GetDMVGrants.com | with Chris Dudley
Realtor in DC, MD & VA
Welcome to GetDMVGrants.com — your trusted resource for finding first-time home buyer grants across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Whether you're just starting your homeownership journey or ready to buy this year, we help you:
✅ Find down payment and closing cost assistance programs
✅ Learn what you qualify for — based on income, location, or profession
✅ Explore city, county, and state-funded grant opportunities
✅ Connect with local experts who can help you apply and succeed
👉 Start Here: Use our easy lookup tools to find the grants that match your household — based on location and income.
First-Time Buyers: Don’t Miss These Free Grant Programs in VA, MD & DC!
Grants in Virginia
The HOMEownership Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DPA) Program by Virginia DHCD offers a deferred, interest‑free second loan—up to 10% of the sales price (or 15% in select high-cost/depressed areas) plus up to $2,500 for closing costs—to help first‑time buyers at or below 80% of area median income afford a safe, decent home, with a mandatory affordability period and no payments during that time.
The Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage is a 30-year, fixed-rate subordinate loan designed to work alongside a Virginia Housing first mortgage (FHA, Conventional, or Conventional No MI), offering 3–5% of the purchase price to cover the down payment—and, for buyers with credit scores of 680 or higher, up to an additional 1.5% to help with closing costs. Available to both first-time and repeat buyers (including those in Areas of Economic Opportunity), the loan requires borrowers to have at least 1% of the purchase price available for closing or reserves, and is subject to income and home price limits based on household size and region. The loan has no prepayment penalty and must be repaid over 30 years.
The Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) program helps low- to moderate-income Virginians save for major goals—like buying a home—by rewarding consistent saving habits. For every $1 you save in a special VIDA account, the program adds up to $8–$10, with a maximum match of $10,000. You must complete financial education and save regularly over a 4 to 24-month period, and the match is applied directly toward your home purchase (or other approved use, like education or small business). The program is available to both first-time and repeat buyers who meet income and asset limits—generally earning less than 80% of the area median income and having net assets under $10,000 (excluding one car and a home). Participants must be employed and work through a partner agency that provides support throughout the process. It’s a powerful savings booster that turns your discipline into real down payment money. IDEAL for buyers planning one-two years down the line to SAVE then buy!
The Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance (CCA) Grant is free money (a true grant, meaning you don’t have to pay it back) that can cover up to 2% of your home’s purchase price to help pay for closing costs, like fees for processing the loan, property taxes you pay upfront, or special discounts called points that lower your mortgage interest. It’s available to both first-time and repeat buyers who use a Virginia Housing-backed loan, especially in certain areas that need more help. To qualify, you must meet income and home price limits based on your family size and where you’re buying, follow credit and loan rules, and take a homebuyer education course. This grant can be combined with other aid programs to make buying your home more affordable by reducing the cash you need on closing day.
The First Home Dream Program by Virginia Housing is designed to help first-generation homebuyers—people who have never owned a home themselves and whose parents also haven’t owned a home in the past three years—by giving them a 2% interest rate buy-down for the first year on a 30-year fixed mortgage. This means your mortgage interest rate is lowered by 2 percentage points during that first year, making your monthly payments much smaller and easier to manage. Some lenders may also offer a smaller interest rate buy-down for a second year to keep payments affordable longer. After the buy-down period ends, the rate returns to the original note rate. To qualify, you need a credit score of at least 620, meet income limits, and use a participating lender. This program is a great way to ease into homeownership by reducing initial costs, especially if you’re the first in your family to buy a home.
Grants in Maryland
The MMP 1st Time Advantage program offers Maryland first-time homebuyers a 30-year fixed mortgage with interest rates about 0.5% to 2% lower than typical market rates, lowering monthly payments and making homeownership more affordable; it doesn’t include down payment or closing cost assistance but can be combined with separate grants, and requires meeting income and purchase price limits plus completing a homebuyer education course.
