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Your first home. A clearer path.
Three steps toward a confident start.
Share your plans.
Tell Garland your preferred area, purchase timing and questions. We’ll identify the resources worth exploring for your home search.
Check the details.
Work with an approved lender or program administrator to verify eligibility, education, available funds and the full cost of financing.
Shop with a plan.
Use confirmed financing and program timelines to focus on suitable homes and prepare a thoughtful offer with Garland.
First-time buyer questions
Get clear before you commit.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Many programs focus on first-time buyers, often defined by a period without ownership of a principal residence. Definitions and exceptions vary. MMP and Virginia Housing offer some exceptions, and DC Open Doors and certain FHLB products also serve eligible repeat buyers. Ask the specific program administrator.
Is down payment assistance free money?
Sometimes it is a true grant. Other programs offer deferred or forgivable loans with liens, occupancy requirements or repayment triggers. Review the written terms and how a sale, refinance or move could affect your obligation.
Can I combine more than one assistance program?
Some programs allow layering, but each lender and funding source must approve the combination. Total assistance, eligible costs, lien priority and loan-program limits can restrict what may be combined. Do not assume two advertised benefits can be added together.
Can assistance pay all of my upfront costs?
It may cover some eligible down payment or closing costs, but an award is not guaranteed to cover everything. Buyers may still need funds for deposits, inspections, reserves or a required contribution. Ask your lender for a written cash-to-close estimate.
What affects eligibility?
Common factors include property location, first-time buyer status, household or borrower income, household size, credit, debt, purchase price, mortgage type, education and primary-residence requirements. The applicable lender or administrator makes the determination.
How do I start?
Share your preferred location and timing with Garland. We can discuss your home search and relevant resources, then you can confirm eligibility, education, financing and available funds with an approved lender or housing counselor before relying on assistance in an offer.
Program information reviewed October 28, 2026 using official Maryland Mortgage Program, Prince George’s County, DC DHCD, DCHFA, Virginia Housing, Virginia DHCD, FHLBank Atlanta and local government resources linked above. Amounts are maximums where stated, not promised awards. Funding, rates, eligibility and terms may change or programs may close. Confirm current details directly with the applicable administrator or participating lender.
A conversation can open the door
Let’s plan your
first home.
Explore the programs. Ask the right questions. Start your search with experienced local guidance.
Explore new construction homes or read more homebuying insights.
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First-time homebuyers · Maryland • DC • Virginia
Down payment assistance.
A stronger start.
Your first home may be closer than you think. Explore programs that can help with a down payment and closing costs—and build a homebuying plan with Garland Dabney.
A complimentary conversation. Clear next steps. No purchase commitment.
Find your starting point
Explore the help.
Understand the terms.
You may not need a 20% down payment to buy a home. Assistance can reduce eligible upfront costs, but the right fit depends on your location, household, financing and the home you choose. A participating lender or program administrator determines eligibility and available funding.
Help without repayment.
A true grant does not require repayment. Review eligibility and written terms carefully; not every program marketed as assistance is a grant.
Pay later, under the terms.
Payments may be postponed, but a sale, refinance, move or other event can make the balance due.
Conditions come first.
Assistance may be forgiven after required occupancy or other conditions are satisfied. Leaving early can mean repayment.
Explore possibilities before you start touring.I’ll help you identify programs worth discussing with an approved lender or housing counselor, coordinate your home search, and plan an offer around confirmed financing and program timelines. Assistance is not an approval or a funding reservation.
Programs by location
Maryland homebuyer assistance
Statewide mortgage assistance and local programs can help eligible buyers reduce upfront costs. Start with the county where you plan to purchase.
STATEWIDE · MORTGAGE + ASSISTANCE
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
1st Time Advantage offers a $6,000 option and options equal to 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first mortgage. HomeStart offers 6% for eligible households at or below 50% of area median income.
