Who qualifies for Buying Into Baltimore?

The buyer must attend and complete all requirements of an eligible Live Baltimore Trolley Tour.; Homeownership counseling through a City-approved agency is required before making an offer.; After the event, applicants have a limited period to make and obtain acceptance of an offer, execute a contract, and submit the lottery paperwork.; The buyer must contribute at least $1,000 of personal funds and occupy the home as a primary residence.; There is no stated household income restriction and the program is not limited to first-time buyers.; A fixed-rate mortgage is required; the application must be approved before closing..

Where the reviewed rules apply

No buyer address is selected. These maps do not establish financial eligibility, funding availability, or property approval.

No current, human-approved coverage policy is available. Imported location labels and provider offices are not proof of coverage.

Not verified yetFunding limited at last check

Buying Into Baltimore

Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development

$5,000

$5,000 toward down payment and closing costs, awarded by lottery after an eligible buyer completes a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour and the required post-event purchase steps.

Forgivable loan

Coverage not confirmed

Purchase, residence and work requirements may differ. Review the coverage explanation and confirm your property address with the provider.

How and when you repayThe $5,000 assistance is a five-year forgivable loan. It is awarded through a lottery tied to a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour, so attending the event does not guarantee funding.

These terms describe the assistance. Any mortgage used to buy the home has its own repayment terms. Check the provider's documents before accepting an offer.

See possible fitCompare

Visit official program site ↗

Applications never run through HomeBase.

Who can apply

About you

The buyer must attend and complete all requirements of an eligible Live Baltimore Trolley Tour.
Homeownership counseling through a City-approved agency is required before making an offer.
After the event, applicants have a limited period to make and obtain acceptance of an offer, execute a contract, and submit the lottery paperwork.
There is no stated household income restriction and the program is not limited to first-time buyers.

The home

The buyer must contribute at least $1,000 of personal funds and occupy the home as a primary residence.

How to apply

A fixed-rate mortgage is required; the application must be approved before closing.

The program makes the final eligibility decision.

Full requirements, documents, and history

Income tables, education requirements, contacts, complete rules, stacking guidance, sources, and change history

Documents needed

Trolley Tour attendance ticket
Homeownership counseling certificate for every buyer
Proof of at least $1,000 contribution
Ratified contract dated within the event window
Lottery/program application and mortgage approval

Reader request

Want us to check this program?

Ask HomeBase to re-check Buying Into Baltimore’s current funding, operation, and key terms. Requests help us prioritize the queue; only evidence changes the listing.

What can I combine this with?

Some programs can be combined, while others are alternatives or apply to different locations. These are questions to investigate, not a combined award. Never add benefit ceilings together without checking both programs’ rules.

Review possible combinations with Buying Into Baltimore(12 to check)

Worth asking about(12)

No resolved current rule for this pair. Ask both administrators about eligibility, location, limits and required application order.

Baltimore Vacants to Value BoosterBaltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development
$10,000 toward down payment and closing costs when buying an eligible Baltimore property connected to a long-standing Vacant Building Notice and rehabilitation pathway.
A recorded permission has missing, unavailable or mismatched source evidence. Do not rely on this pairing until the evidence is repaired. Per Baltimore City DHCD (Vacants to Value / B-HiP flyer): "From Vacants to Value Booster to Live Near Your Work to Buying Into Baltimore, there's an incentive for everyone. What's also nice about B-HiP is that eligible homebuyers can layer incentive programs."
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Recorded source citations: cite:stack:buying-into-baltimore+baltimore-vacants-to-value-booster
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Baltimore Vacants to Value Booster.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
MMP 1st Time Advantage (incl. 6000, 3%, 4%, 5% DPA)Maryland Mortgage Program (Maryland DHCD)
A first mortgage for first-time buyers with down payment assistance of 3–5% or $6,000.
A recorded permission has missing, unavailable or mismatched source evidence. Do not rely on this pairing until the evidence is repaired. Buying Into Baltimore permits combining only to the extent the paired program allows it; buyer must use a fixed-rate mortgage within the FHA single-family limit. Maryland DHCD's MMP Partner Match separately treats Baltimore City Office of Homeownership incentives as eligible alongside MMP loans. (Per Live Baltimore / Baltimore City DHCD (Buying Into Baltimore Terms and Conditions): "Incentive funds may be combined with other programs (to the extent allowed by other programs).")
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Recorded source citations: cite:stack:mmp-1st-time-advantage-incl-6000-3-4-5-dpa+buying-into-baltimore
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at MMP 1st Time Advantage (incl. 6000, 3%, 4%, 5% DPA).

