Buying a home in Baltimore? You could qualify for up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance!
For many aspiring homeowners, saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs can be one of the biggest challenges of purchasing a home. But what if there was a program that could help make those upfront expenses more manageable?
Through the Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program, eligible homebuyers can receive up to $20,000 to help cover down payment and closing costs when purchasing a qualifying home in Baltimore City.
Administered by Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore and funded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, this program is helping create new opportunities for homeownership while supporting the revitalization of Baltimore neighborhoods.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home or looking for a new place to put down roots, here’s what you should know.
What Is the Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program?
The Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to help eligible homebuyers purchase qualifying homes in targeted Baltimore City neighborhoods. The program is part of a broader effort to revitalize vacant properties, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand opportunities for sustainable homeownership.
By connecting financial assistance with neighborhood redevelopment, Reinvest Baltimore helps homebuyers invest in their future while contributing to the continued growth of Baltimore communities.
Program Benefits at a Glance
- Up to $20,000 in assistance toward down payment and closing costs.
- 0% interest: Assistance is provided as an interest-free, forgivable loan.
- Five-year forgiveness period: 20% of the loan is forgiven each year you occupy the home as your primary residence, subject to program requirements.
- No household income limits: Buyers are not restricted by income.
- Not just for first-time buyers: Repeat homebuyers may also qualify.
- Opportunities in revitalizing neighborhoods: Eligible properties include qualifying homes supported through designated redevelopment initiatives.
For qualified buyers, this assistance can significantly reduce the amount of money needed upfront to purchase a home.
Who Qualifies for Reinvest Baltimore?
One of the benefits of Reinvest Baltimore is that it is not limited to first-time homebuyers, and there are no household income restrictions. However, buyers must meet specific eligibility requirements.
To qualify, you must:
- Purchase an eligible property in a designated Baltimore City redevelopment area.
- Occupy the property as your primary residence.
- Complete a homebuyer education workshop and one-on-one homebuyer counseling before making an offer on a home.
- Contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds toward the purchase.
- Obtain a fixed-rate mortgage through an NHS-approved, federally insured lender.
- Have a mortgage loan amount below $667,000.
- Sell any currently owned home before settlement on the new property, if applicable.
- Receive program approval before closing.
Cash purchases, adjustable-rate mortgages, and owner financing are not permitted.
Important: Completing homebuyer education and one-on-one counseling before making an offer is a program requirement. If you’re interested in Reinvest Baltimore, connect with NHS early in your homebuying journey.
What Homes Are Eligible for Reinvest Baltimore?
Not every home in Baltimore City qualifies for this program. Reinvest Baltimore focuses on eligible properties connected to neighborhood revitalization efforts, including homes supported through the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI) and qualifying UPLIFT-funded redevelopment projects. These investments help transform vacant properties into opportunities for homeownership while supporting stronger, more vibrant communities.
Before beginning your home search, it’s important to confirm whether a property qualifies for assistance.
How Does the Five-Year Forgivable Loan Work?
Unlike a traditional grant, Reinvest Baltimore assistance is structured as a 0% interest, five-year forgivable loan. That means the assistance is gradually forgiven as long as you continue meeting the program’s requirements, including occupying the property as your primary residence.
For example, if you receive the maximum $20,000:
| Year | Amount Forgiven | Total Forgiven |
| Year 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Year 2 | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| Year 3 | $4,000 | $12,000 |
| Year 4 | $4,000 | $16,000 |
| Year 5 | $4,000 |
$20,000
|
After five years, the full $20,000 would be forgiven if all program requirements have been satisfied. This structure helps reduce upfront homebuying costs while encouraging long-term homeownership and neighborhood stability.
Note: This is an illustrative example. Your actual assistance amount and forgiveness obligations are governed by your loan documents and program requirements.
How to Get Started With Reinvest Baltimore
Interested in taking advantage of this opportunity? Here are five steps to help you prepare.
Step 1: Connect With NHS Baltimore
Start by contacting NHS Baltimore to learn more about the Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program.
Our team can help you understand eligibility requirements, identify next steps, and learn about qualifying properties.
Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education and Counseling
Before making an offer on a home, you must complete a homebuyer education workshop and one-on-one counseling.
These services can help you better understand budgeting, credit, mortgage financing, and the responsibilities of homeownership.
Explore NHS Baltimore Homebuyer Resources
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Work with an NHS-approved lender to determine your purchasing power and obtain mortgage pre-approval.
Remember, the program requires a qualifying fixed-rate mortgage.
Step 4: Find an Eligible Home
Explore properties that qualify for Reinvest Baltimore assistance.
Because the program applies to specific homes and redevelopment areas, confirm property eligibility before moving forward with a purchase.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Required Documents
Once you’ve completed the required education and counseling and identified an eligible property, work with NHS and your lender to complete the assistance application process.
You may need to provide:
- Recent pay stubs and bank statements
- Tax returns and W-2 forms
- Mortgage pre-approval
- Executed purchase agreement
- Homebuyer Education certificate
All program approvals must be completed before closing. Assistance is subject to eligibility, funding availability, and program requirements.
More Than Down Payment Assistance: Investing in Baltimore’s Future
Reinvest Baltimore is about more than helping individuals purchase homes. It’s also part of a larger commitment to restoring vacant properties, encouraging neighborhood investment, and creating opportunities for residents to build long-term stability. Through partnerships with state and local agencies, community organizations, developers, and homebuyers, the initiative connects neighborhood revitalization with sustainable homeownership.
For buyers, that means an opportunity to purchase a home while becoming part of Baltimore’s continued growth.
For communities, it means creating new possibilities for vacant properties and supporting neighborhoods where residents can live, invest, and thrive.
Your Path to Homeownership Starts Here
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home in Baltimore, don’t let down payment and closing costs stop you from exploring your options. With up to $20,000 in assistance, the Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program could help bring you closer to your homeownership goals. NHS Baltimore is here to help you understand the requirements, explore eligible properties, and take the next step.
Ready to learn more?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reinvest Baltimore only for first-time homebuyers?
No. Both first-time and repeat homebuyers may qualify. However, if you currently own a home, you must sell it before settling on the new property.
Is there an income limit for Reinvest Baltimore DPA??
No. The Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program does not have household income restrictions.
Do I have to repay the $20,000?
The assistance is provided as a 0% interest, five-year forgivable loan. Each year, 20% of the loan is forgiven as long as you meet program requirements. If you sell or stop occupying the property before the forgiveness period ends, repayment obligations may apply under your loan agreement.
Can I use the assistance to purchase any home in Baltimore?
No. The home must qualify under the program’s property eligibility requirements, including its connection to designated redevelopment initiatives.
Do I need to complete homebuyer education?
Yes. You must complete a homebuyer education workshop and one-on-one counseling before making an offer on a home.
Can I combine Reinvest Baltimore with other homebuyer incentives?
Some eligible buyers may qualify for additional incentives, depending on the property, lender, and individual program rules. Contact NHS Baltimore to discuss potential options and whether assistance programs can be combined.
How do I apply fo Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance program?
Visit the Reinvest Baltimore program page and complete the interest form to connect with NHS Baltimore.
About NHS Baltimore
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS Baltimore) is a community-based nonprofit with more than 50 years of experience supporting sustainable homeownership and housing stability for Baltimore City residents. Through HUD-certified homebuyer education, one-on-one counseling, locally tailored lending, and neighborhood reinvestment, NHS Baltimore provides trusted guidance rooted in real-world housing practice.