State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Maryland

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in Maryland.

Maryland First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) →

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
Competitive rate + down payment assistance up to $25,000

Income limits vary by household size and county.

Learn more →
1st Time Advantage
Up to 5% of first mortgage for down payment/closing costs

Must be a first-time buyer.

Learn more →
Transfer Tax Rate
0.5% (state) + 0–1.5% (county)

Maryland State Transfer Tax is 0.5% of the purchase price. County transfer taxes add 0.5–1.5% depending on the county. First-time buyers may qualify for a reduced rate.

Attorney Required at Closing?
Yes — attorney state

Maryland is an attorney-state. A licensed Maryland attorney must conduct the title examination and closing.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in Maryland

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in Maryland.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved →
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates →

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection →

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote →

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans →

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes →

Looking for a different state?

← View All States