What credit score do I need to buy a house in Maryland?

Generally you need a minimum score of 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans with 3.5% down, and 500 for FHA loans with 10% down. VA and USDA loans have more flexible requirements.

How much should I save for a down payment?

FHA loans require as little as 3.5%, conventional loans may accept 3-5%, and VA and USDA loans offer 0% down options. Maryland also offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance through the Maryland Mortgage Program.

Can I use a VA loan to buy a home in Maryland?

Yes. Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses can use VA loans to purchase homes in Maryland with $0 down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. You need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.

What are the benefits of FHA loans for first-time buyers?

FHA loans offer lower down payment requirements (as little as 3.5%), flexible credit score requirements (580+), competitive interest rates, and sellers can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs.

What first-time home buyer programs are available in Maryland?

Maryland offers the Maryland Mortgage Program with up to $15,000 in down payment assistance, the 1st Time Advantage program with up to $6,000, and partner match programs providing up to $25,000 total assistance for qualified buyers.

Maryland First-Time Home Buyer Programs & VA Loans 2026

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 provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance. SmartBuy pays up to $40,000 of student loan debt. Federal options include FHA loans (3.5% down), VA loans ($0 down for veterans), and USDA loans ($0 down for rural areas).

State Programs:

Maryland Mortgage Program - Down payment assistance up to $15,000
SmartBuy Program - Student loan debt payoff up to $40,000
Maryland first-time home buyer grants - Additional financial assistance
Tax credit programs - Annual savings for qualified buyers

Federal Options:

FHA Loans - 3.5% down payment minimum
VA Loans - $0 down for qualified veterans
USDA Loans - $0 down for 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 type: FHA loans require 3.5% minimum, VA loans offer $0 down for qualified veterans, and conventional loans start at 3% with good credit. Maryland down payment assistance programs can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.

FHA Loans

3.5%

Minimum down payment

VA Loans

For qualified veterans

Conventional

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: August 2026

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Find out how much home you can afford in Bryan's Road

Annual Household Income

$85,000

$30K$250K$500K

Monthly Debt Payments

$500

Include car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.

Down Payment Available

$50,000

Credit Score Range

Interest Rate

6.50%

Loan Term

Special Programs

Veteran/Active Military (VA Loan)First-Time Home Buyer

You Can Afford Up To

$285,339

$1,907/month estimated

Affordability Score

Needs Work

DTI Ratio: 34%

Principal & Interest

$1,488

Property Tax

$238

Insurance

$83

PMI

$98

Get Your Personalized Home Buying Report

Includes loan options, down payment assistance programs, and a custom action plan for Bryan's Road.

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.

Download Ultimate Buyers Timeline

What's Inside Your Free Guide?

9 essential steps from start to keys

Credit improvement strategies

Hidden costs most buyers miss

Expert negotiation tips

Closing day checklist

Clickable resource links

Why First-Time Buyers Love This Guide

Save months of research — We've compiled everything into one easy timeline

Avoid costly mistakes — Learn what to do (and what NOT to do) at each step

Maryland-specific insights — Tailored for Southern Maryland and surrounding areas

Helpful Resources

Get started with these trusted partners and tools mentioned in our guide:

AnnualCreditReport.com— Free credit report access Self Credit Builder— Build your credit history Guild Mortgage— Competitive mortgage rates LaShara Roach at Samson Properties— Your local real estate expert

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