Most assistance is a 0% deferred second loan, due when the first mortgage ends. MMP assistance requires an MMP first mortgage; income, purchase-price, credit and education requirements apply.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY · UP TO $50,000
Pathway to Purchase
Eligible first-time buyers may receive down payment and closing cost assistance as a zero-interest deferred loan with no monthly payments. The County lists an income limit of 80% of area median income.
There is no forgiveness in years 1–5; 10% is forgiven annually over the next ten years, subject to owner occupancy. Published purchase-price caps are $485,000 for new construction and $448,000 for resale homes. Selling, transferring, refinancing or moving out early may trigger repayment. Confirm funding and current limits with the County and an approved lender.
STUDENT DEBT + HOME PURCHASE
Maryland SmartBuy
SmartBuy 3.0 pairs an eligible MMP mortgage with assistance of up to 15% of the purchase price, capped at $25,000, to fully pay qualifying student debt at closing. It may be combined with eligible MMP down payment assistance.
Student-debt assistance is a zero-interest loan conditionally forgiven after five years in the home. At least $1,000 in student debt is required; amounts above the assistance cap must be paid out of pocket. A participating lender must confirm full payoff, eligibility and separate down payment assistance terms.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY · LOCAL LOANS
Montgomery County specialty programs
The Montgomery Homeownership Program and Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan (MEDPAL) offer eligible purchasers assistance through an MMP first mortgage.
These are second mortgages with different repayment and forgiveness rules. MEDPAL has specific employer eligibility. Ask about funding and income limits before relying on an award.
COUNTY & CITY RESOURCES
More Maryland local assistance
Explore the state’s official directory for local programs, including Anne Arundel’s Mortgage Assistance Program, Howard County’s Settlement/Downpayment Loan Program and Laurel’s first-time buyer assistance.
Local assistance depends on the property location, income, purchase price and available funds. Ask whether it can be combined with MMP or other assistance.
Programs by location
Washington, DC homebuyer assistance
The District offers several routes to homeownership assistance. Some focus on household need, while others use participating mortgage lenders or qualifying employment.
DC · PURCHASE + CLOSING ASSISTANCE
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
HPAP provides eligible first-time buyers interest-free purchase assistance based on income, household size, need and funding. DHCD lists up to $202,000 in purchase assistance plus up to $4,000 in separate closing cost assistance.
This is loan assistance. Repayment terms vary by income, with sale, transfer, certain refinances or moving out triggering repayment. Apply through an approved community-based organization; DC residents receive priority.
DC · FIRST-TIME & REPEAT BUYERS
DC Open Doors
DCHFA pairs eligible first mortgages with a down payment assistance loan that can cover the required minimum down payment. Apply through a participating lender.
The assistance is a 0% deferred loan with no monthly payments, due at 30 years or earlier upon sale, transfer, refinancing or loss of primary-residence status. Loan, credit and income limits apply.
ELIGIBLE DC GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
DC4ME
Qualifying full-time District government employees can explore a reduced-rate first mortgage, with an option for 3% down payment assistance through a zero-interest deferred subordinate loan.
Employer eligibility, education, income and lending requirements apply. A separate DC4ME VA product serves qualifying military-connected borrowers; ask a participating lender about its terms.
ELIGIBLE DISTRICT EMPLOYEES
Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)
EAHP offers eligible District government employees a deferred, zero-interest loan and matching grant funds toward down payment and closing costs on a first home in DC.
The loan is secured against the property and has repayment triggers. Additional first-responder assistance has occupancy and service conditions. Availability depends on funding.
Programs by location
Virginia homebuyer assistance
Virginia Housing—formerly known as VHDA—offers grants and loan options. State and local partners also provide assistance for eligible first-time buyers.
FORMERLY VHDA · TRUE GRANT
Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant
Eligible buyers using a Virginia Housing bond FHA or conventional mortgage may qualify for a down payment grant that does not require repayment.
First-time buyer rules, income and sales-price limits apply, with certain area-based exceptions. The grant can only accompany an eligible Virginia Housing mortgage. Ask an approved lender for the current award amount.
