Who qualifies for Maryland SmartBuy 3.0?

You must have at least $1,000 in student debt, and it must be your own education debt.; At least one borrower's student debt must be paid off in full at closing — partial payoff isn't allowed.; Minimum middle credit score of 720.; Uses a 30-year conventional Maryland Mortgage Program first loan (up to 97% of the price).; Down payment help is also available ($6,000, or 6% of the loan for buyers at or below 50% of area median income)..

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 open at last check

Maryland SmartBuy 3.0

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Up to $25,000 toward student debt

Pays off up to $25,000 (15% of the price) of your student debt at closing, paired with a Maryland Mortgage Program first loan.

Deferred 0% 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 student-debt help is a zero-interest loan that forgives itself 20% a year over five years, so after five years you owe nothing. There are no monthly payments; if you sell before five years, you repay only the part not yet forgiven.

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

You must have at least $1,000 in student debt, and it must be your own education debt.
At least one borrower's student debt must be paid off in full at closing — partial payoff isn't allowed.
Minimum middle credit score of 720.
Uses a 30-year conventional Maryland Mortgage Program first loan (up to 97% of the price).
Down payment help is also available ($6,000, or 6% of the loan for buyers at or below 50% of area median income).

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

Conditions

First-time buyer or targeted-area repeat-buyer exception; Maryland purchase; 30-year MMP conventional financing; at least $1,000 eligible student debt; at least one borrower's full balance must be paid at closing, with any amount above the program limit paid by the borrower; approved MMP lender.

Reader request

Want us to check this program?

Ask HomeBase to re-check Maryland SmartBuy 3.0’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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0(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.

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. SmartBuy 3.0 and 1st Time Advantage are separate MMP first mortgages, so a buyer takes one or the other; however, SmartBuy borrowers may add the standard MMP DPA second loan ($6,000 flat, or 6% if at/below 50% AMI), while Partner Match is excluded. (Per Maryland DHCD / CDA — SmartBuy 3.0 Fact Sheet (updated 06/1/2026): "Borrowers may also utilize standard Maryland Mortgage Program Down Payment Assistance loans with SmartBuy 3.0. Two DPA options are available: a flat $6,000 DPA loan or a DPA loan equal to 6% of the first mortgage amount.")
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:maryland-smartbuy-3-0+mmp-1st-time-advantage-incl-6000-3-4-5-dpa
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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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 Homeownership Assistance ProgramAPG Federal Credit Union
APGFCU advertises $10,000 of its own homeownership assistance for qualifying buyers who contribute at least $1,000 and meet an 80% AMI income cap.
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 Homeownership Assistance Program.

Can it be used on the same purchase as Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 (Maryland DHCD — Maryland Mortgage Program)?

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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