First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Baltimore
Turn the Dream of Homeownership into a RealityNHS of Baltimore is a HUD-certified nonprofit helping Baltimore City residents prepare for, buy, and keep their homes. Whether you’re building your credit, learning the homebuying process, or ready to buy, we have homeownership education, one-on-one counseling, and financial programs designed to help you move forward.
Explore our homeownership programs and services below to find the support that fits your next step.
NHS of Baltimore offers a full range of first-time homebuyer programs designed to help you prepare for homeownership. Our HUD-certified homebuyer education workshops and one-on-one housing counseling provide the knowledge, tools, and support you need at every step. Whether you are just starting your journey or preparing to purchase your first home, our programs are designed to guide you through credit preparation, budgeting, and the full homebuying process.
Since 1974, NHS has helped make homeownership more accessible, affordable, and within reach.
Homebuyer Education Workshop
Gain the knowledge and practical guidance to buy your first home. Our HUD-certified Homebuyer Education Workshop helps you understand everything from mortgage options to down payment assistance. Complete the workshop to receive a homebuyer education certificate that may be required by some mortgage or down payment assistance programs.
Our free first-time homebuyer workshop is available online and in-person in Baltimore City. After completion, you’ll earn your Homebuyer Education Certificate, which most down payment assistance programs require.
This program is designed to help you understand the full homebuying process, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for long-term homeownership.
Best for: First-time homebuyers ready to learn about the homebuying process.
Financial Coaching
Build your financial foundation for homeownership. Our financial coaching program gives you one-on-one support to strengthen your credit, manage debt, build savings, and create a realistic budget before you buy.
With guidance from our financial coaches, you’ll get a clear action plan toward mortgage readiness and a better understanding of how lenders may view your finances.
Best for: Individuals building savings, improving credit, or preparing financially for homeownership.
Homebuyer Counseling
Personalized guidance to help you move from pre-approval to closing in Baltimore City. After completing a HUD-certified homebuyer workshop, you can work one-on-one with an NHS Homeownership Advisor who will review your credit, savings, and financial readiness.
Your advisor helps you create a personalized homeownership action plan, connect with NHS preferred lenders and realtors, connect with mortgage loan officers to discuss mortgage options that fit your budget, connect with local down payment assistance programs in Baltimore City, and prepare your paperwork for pre-approval and closing.
Best for: Homebuyers who have completed a HUD-approved homebuyer workshop, have at least $3,000 in savings, and a credit score of 640 or higher.
How The Homebuying Process Works
Our programs help guide you step by step through the path to homeownership. You begin with a homebuyer education workshop to understand the process, followed by financial coaching to strengthen your credit, savings, and budget – if your credit score is below 640 and your savings is under $3,000. Once you are ready, you move into one-on-one housing counseling to prepare for buying a home and connect with lenders.
This structured approach helps you build the knowledge, financial readiness, and support you need to buy a home in Baltimore City and prepare for long-term homeownership.
Why Choose NHS Baltimore?
✓ Trusted Expertise: HUD-certified and NeighborWorks-certified organization serving Baltimore City residents since 1974, with homebuyer education and counseling grounded in local experience.
✓ Local Impact: Our homebuyer education workshops and counseling programs help Baltimore City residents prepare for down payment assistance, first-time homeownership, and long-term homeownership.
✓ Personalized Support: HUD-certified homebuyer workshops available online and in person, with one-on-one housing counseling tailored to your financial situation.
Not sure where to start with buying a home in Baltimore City?
Take our short homebuyer quiz.
Everyone’s journey to homeownership looks different. Answer a few quick questions to get a recommendation based on your homeownership readiness and where you are in the homebuying process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HUD-certified homebuyer education course?
A HUD-certified homebuyer education course teaches you about the homebuying process, mortgage options, budgeting, and how to prepare for homeownership in Baltimore City. It is also required by most down payment assistance programs, so many buyers complete it early in the process.
How long is the homebuyer education workshop at NHS Baltimore?
The workshop offers several formats to fit your schedule. You can choose a six-hour Saturday virtual workshop, two three-hour Thursday evening virtual sessions, a self-paced online course, or a six-hour in-person session.
Is the first-time homebuyer workshop free?
Yes, NHS of Baltimore offers free first-time homebuyer education workshops for first-time homebuyers in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
Do I need a homebuyer education course to qualify for down payment assistance in Baltimore City?
Yes, most down payment assistance programs in Baltimore City require you to complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education workshop.
Can I take the homeownership education course online?
Yes, NHS of Baltimore offers both virtual workshop sessions and an online self-paced homeownership education course for Baltimore City homebuyers. You can choose the format that best fits your schedule.
Can I qualify for homebuyer programs with low savings?
Yes, some first-time homebuyer programs in Baltimore City may still be available if you have limited savings. NHS of Baltimore can help you explore options such as down payment assistance, homebuyer education, and one-on-one counseling that may help you prepare for homeownership.
Your generous support helps NHS of Baltimore empower families on their path to homeownership while strengthening and stabilizing neighborhoods across our city.