First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Baltimore
Turn the Dream of Homeownership into a RealityFree workshops, financial coaching one-on-one counseling, and down payment help for Baltimore City buyers, from your first workshop to closing day.
Explore our homeownership programs and services below to find the support that fits your next step.
As a Baltimore first-time home buyer, you can start with a free HUD-approved Homebuyers’ Education Workshop and one-on-one housing counseling from NHS of Baltimore. You can also explore down payment assistance from NHS, Baltimore City, and the State of Maryland. Most down payment assistance programs require a homebuyer education certificate, which NHS issues after the workshop and counseling.
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
The order in which you prepare and apply matters. Completing required education and counseling before signing a purchase contract can help you avoid missing assistance opportunities.
- Complete the free homebuyers education workshop. Learn about mortgages, budgeting, the purchase process, and down payment assistance. You’ll earn your Homebuyer Education Certificate after completing both the workshop and one-on-one counseling.
- Build your financial foundation (if needed). If you are still building savings or want to strengthen your credit, consider free financial coaching before moving to counseling.
- Meet with an NHS Homeownership Advisor. Review your readiness, create a personalized action plan, and identify assistance programs that fit your circumstances. Visit homebuyer counseling to get started.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a lender who understands the programs you may use. Learn more about NHS Mortgage.
- Coordinate your assistance applications. Your counselor and lender can help identify required documents, application deadlines, and funding conditions. Application deadlines vary by program, so confirm when your paperwork must be submitted before settlement.
- Prepare for closing. Review your final loan terms, assistance agreements, closing costs, and ongoing housing expenses before signing.
Baltimore First-Time Homebuyer Programs at a Glance
The right assistance depends on your income, savings, mortgage, employer, and the home you want to buy. This overview of first-time home buyer programs in Baltimore City can help you identify options to explore with an NHS Homeownership Advisor. Funding and eligibility rules can change, so confirm current requirements before applying.
Programs |
Assistance |
Who qualifies |
Learn More |
| Homebuyer Education Workshop |
Free virtual and in-person workshops Self-paced online course costs $100 |
First-time buyers preparing for homeownership | NHS Homebuyers Education workshop |
| Homebuyer Counseling | Free | Buyers who have completed a HUD-approved homebuyer workshop | NHS 1-on-1 counseling |
| Financial Coaching | Free | Buyers who need help with credit, budgeting, debt, or savings | Financial coaching |
| NHS Down Payment Assistance | Up to $30,000 for qualified buyers. Individual program amounts and terms vary | Complete the workshop and one-on-one counseling, and obtain a signed purchase contract and lender pre-approval; program-specific rules apply | NHS down payment assistance |
| Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance | Up to $20,000 | Eligible renovated homes in targeted areas, primary residence. Not limited to first-time buyers and no income limit | Reinvest Baltimore DPA |
City and State program information compiled as of October 26, 2026. Amounts, funding availability, and eligibility requirements can change. The figures above are program highlights, not a guarantee of assistance. NHS program amounts reflect the currently published NHS program pages; work with an NHS Homeownership Advisor to identify programs that may fit your situation and confirm available funding.
Do you qualify? What most Baltimore programs ask for
For many programs, a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years. However, each program has its own eligibility rules. Some incentives are specifically for first-time buyers, while others can help repeat buyers purchasing eligible homes. Your income, credit, savings, property, and mortgage all affect which options may be available.
As you prepare, check these common requirements:
- Income: Some City programs, including First Time Homebuyer Incentive Program (FTHIP), require household income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). The limit depends on household size and the applicable program.
- Your own funds: Some programs require you to contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase. You may need additional savings for closing costs, moving expenses, and unexpected repairs.
- Primary residence: Many assistance programs require you to live in the home you purchase rather than use it as a rental or investment property.
- Homebuyer education: Complete the required workshop and one-on-one counseling to earn your Homebuyer Education Certificate. Many assistance programs require these steps before you sign a purchase contract.
- Credit and mortgage readiness: Lenders review your credit, income, debt, savings, and ability to afford the mortgage. Requirements vary by loan and assistance program.
You do not need to have every detail figured out before contacting the NHS of Baltimore. If you are still building your savings or want to strengthen your credit, consider starting with free financial coaching. A coach can help you build a realistic budget, strengthen your credit, and create a savings plan before you move forward.
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?
It is a course that teaches you about budgeting, credit, mortgages, and the steps involved in buying a home. Many down payment assistance programs require a homebuyer education certificate, which NHS issues after you complete the workshop and one-on-one counseling, so completing both steps early can help you prepare.
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 Baltimore offers free virtual and in-person homebuyer education workshops for people preparing to buy a home. The self-paced online course costs $100.
Do I need a homebuyer education course to qualify for down payment assistance in Baltimore City?
Most programs require a homebuyer education certificate and one-on-one counseling before you sign a purchase contract. Some programs require both steps before you make an offer, so check each program’s requirements early.
Can I take the homeownership education course online?
Yes. NHS offers virtual workshop sessions and a self-paced online course. You can choose the format that best fits your schedule and learning needs.
Can I qualify for homebuyer programs with low savings?
es, some programs may be available while you build your savings. NHS financial coaching can help you create a budget, improve your credit, and develop a plan for mortgage readiness.
What qualifies you as a first-time home buyer in Baltimore?
Many programs consider you a first-time homebuyer if you have not owned a primary residence in the past three years, but definitions vary. Some assistance programs are limited to first-time buyers, while others accept repeat buyers. Ask an NHS Homeownership Advisor to help you confirm how a program defines a first-time buyer and whether you qualify.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Baltimore City?
The amount varies by program. NHS currently lists up to $50,000 across eligible down payment assistance options, while Reinvest Baltimore offers up to $20,000 for qualifying purchases. City and State programs have their own limits and requirements. Assistance is subject to eligibility and available funding.
Are the down payment assistance programs grants, or loans I have to repay?
It depends on the program. Some assistance is structured as a grant, while other programs use deferred or forgivable loans. For example, Reinvest Baltimore offers a five-year forgivable loan with 20% forgiven each year you occupy the home as your primary residence. Other loans may need to be repaid when you sell or refinance. Always review the terms before accepting assistance.
Can I combine City, State, and NHS down payment assistance programs?
Some assistance programs can be combined, but restrictions apply. Your lender and NHS counselor can help you identify eligible combinations and confirm whether the programs’ requirements are compatible.
What are the income limits for Baltimore first-time homebuyer dpa programs?
Income limits vary. Baltimore City’s First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program generally requires household income at or below 80% of area median income. Reinvest Baltimore has no income limit, while other programs may have different requirements. Confirm the current requirements for your household.
Do I have to finish the homebuyers education workshop before I make an offer?
You can generally pursue mortgage pre-approval while completing homebuyer education. However, Reinvest Baltimore requires you to complete both the workshop and one-on-one counseling before making an offer. Other assistance programs may require these steps before you sign a purchase contract. Complete these steps early to avoid losing access to assistance.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer for Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance?
No. Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance is open to eligible first-time and repeat buyers. You must purchase a qualified property, occupy it as your primary residence, contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase, and meet the program’s other financing and counseling requirements.
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