Monday, September 7, 2026 / by Janie Alston
How to Buy a Home with Low (or Zero!) Down Payment in Maryland & Virginia
How to Buy a Home with Low (or Zero!) Down Payment in Maryland & Virginia
Buying your first home in the DMV area is one of the most exciting milestones you can achieve, but the upfront cash requirement often feels like the biggest barrier standing between you and homeownership.
Many prospective buyers believe they need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. The truth? That is one of the biggest real estate myths. In Maryland and Northern Virginia, there are numerous state, county, and local down payment assistance (DPA) programs designed to lower your out-of-pocket costs and help you get into your home much faster.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in Maryland
Maryland offers flagship financing options through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), tailored specifically to help low- and moderate-income buyers:
1st Time Advantage 6000: Provides a $6,000 zero-interest deferred loan to cover your down payment and closing costs.
Flex 3%, 4%, and 5% Loans: Offers deferred zero-interest loans calculated as a percentage of your total mortgage amount to maximize your purchasing power.
Maryland SmartBuy 3.0: Have student debt? This unique program allows qualified buyers with at least $1,000 in student loans to pay off existing debt at settlement when purchasing an eligible home.
County-Specific Programs: Many local areas—such as Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore City—offer localized grants and forgivable loans ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.
Top Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance in Virginia
If you are looking across Northern Virginia, Virginia Housing and state initiatives provide powerful options to bridge the cash gap:
Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant: Provides eligible first-time buyers with grant funds to apply directly toward their down payment.
Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage: Allows buyers to bundle their primary mortgage with a small second loan (up to 1.5% to 3%) to cover upfront expenses without draining savings.
HOMEownership DPA Program: Administered through local providers, income-qualified buyers can receive up to 10% or 15% of the purchase price in deferred funding.
No Down Payment Mortgage Options
In addition to state-specific programs, two major government-backed loans allow qualified buyers to purchase with 0% down payment:
VA Loans: Available to active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses, offering 0% down payment, competitive rates, and no monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI).
USDA Loans: Available for homes in designated rural and qualifying suburban communities across MD and VA, offering 100% financing for eligible income levels.
Your Path to Ownership Starts Here
You do not need tens of thousands of dollars in cash to purchase your first castle. With the right strategy and guidance, we can help you align with state-approved lenders and local assistance programs to minimize your upfront costs.
Ready to explore your first-time buyer options?
Download Our FREE Home Buyer's Guide or Explore Active Listings in MD & VA today!
Janie Empress Realtor
THE EMPRESS TEAM with eXp Realty
Direct: 443.743.4259
Office: 888.860.7369 ext 160
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