First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Maryland 2025
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying your first home in Maryland. Sources: Maryland Mortgage Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and FHA/HUD.
What programs help first-time home buyers in Maryland?
Maryland offers several first-time home buyer programs: The Maryland Mortgage Program offers financing and down-payment-assistance options whose products, amounts and requirements vary by program. Maryland SmartBuy may provide student-debt-related homebuyer assistance to eligible borrowers, subject to current program requirements. Federal options include FHA financing (low down payment for qualified borrowers), VA financing (no down payment for eligible Veterans), and USDA financing (no down payment in eligible rural areas), subject to program and lender requirements.
State Programs:
- Maryland Mortgage Program - Down-payment-assistance options; amounts and terms vary by program
- Maryland SmartBuy - Student-debt-related homebuyer assistance for eligible borrowers
- Maryland home buyer assistance - Some programs are grants; others are deferred or repayable loans
- Tax credit programs - Annual savings for qualified buyers
Federal Options:
- FHA Loans - low down payment for qualified borrowers
- VA Loans - no down payment for eligible Veterans
- USDA Loans - no down payment may be available in eligible rural/suburban areas
- Conventional loans - 3% down payment options
How much down payment do you need to buy a house in Maryland?
Down payment requirements vary by loan program. Qualified FHA borrowers may be eligible for low-down-payment options, and eligible VA borrowers may qualify for no-down-payment financing, subject to program and lender requirements. Conventional programs may allow reduced down payments for qualified buyers, and Maryland down payment assistance may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
FHA Loans
3.5%
Possible down payment for qualified borrowers
VA Loans
$0
Possible down payment for eligible Veterans
Conventional
3%
With good credit
What is the typical home buying timeline in Maryland?
The home buying process typically takes 2-4 months: Pre-approval (1-3 days), house hunting (2-8 weeks), under contract (30-45 days), and closing (1 day). Working with an experienced Maryland real estate agent can help streamline each step.
Pre-approval
1-3 days
House Hunting
2-8 weeks
Under Contract
30-45 days
Closing
1 day
Total timeline: Typically 2-4 months from start to closing. Check your eligibility | View all programs | VA loan details | Book a free consultation
Written by LaShara Roach, licensed Maryland real estate agent with The Winning Edge Group powered by Samson Properties. Specializing in first-time home buyers, VA loans, and Southern Maryland communities since 2018.
Sources: Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) · VA.gov Home Loans · HUD/FHA · MD Dept. of Housing · Last updated: October 2026
How Much Home Can You Afford?
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Find out how much home you can afford in Bryan's Road
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You Can Afford Up To
$285,339
$1,907/month estimated
Affordability Score
21
Needs Work
DTI Ratio: 34%
Principal & Interest
$1,488
Property Tax
$238
Insurance
$83
PMI
$98
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Home Buying Timeline Guide
The Ultimate Home Buying Timeline Guide in Maryland
First time home buyers in Maryland - Get our comprehensive roadmap for buying a new home in Maryland. Learn about FHA Loans, VA home loans for Veterans, and affordable down payments.
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What's Inside Your Free Guide?
Why This Guide Is Useful for First-Time Buyers
Save time by following one clear roadmap — Every step is organized into a single timeline
Understand common buyer mistakes before they happen — Know what to expect at each step
Maryland-specific insights — Tailored for Southern Maryland and surrounding areas
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