,500 toward the down payment (whichever applies). No second loan file required.

Program Highlights

✓True grant, no repayment required
✓No second loan file
✓2% of purchase price or $4,500 toward down payment
✓Purchase only · Conventional Fannie HFA Preferred
✓Reasonable and customary fees · no product-specific fees

Eligibility Requirements

✓At least one borrower must be a first-time homebuyer
✓Non-occupant co-borrowers not permitted
✓1% minimum borrower contribution required
✓Gift funds not allowed for the 1% contribution
✓1-unit SFR, warrantable condos, PUDs eligible
✓Corporate closing team only

Maryland Down Payment Assistance Programs, Get Into a Home With Less Out of Pocket.