Closed to new reservations as of September 1, 2026
The Maryland Mortgage Program published Directive 2026-09 on September 1, 2026: the Montgomery Homeownership Program is closed effective immediately due to full commitment of the funds. Existing reservations will be honored. If more funds become available, MMP says it will publish a directive reopening the product.
Already have a reservation with an approved lender? It is honored, so talk to that lender. If you do not, run the free 2-minute checker or book a free 15-minute Game Plan Call and we will go through what is still open.
MMP Directive 2026-09 · Verified September 4, 2026.
Quick Summary: The Montgomery County Homeownership Program offers county-level down payment and closing-cost assistance — up to $50,000, not exceeding 40% of household income — to help eligible buyers purchase a home in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is delivered as a second lien behind a Maryland Mortgage Program first mortgage, but the MMP fact sheet states it cannot be used in conjunction with any other MMP products, so it does not stack with other state down payment assistance.
How the Montgomery County Homeownership Program Works
The Montgomery County Homeownership Program is a county-level down payment assistance product designed for buyers purchasing in Montgomery County, Maryland. It provides funds — up to $50,000, not exceeding 40% of household income — that can go toward your down payment and closing costs, the two costs that most often keep otherwise-ready buyers renting.
This program is delivered with a Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) first mortgage, administered statewide by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through its Community Development Administration (CDA). Note the limit: the MMP fact sheet states the Montgomery Homeownership Program cannot be used in conjunction with any other MMP products, and its assistance cannot be combined with DPA Partner Match funds. It replaces other MMP down payment assistance rather than stacking on top of it.
As a Maryland agent, here are two real-world tips. First, you almost always must use a lender approved for the program — do not lock a rate with a random lender and assume the county money will follow; start with an approved MMP/CDA lender so the layering is set up correctly from day one. Second, homebuyer education is typically required for MMP-linked assistance, and the certificate can take time to issue, so complete the course early rather than scrambling at closing. Funding for county programs can also be limited or run on cycles, so it is worth confirming availability before you fall in love with a house.
Eligibility Requirements
- Buyer status: First-time homebuyers (no primary residence owned in the last three years).
- Property location: Montgomery County, Maryland (county-specific program)
- Minimum credit score: Around 640 for most Maryland Mortgage Program products; SmartBuy requires higher.
- Income limits: Vary by county and household size.
- Other requirements: Use of an approved Maryland Mortgage Program lender; completion of an accepted homebuyer education course (typically required); home purchase price within program limits; the home must usually be your primary residence.
- Program figures and requirements change — confirm current details with an approved MMP/CDA lender before you rely on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine the Montgomery County Homeownership Program with other Maryland Mortgage Program help?
No. The MMP fact sheet states the Montgomery Homeownership Program cannot be used in conjunction with any other MMP products, and its assistance cannot be combined with matching funds from the DPA Partner Match program. It comes with an MMP first mortgage, but it replaces other MMP down payment assistance instead of stacking with it. Separately, the program closed to new reservations on September 1, 2026.
How much money can I get from the Montgomery County Homeownership Program?
Assistance is up to $50,000, not exceeding 40% of household income. The amount you personally may receive depends on the current program guidelines, your income, the purchase price, and available funding. An approved lender can tell you the figure you could be eligible for based on today's rules.
Do I have to pay the Montgomery County assistance back?
Yes, eventually. The Montgomery Homeownership Program assistance is a 0% deferred loan, not a grant. There is no monthly payment and no interest; the balance is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Get the repayment terms in writing from your approved MMP/CDA lender before you make an offer.
How do I apply for the Montgomery County Homeownership Program?
Most buyers start by getting pre-qualified with an approved Maryland Mortgage Program lender, who confirms eligibility and sets up the program for you. Completing your homebuyer education early helps keep the process moving. Ronnie Gilmer with Samson Properties can connect you with an approved lender and walk you through the steps for Montgomery County.
Check If You May Qualify
You could be eligible for thousands toward your down payment and closing costs in Montgomery County — but the only way to know your real numbers is to have an approved lender review your situation against current program rules. I'm Ronnie Gilmer with Samson Properties, serving buyers across Maryland and DC, and I'll help you figure out which programs you may qualify for and connect you with an approved MMP/CDA lender.
Check If You May Qualify
Find Programs I May Qualify ForProgram details change frequently — verify current guidelines with a licensed lender; this is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of eligibility.
Last updated: September 4, 2026. Ronnie Gilmer · Samson Properties · Serving Maryland & DC. Not affiliated with any government agency or the Maryland Mortgage Program.
Related programs
MMP Flex 6000
$6,000 zero-interest, deferred loan toward down payment and closing costs (repay at sale, refinance, or payoff).
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Prince George's County Pathway to Purchase
Substantial down-payment & closing-cost help — up to $50,000 per buyer.