ELIGIBLE VA & RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOANS
Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance Grant
This nonrepayable grant may provide up to 2% of the home’s purchase price toward eligible closing costs, Rural Development guarantees or VA funding fees.
Requires an eligible Virginia Housing bond VA or RD loan and compliance with income, sales-price and buyer requirements. It is a separate option from the down payment grant.
FIRST-TIME & REPEAT BUYERS · REPAYABLE LOAN
Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage
An eligible first mortgage can be paired with a second mortgage to help cover the down payment and, for qualified borrowers, part of the closing costs.
This is a 30-year fixed-rate second loan with repayment obligations, rather than a grant. Compare the combined monthly payment and total borrowing cost with your lender.
STATE PROGRAMS · LOCAL PROVIDERS
Virginia DHCD down payment assistance
The HOMEownership DPA program serves eligible first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income, with assistance capped at $40,000. The Virginia DPA Pilot lists up to $50,000 for eligible buyers at or below 60% AMI.
Assistance is a deferred loan with occupancy conditions. Availability, service area, property limits and approved providers differ between programs. Check the current provider lists and guidelines.
MATCHED SAVINGS · PLAN AHEAD
Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA)
VIDA helps eligible buyers prepare through education and matched savings. The current match is $10 for each $1 saved, up to $10,000 in matching funds for down payment and closing costs.
Enrollment depends on eligibility, readiness, funding and a participating intermediary serving your locality. This program requires time to save and complete its requirements.
Available through participating financial institutions
FHLB grants for homebuyers
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta homebuyer funding may be available through participating member banks and credit unions serving Maryland, DC and Virginia. You apply through a participating financial institution, rather than directly to Garland or the FHLBank.
FHLBANK ATLANTA · UP TO $17,500
First-Time Homebuyer Product
Eligible first-time buyers may receive funding toward down payment and closing costs through a participating member financial institution.
Ask the lender about current allocations, income eligibility, buyer contribution, counseling, retention requirements and any repayment or recapture provisions. Funds are limited and not guaranteed.
FHLBANK ATLANTA · UP TO $20,000
Community Partners Product
Eligible current or retired educators, health care workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, along with qualifying military-connected buyers, may receive assistance. First-time and repeat buyers may qualify.
Employment or military eligibility is only part of the review. Confirm income, lender participation, funding availability and all award conditions with the member financial institution.
Northern Virginia local resources
Look closer to home.
Arlington · MIPAP
The Moderate-Income Purchase Assistance Program offers eligible Arlington buyers down payment and closing cost assistance through a subordinate loan. Review the County’s repayment and shared-appreciation terms.
Arlington Homeownership Programs ↗Alexandria · FHAP
Flexible Homeownership Assistance helps eligible buyers with down payment, principal reduction and/or closing costs, generally for qualifying City-marketed affordable homes. Resale and shared-equity restrictions can apply.
Alexandria Homebuyer Resources ↗Fairfax County · FTHB
The First-Time Homebuyers Program provides access to designated affordable homes. It is a homeownership resource with buyer contributions and resale restrictions, rather than a general cash grant for any listing.
Fairfax First-Time Homebuyers ↗Local guidance. A practical plan.
Turn program research
into your first move.
With more than 20 years of full-time experience, I help first-time buyers connect the pieces: location, budget, financing, property search and negotiation.
Book a ConsultationWhat we’ll work through
- Where you want to buy and which resources serve that area.
- Questions to bring to a participating lender or housing counselor.
- Homebuyer education, preapproval and program timing.
- Homes and offer terms that fit your confirmed financing.
I provide real estate guidance. Lenders and program administrators handle applications, eligibility, loan terms and funding decisions.
Start with a conversation
Get your homebuyer assistance plan.
Tell me where you hope to buy and when you’d like to move. I’ll follow up to discuss relevant resources and a practical path forward. This is a real estate inquiry, not a loan or program application.