The MMP HomeStart 6% DPA Loan is a Maryland Mortgage Program designed to assist first-time homebuyers with limited income. It provides a 6% down payment and closing cost assistance loan, which is a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This means you don't have to make payments on the loan until you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county, and you must meet other standard eligibility requirements, including a minimum credit score of 640 and completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This program is ideal for those who can afford monthly mortgage payments but struggle with upfront costs.
The Montgomery Homeownership Program (MHP) is a Montgomery County initiative in partnership with the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) that provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers purchasing a home in Montgomery County. The program offers a 0%, deferred second mortgage of up to $25,000, or 40% of the borrower's qualifying income—whichever is less. This assistance can be used for down payment or closing costs and is repaid upon the sale, refinance, transfer, or after 30 years, whichever occurs first. To qualify, applicants must meet income and purchase price limits, complete a homebuyer education course, and use a participating MMP-approved lender. This program is designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time and repeat buyers in Montgomery County.
The Maryland Homefront Program is a Maryland state initiative that offers active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families access to affordable homeownership opportunities. The program provides a 0.25% interest rate reduction on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), making monthly payments more manageable. Eligible participants can also receive $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through MMP's Down Payment Assistance Program, which can be combined with other local or partner match funds. Additionally, the program offers the Maryland HomeCredit, a federal tax credit that allows borrowers to claim 25% of their mortgage interest paid each year, up to $2,000 annually, reducing overall tax liability. To qualify, applicants must meet MMP's standard eligibility requirements, including income and credit score criteria, and complete a homebuyer education course. This program is designed to honor and support Maryland's military community by making homeownership more accessible and affordable.
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) offers a $10,000 Down Payment Assistance (DPA) grant to eligible first-time homebuyers in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland, to help cover down payment or closing costs. To qualify, you must be a first-time buyer with household income under 120% of Area Median Income (AMI), contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds, qualify for a mortgage, have a ratified sales contract in a designated “Sustainable Community,” complete LEDC’s Homebuyer Seminar and counseling, schedule a home inspection, and attend post-purchase counseling. The grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.
The Pathway to Purchase program in Prince George’s County, Maryland, offers first-time homebuyers up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for purchasing a home within the county. This 0% interest, deferred-payment loan is forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy; if the homeowner sells, refinances, or moves out before then, the loan becomes due. Eligible properties include new construction, resale homes, foreclosures, and short sales, with purchase price limits of $432,000 for resale homes and $467,000 for new construction. To qualify, applicants must work with an approved lender, complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course, and pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. Additionally, buyers can combine this assistance with Maryland Mortgage Program products like the 1st Time Advantage or Partner Match, potentially adding up to $8,500 in extra support.
The Gaithersburg Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program (GHALP) offers eligible first-time homebuyers up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for homes purchased within the City of Gaithersburg. The program provides a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan, meaning repayment is due upon sale, refinance, or transfer of the property. Assistance amounts vary based on property location: up to $12,000 in Standard Zones and up to $25,000 in Opportunity Zones. To qualify, applicants must have lived or worked in Gaithersburg for at least one year and meet income limits up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), depending on household size. Priority is given to K-12 public and private school employees, City of Gaithersburg employees, police officers, fire safety employees, and veterans. Starting July 1, 2025, applicants must work with a Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) approved lender. Additionally, applicants must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Federal Grants
(not tied to a State)
The National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) offers down payment assistance of up to 5% of the mortgage amount for both first-time and repeat homebuyers purchasing a primary residence. It is available in most states (excluding a few like NY and WA), and income limits are generous—typically up to 160% of the area median income. Assistance comes as a second mortgage that is either forgivable after 10 years (0% interest, no payments) or repayable over 10 years with a low interest rate. Minimum credit scores generally start at 600–640, and debt-to-income ratios are allowed up to about 45%. The program works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans, and homebuyer education (such as HUD-approved or HomeView) is required. NHF is best suited for buyers with stable income but limited savings, and applications must go through a participating lender who will guide you through qualification and closing.
The Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) program helps full-time teachers (Pre-K–12), police officers, firefighters, and EMTs buy HUD-owned homes at a 50% discount in designated “revitalization areas.” You don’t need to be a first-time buyer, but you must not have owned a home in the past 12 months and must commit to living in the home as your primary residence for at least 3 years. There are no income limits, and while GNND itself doesn’t set credit score requirements, you must qualify for a mortgage—usually requiring a credit score of 580 or higher. The home must be listed on the HUD HomeStore site and is sold as-is. You’ll finance half the price through a regular lender, and HUD gives you a silent second mortgage for the other half, which is forgiven after 3 years if all conditions are met. No special class is required, but some lenders may ask for homebuyer education. This program is ideal for community workers with stable jobs, average credit, and limited savings who want to live where they serve.
🔍 Bonus: National Nonprofit & Employer Programs
The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) offers a no down payment, no closing cost, no credit score requirement mortgage with below-market fixed interest rates for both first-time and repeat homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. There are no income limits, but buyers with lower incomes can purchase in any area, while higher-income buyers must buy in designated low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. NACA doesn’t use credit scores but instead looks at your payment history over the last 12 months and requires savings to show you can afford the new payment. The process involves attending a free homebuyer workshop, completing financial counseling, and submitting documents to become “NACA Qualified” before buying. Multi-unit and fixer-upper homes are allowed with added requirements like landlord training or repair planning. This program is best for buyers with limited savings, fair or poor credit history, and the patience to go through a detailed but highly affordable process.
NACA gives you a powerful, low-cost home loan with no down payment or fees, a low fixed rate, and no credit score requirement. You must join, attend a workshop, complete counseling, show your finances and savings, and live in the home you buy. It's best for motivated buyers with limited cash and fair payment histories who can handle a slower, thorough process.
This programs requires you to use an NACA-registered realtor - having only just researched this program for you, as of 06-26-2025, I will actively engage to become NACA registered, and will update this as soon as I am. You CAN use your own realtor. Here's how:
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Your realtor must be NACA-registered
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Before you go to your Purchase Workshop, your agent must register with NACA.
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They can do this at www.naca.com or by contacting your local NACA office.
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They must sign NACA’s Buyer’s Broker Agreement
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This agreement outlines how they’ll work with you and follow NACA’s rules.
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They must understand NACA’s process
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The process is unique and more hands-on than traditional loans.
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Your agent must be patient with extra steps like HAND (repair approvals), strict timelines, and coordination with your NACA counselor.
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Grants in DC
DC Open Doors is a homebuyer assistance program that provides down payment and closing cost support through a 0% interest, deferred loan—available to both first-time and repeat buyers, as long as they don’t own another property at the time of closing. A “first-time buyer” is not required under DC Open Doors: while federal guidelines define a first-time buyer as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years, this program only looks at whether you currently own a home—so even previous homeowners can qualify if they are not on title to another property at settlement. Eligible buyers must have a minimum credit score of 640 and income below $275,400 (subject to change), with debt-to-income ratios up to 50%. The program offers assistance covering 3% of the purchase price for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA, which can be used for both down payment and closing costs. The loan is deferred—no monthly payments—and is only due upon sale, refinance, change in occupancy, or after 30 years. The maximum loan amount for the first trust mortgage is up to $1,209,750, allowing buyers to purchase higher-priced homes while still qualifying for assistance. Buyers don’t have to live in DC prior to applying but must use a DCHFA-approved lender and plan to occupy the home as their primary residence.
The Community Partners Product (CPP) is a down payment assistance program offering up to $20,000 to eligible individuals, including current or retired law enforcement officers, educators, healthcare workers, firefighters, first responders, veterans, active-duty military members, and their surviving spouses. This program is available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers. Applicants must contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds toward the purchase, and the assistance is provided as a forgivable loan with no monthly payments, typically forgiven after five years of owner occupancy. To qualify, household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and a minimum credit score of 640 is required. Additionally, applicants must complete an approved homebuyer education course. The program is administered through participating lenders and is subject to availability of funds.
The Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) is a down payment and closing cost assistance initiative for eligible District of Columbia government employees, including first responders and educators. The program provides a deferred, 0% interest loan up to $20,000 and a matching funds grant up to $5,000 to assist with purchasing a primary residence within the District. Additionally, first responders and educators may qualify for a $10,000 recoverable grant if they commit to a five-year service obligation, which converts to a deferred loan if the conditions are not met. There are no income caps for applicants, and the program does not require a cash contribution. Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, and cooperative units. Applicants must complete a homebuyer education course and work with a DHCD-approved lender. The program is subject to funding availability and is administered by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
The Negotiated Employee Affordable Home Purchase Program (NEAHP) is a down payment and closing cost assistance initiative for eligible unionized District of Columbia government employees, including those represented by AFSCME Local 2095, AFGE Local 383, SEIU Local 1199, and the DC Nurses Association. Administered by the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) in partnership with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining (OLRCB), NEAHP offers a grant based on years of service, ranging from $5,500 to $26,500. To qualify, applicants must be current employees in good standing, have no primary ownership interest in residential property within the District for the past three years, and possess a good credit rating. The program is available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers, and there is no specified minimum credit score requirement. Assistance is provided in addition to any other DHCD housing programs for which the employee qualifies.
The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), administered by the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), offers up to $202,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence within the District. The program is designed to help low- and moderate-income residents achieve homeownership. Assistance is provided as an interest-free loan, deferred until the property is sold, refinanced, or no longer serves as the borrower's primary residence. To qualify, applicants must meet income limits based on household size—generally at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)—have a credit score typically above 640, and complete a DHCD-approved homebuyer education course. Because demand exceeds funding, HPAP uses a lottery system: qualified applicants enter the lottery during designated enrollment periods, and winners are randomly selected to receive assistance. To increase their chances, buyers must submit a complete and timely application during the open enrollment window, including all required documents and course completion certificates. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis after the lottery, and interested individuals should contact DHCD for details and eligibility verification.
I can help
Who is Chris Dudley
I understand how surprising it can be to receive a random call from someone you’ve never met—especially when there’s a big decision like buying a home on the table. So let me introduce myself properly:
I’m a British-born real estate agent (moved to the U.S. in 2001) now proudly serving the DMV area. I’m the team leader at The Dudley Real Estate Group, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, consistently ranked in the top 1% of realtors nationwide, and top 0.1% in the DMV (57 out of 22,000 agents!). I host “American Dream TV,” an Emmy‑nominated show with national reach . But real estate isn’t all I do—I volunteer as an EMT and firefighter with the Bethesda‑Chevy Chase Rescue Squad since 2001.
Before all of this, I trained as a classical singer and even taught at college. I’m married to an Army wife, and we have three kids under 11, plus three dogs and a cat. Above all, I’m committed to serving people like your mom—whether that means finding stability in a home or simply offering steady support along the way.
Quick Snapshot of Who I Am
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British-born, relocated to the U.S. in 2001.
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Former classical singer & college professor, now full-time real estate agent.
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Team leader, Dudley Real Estate Group at Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty—top 1% in the U.S. and top 0.1% in the DMV
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TV Host, American Dream TV (Emmy-nominated, parts of a national network reaching 50 million viewers monthly)
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Volunteer EMT & Firefighter with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad since 2001
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Husband to an active-duty Army spouse, father to three children under 11, and proud pet owner (3 dogs + 1 cat).
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Known for professionalism, honesty, and responsiveness—clients praise my dedication, local knowledge, and willingness to help even late at night .
Want to get started with a home search?
Hello Home-shopper :)
My clients refer to me a their "mini-home inspector in their back pocket!"
I know finding the right realtor is hard. You're making one of the largest financial purchases of your lifetime, and I want to make sure you're not buying a house that will fall apart a week later!
This process is about YOU and YOUR TIMEFRAME! If it takes you a year or more to find a home, then GREAT - I hope I can be a part of that journey.
Reach out - and let's start the process :)