No — you do not have to be a first-time buyer to get help in Maryland. While some programs are reserved for first-time buyers, several popular options through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) — like the MMP Flex line and First Home 100/100+ — are open to repeat buyers too. I'm Ronnie Gilmer, a REALTOR® with Samson Properties serving Maryland and Washington, DC, and below I'll break down which programs care about "first-time" status and which don't.
What does "first-time buyer" actually mean in Maryland?
Here's the part that surprises a lot of my clients: "first-time buyer" usually does NOT mean you've literally never owned a home. For most programs, it generally means you haven't owned and occupied your primary residence in the last three years (current as of 2026). So if you sold a home a few years ago, you may still count as a first-time buyer for program purposes. Definitions vary by program, so always confirm with your lender before you assume you're in or out.
Which Maryland programs are open to repeat buyers?
Several of the most useful options welcome both first-time AND repeat buyers. The MMP Flex 6000 is a flat $6,000, zero-interest deferred second loan for your down payment and closing costs, repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home — and it's available to first-time and repeat buyers alike. The MMP Flex 3% offers down payment assistance equal to 3% of your first mortgage (a percentage, not a flat dollar amount), also a 0% deferred loan. And First Home 100 / First Home 100+ — a private lender product from First Home Mortgage (NMLS #71603), not the Maryland Mortgage Program or a government program — provides down payment assistance of 3.5% (First Home 100) or 5% (First Home 100+) as a repayable fixed-rate second loan (not a grant, not forgivable), with no income limits and no first-time-buyer requirement (it's available across MD, VA, and DC).
If you've owned before and assumed you were out of luck, you may be eligible for more than you think — check your fit with the free Buyer Program Checker.
Which Maryland programs ARE first-time-only?
Some programs are specifically designed for first-time buyers. The MMP 1st Time Advantage offers the lowest 30-year fixed MMP rate but fewer extra assistance dollars, and it's generally aimed at first-time buyers (with a few exceptions). Other state and county programs may layer on their own first-time requirements, income limits, and purchase-price caps that vary by county and household size — your approved MMP lender can confirm the current figures for your situation. The takeaway: "first-time-only" is the exception, not the rule, but you do need to read each program's fine print.
How do you qualify and get started?
Most MMP options require you to work with an approved MMP lender, and homebuyer education is typically required for all buyers before approval — usually a HUD-, Fannie Mae-, or Freddie Mac-approved course, available online or in person. Income limits and home-purchase-price limits vary by county and household, so confirm the current figures with your lender. The credit-score minimum for most MMP loans is commonly around 640 (current as of 2026), though some products (such as SmartBuy) require a higher score. To get started, you'll connect with an approved lender, complete a homebuyer education course, and let them match you to the program that fits your situation.
First-hand tip / common pitfall: The biggest mistake I see is buyers ruling themselves out before they ever talk to a lender — "I owned a house before, so I won't qualify." That assumption can cost you thousands in assistance. Because the three-year rule and program definitions are nuanced, get an actual eligibility review before you decide you don't qualify. You may be eligible for the Flex line or First Home 100 even as a repeat buyer, subject to lender approval.
Key takeaways
- You do NOT have to be a first-time buyer to get help in Maryland — many programs accept repeat buyers.
- "First-time buyer" generally means no ownership of a primary residence in the last 3 years (current as of 2026), not "never owned."
- MMP Flex 6000, MMP Flex 3%, and First Home 100/100+ are open to first-time AND repeat buyers (First Home 100/100+ is a private First Home Mortgage product, not the state program).
- MMP 1st Time Advantage is generally geared toward first-time buyers and offers the lowest 30-year fixed MMP rate.
- Most MMP programs require an approved lender, homebuyer education, and meeting county-specific income/price limits — confirm the current figures with your lender.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use the Maryland Mortgage Program?
No. While certain MMP products like the 1st Time Advantage are aimed at first-time buyers, others — including the MMP Flex 6000 and MMP Flex 3% — are open to repeat buyers. Your approved MMP lender can confirm which products you may qualify for.
I owned a home a few years ago — do I still count as a first-time buyer?
Possibly. For many programs, "first-time buyer" generally means you haven't owned and occupied your primary residence in the last three years (current as of 2026). Even if you don't meet that definition, you could still be eligible for repeat-buyer-friendly programs like the Flex line or First Home 100.
Which down payment assistance program is best if I'm a repeat buyer?
It depends on your numbers, but the MMP Flex 6000, MMP Flex 3%, and First Home 100/100+ are all options that don't require first-time-buyer status. The right fit depends on your county, income, purchase price, and how much help you need with closing costs — your lender will help you compare.
What do I need to qualify for Maryland down payment help?
Generally you'll need to use an approved MMP lender, complete homebuyer education (a HUD-, Fannie Mae-, or Freddie Mac-approved course, online or in person), and meet income and home-purchase-price limits that vary by county and household — confirm the current figures with your lender. The credit-score minimum for most MMP loans is commonly around 640 (current as of 2026). Final eligibility is always subject to lender approval.
See if you may qualify
Whether you're a first-time or repeat buyer, the smartest first step is a quick eligibility check — don't rule yourself out before you have the facts. Start with Check My Buyer Eligibility, run your scenario through the free Buyer Program Checker, or Book a Free Consultation and we'll map it out together. If you're a repeat buyer, take a closer look at the MMP Flex 6000 zero-interest deferred loan and the MMP Flex 3% down payment assistance program — both may be open to you.
Last updated: June 18, 2026. Program details change frequently — verify current guidelines with a licensed lender; this is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of eligibility. Ronnie Gilmer · Samson Properties · Serving Maryland & DC · Not affiliated with any government agency or the Maryland Mortgage Program.