Everyday heroes are the backbone of our communities and are the reason the places we call home are so incredible. From fighting fires and keeping neighborhoods safe to helping students thrive, our local heroes work tirelessly to make Maryland a better place to live. As a way to give back to those who serve us, it’s our turn to serve them.
Introducing First Homes for First Responders and Teachers, a Maryland exclusive program designed to offer competitive financing paired with generous down payment assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers. The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) recognizes the profound contributions for those who have committed their careers to public service, making this program a powerful way to achieve homeownership.
⚡ Program Overview: First Homes for First Responders & Teachers
- Eligible Homebuyers: First-time homebuyers in Maryland working as first responders or educators.
- Benefits: Lower 30-year fixed interest rate + a 5% secondary loan for down payment and closing costs.
- Secondary Loan Terms: 0% Interest, no monthly payments, and 100% deferred until you sell, refinance, or transfer the property.
What Do Program Recipients Receive?
One of the biggest hurdles to overcoming homeownership is saving enough money for their down payment and closing costs. These large, one-time out-of-pocket expenses often make buying a first home feel daunting.
Through Maryland’s First Homes for First Responders and Teachers Program, eligible buyers can access these game-changing benefits:
- Reduced interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate primary mortgage.
- Receive 5% of the total amount as a secondary loan to cover upfront down payment and closing costs.
- The 5% secondary loan incurs 0% interest and requires no monthly payments.
- Can be combined with external grants or loans for employers, builders, or non-profits (subject to MMP, U.S. Bank, and investor guidelines).*
*The secondary loan is 100% deferred. You pay nothing monthly, and the balance is only due when you sell, refinance, or transfer the property, as long as you maintain the home as your primary residence. Secondary loan cannot be combined with other MMP products or the MMP Partner Match Program.
Eligible Occupations:
This program is available to eligible first-time homebuyers working in qualifying public service professions in the state of Maryland. If you are moving to Maryland for a full-time role in one of the following professions, you may also be eligible for the program’s benefits.
First Responders:
- Firefighters & Volunteer Firefighters
- Certified EMTs & Paramedics
- Police Officers & Rescue Squad Personnel
- Fire Marshals & 9-1-1 Specialists
Teachers & Counselors:
- Full-time state-certified classroom teachers or school counselors
- Employed by an accredited/state-recognized public, private, or vocational school
- Serving Pre-K through 12th grade
Additional Program Requirements
Like other programs offered through the Maryland Mortgage Program, borrowers must meet standard qualifying criteria to receive benefits:
- All borrowers must complete an approved homebuyer education class. These courses can be found on the Maryland Mortgage Program website or by working directly with your loan officer.
- Borrowers must meet all standard MMP eligibility requirements, including household income caps, minimum credit score thresholds, and purchase price limits.
- In some instances, applicants must provide a standard written Verification of Employment to confirm their active qualifying profession.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are looking to purchase your first home and are in an eligible public service profession in Maryland, you don’t have to navigate the process along. Specialized grants and down payment assistance can make your homeownership goals far more attainable.
Contact us today to confirm your eligibility, review current rates, and get pre-approved.
