The Maryland Mortgage Program

Nine steps.
State-backed financing, 0% down-payment help.

MMP pairs a 30-year fixed first mortgage with 0% deferred down-payment assistance - and SmartBuy 3.0 can pay off qualifying student debt at closing. Here is the program path from finding an approved lender to keys in hand.

The program path, step by step

Step 1

Find an approved lender

MMP loans must be originated by a DHCD-approved lender - your loan officer confirms approval status before anything else.

Step 2

Income and household check

Every household member age 18+ counts toward the income limit; catching all income sources early prevents surprises at underwriting.

Step 3

Complete homebuyer education

Required for MMP; finishing it early unlocks all product options and keeps your timeline on track from day one.

Step 4

Choose your MMP product

Pick from 1st Time Advantage Direct, 6000, the 3-4-5% DPA Loan, or SmartBuy 3.0 - your situation drives the best fit.

Step 5

Reservation and pre-approval

DHCD reserves your MMP funds; a pre-approval letter is issued so you can shop with confidence.

Step 6

Contract on a home

Purchase price must stay within MMP acquisition limits; your Realtor knows the caps going in.

Step 7

Underwriting

The lender reviews income, assets, and MMP program compliance simultaneously - respond to conditions quickly to stay on schedule.

Step 8

Final compliance review

DHCD confirms program eligibility a second time before the clear-to-close; keep income and employment steady through closing.

Step 9

Closing day

Sign the first mortgage and the deferred second at the table - no out-of-pocket payment on the MMP second, ever, until you sell, refinance, or move.

County nuance pointers

Program facts, not offers - income and acquisition price limits are set per county and change over time.

Limits are county-specific

The Montgomery and Prince George's County figures on the handout are one example - most other Maryland counties carry lower limits.

DHCD publishes current numbers

Income and acquisition price limits are set by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and change periodically.

Every household member 18+ counts

The income test looks at the whole household, not just the borrowers on the loan - we check this together in the first call.

We confirm your target county's number

Before you shop, we look up the current limit for the specific county where you plan to buy - not a statewide average.

This is a program-fact overview, not a personalized quote. Limits are effective as of the date shown and subject to change without notice.

See which MMP product fits you - free

Scan the code or reach out. We walk through your household income, credit profile, and first-time buyer status to identify which MMP products are open to you - and which one fits your situation best.

Scan for your free MMP eligibility check

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{{compliance.pendingLabel}} Equal Housing Opportunity. {{lo.company}}, NMLS #{{lo.nmls}} (Company NMLS #{{compliance.companyNmls}}). Program facts from the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Income and acquisition price limits effective June 24, 2026; subject to change without notice; program funds subject to availability. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is not affiliated with CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC. Deferred second mortgages: 0% interest, no monthly payment, due in full at sale, refinance, transfer, or payoff of the first mortgage; not forgiven except SmartBuy 3.0 (conventional-only, forgiven 20%/yr over 5 years). SmartBuy 3.0 pays up to 15% of purchase price, max $25,000, toward borrower's own student debt; expanded June 1, 2026. All loans subject to program eligibility, credit approval, and underwriting; not all applicants will qualify. This co-marketed seminar is cost-split by fair market value of promotion per RESPA; no party pays for referrals. Consult a tax advisor. NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.