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Affinity HomeAdvantage Cash RewardsAffinity Federal Credit Union; provided by CU Realty Services/HomeAdvantage
Affinity members who buy or sell through an assigned HomeAdvantage network agent may receive a commission-funded cash reward.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Affinity HomeAdvantage Cash Rewards.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
AgFed ARM Closing Cost SpecialAgriculture Federal Credit Union (AgFed)
AgFed pays $1,500 to $3,500 toward closing costs on eligible adjustable-rate purchase mortgages while the temporary offer remains available.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at AgFed ARM Closing Cost Special.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Allegany County Habitat for Humanity HomeownershipAllegany County Habitat for Humanity
Allegany County households with inadequate housing and the ability to make mortgage payments may apply to purchase a Habitat home and complete 200 sweat-equity hours. The affiliate currently provides a downloadable application and mail-in intake route.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Allegany County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Alliant Advantage MortgageAlliant Credit Union
Qualified first-time buyers may receive an Alliant Advantage adjustable-rate mortgage with no down payment and no PMI on loans up to $650,000.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Alliant Advantage Mortgage.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Andrews Federal FHLB First-Time Homebuyer GrantAndrews Federal Credit Union through the Federal Home Loan Bank
Limited grant assistance for down payment and closing costs for a qualifying first-time buyer.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Andrews Federal FHLB First-Time Homebuyer Grant.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Annapolis MPDU Homeownership ProgramCity of Annapolis Office of Community Development
Qualified Annapolis residents and workers may obtain a certificate to compete for City-designated homes sold below the market price in participating developments.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Annapolis MPDU Homeownership Program.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Annapolis MPDU Settlement Expense Assistance ProgramCity of Annapolis
Need-based zero-interest loan up to $10,000 for an eligible MPDU purchase.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Annapolis MPDU Settlement Expense Assistance Program.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)Arundel Community Development Services
Up to $50,000 in 0% deferred assistance for down payment, settlement costs, or a mortgage write-down in Anne Arundel County.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP).

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
Anne Arundel County MPDU Homeownership ProgramAnne Arundel County and Arundel Community Development Services
Eligible first-time buyers will be able to purchase designated homes in new Anne Arundel County developments at prices calculated below market under the County MPDU program.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at Anne Arundel County MPDU Homeownership Program.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.
APG Federal Credit Union 80/20 MortgageAPG Federal Credit Union
Eligible first-time buyers can finance 100% of an eligible primary-home purchase with an 80% first mortgage and 20% piggyback second mortgage, avoiding a cash down payment and PMI.
No supported pair rule is recorded. This is a research candidate, not proof that both programs apply to the same purchase. Ask both offices in a phone call; do not add their advertised maximum amounts.
Discovery candidate only. Confirm both programs apply to the same borrower, purchase property, first mortgage and lender; geographic tags do not establish that.
Here’s the question to ask
```
Hello — I'm a homebuyer looking at APG Federal Credit Union 80/20 Mortgage.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Buying Into Baltimore (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)?

Please confirm current availability and whether my borrower, property, first-mortgage and lender requirements satisfy both programs.

If it can:
  1. Is there a cap on total assistance from all sources combined, or does one benefit reduce the other?
  2. Do I need to disclose the other program before I apply, or does it matter which I apply to first?
  3. Does using both change the repayment or forgiveness terms of yours?
  4. Which current written rules and conditions support this answer?

Thank you.
```
Ask both program offices and the participating lender. If their answers differ, resolve the conflicting written rules and conditions before relying on a combination; do not assume which answer controls.
If you asked them, what did they say?
Yes, they combineNo, they don’tThey weren’t sure
Anything they added (optional)Which office answered (optional)The office, not the person. Please don’t include anyone’s name, email, or phone number.

A cited pair rule does not establish that either program serves your property or that you qualify. Confirm current conditions with both administrators and your lender before counting on a combination.

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