Maryland Homebuyer Assistance for First Responders and Teachers
You show up for Maryland communities every day. When you are ready to buy your first home, we are ready to help you find a place of your own in the community you serve. That is why we are proud to participate in the Maryland Mortgage Program’s First Homes for First Responders and Teachers, which offers eligible first-time homebuyers a competitive 30-year fixed-rate mortgage along with assistance for down payment and closing costs.
If you’re a Maryland teacher or first responder thinking about buying your first home, you may qualify for:
- A competitive 30-year fixed rate first mortgage*
- A secondary loan equal to 5% of the first mortgage amount to help cover down payment and closing costs*
- 0% interest, 30-year deferred secondary loan
- No monthly payments for the secondary loan while you live in the home and maintain your first mortgage
- Repayment only when you sell, refinance or transfer the home
Who May Be Eligible?
The program is designed for eligible first-time homebuyers who are working full time in qualifying first responder or educator positions in Maryland. Certain individuals moving to Maryland for an eligible full-time position may also qualify.
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First Responders
- Firefighters
- Certified EMTs
- Certified Paramedics
- Police Officers
- Rescue Squad Members
- 9-1-1 Specialists
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Educators
- Teachers
- School Counselors
- State-Certified Educators
Eligible educators include full-time, state-certified classroom teachers and school counselors serving students in pre-K through 12th grade at qualifying Maryland schools.
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Not sure if your position qualifies? Our mortgage team can help you determine your eligibility and explain your options.
What Are the Homebuyer Requirements?
In addition to meeting the employment requirements, applicants must meet Maryland Mortgage Program eligibility requirements.
These include:
- Being a first-time homebuyer
- Completing approved homebuyer education
- Meeting applicable income limits
- Meeting credit score requirements
- Staying within applicable home purchase price limits
- Meeting lender, mortgage insurer and other applicable program requirements
Our mortgage team can help you understand the program, answer your questions and determine what your next steps may look like.
Maryland Mortgage Program options offered through Rosedale Bank, an MMP‑approved lender.
*Information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to extend credit. Loan terms are subject to applicable Maryland Mortgage Program requirements and Regulation Z. Program interest rates, terms, and fees are subject to change without notice. Income restrictions, minimum credit score requirements, Maryland Mortgage Program eligibility requirements, and other qualifications apply. All loans are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. Rosedale Bank NMLS ID #413320.
Program availability and eligibility are subject to Maryland Mortgage Program requirements, lender requirements, mortgage insurer requirements and other applicable guidelines. Contact a Rosedale Bank mortgage loan officer for current program information and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Eligible teachers, school counselors, and first responders may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance through the Maryland Mortgage Program’s First Homes for First Responders and Teachers Program. Qualified borrowers may receive a secondary loan equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount to assist with upfront homebuying costs.
The Maryland Mortgage Program is a statewide homeownership initiative that helps eligible homebuyers purchase a home through competitive mortgage financing and available down payment and closing cost assistance programs. Rosedale Bank is an approved lender of the Maryland Mortgage Program and can help determine if you qualify.
The program is designed for eligible first-time homebuyers who work full-time in qualifying first responder or educator positions in Maryland. Certain individuals relocating to Maryland for an eligible full-time position may also qualify. Eligibility is subject to Maryland Mortgage Program guidelines and other program requirements.
Yes. The program is intended for eligible first-time homebuyers. Additional eligibility requirements apply, including program income limits, purchase price limits, and other Maryland Mortgage Program guidelines.
Eligible first responders may include: Firefighters, Certified EMTs and paramedics, Qualifying volunteer firefighters, Police officers, Rescue squad members, Sworn members of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, 9-1-1 specialists.
If you are unsure whether your position qualifies, our mortgage team can help review your eligibility.
Eligible educators include full-time, state-certified classroom teachers and school counselors serving students in pre-K through 12th grade at qualifying Maryland schools.
Eligible borrowers may receive a secondary loan equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount. This assistance can help cover down payment and closing costs, making homeownership more attainable for qualified borrowers.
The down payment assistance is provided as a secondary loan through the Maryland Mortgage Program. Program terms and conditions apply.
No. The secondary loan does not require monthly payments while program requirements are met.
The secondary loan carries a 0% interest rate under current program guidelines. Program terms are subject to change, and borrowers should consult a mortgage loan officer for current program details.
Repayment is generally deferred and becomes due when the property is sold, refinanced, transferred, or as otherwise required under Maryland Mortgage Program guidelines.
In addition to employment requirements, applicants must meet Maryland Mortgage Program eligibility requirements, which may include: First-time homebuyer status, completion of approved homebuyer education, applicable income limits, credit score requirements, home purchase price limits, lender and mortgage insurer requirements.
Yes. Eligible borrowers are generally required to complete an approved homebuyer education program before qualifying a home through the Maryland Mortgage Program.
Yes. Income limits apply and vary based on household circumstances and program guidelines. A Rosedale Bank mortgage loan officer can help determine the limits that apply to your situation.
Eligible property types and purchase price limits are determined by Maryland Mortgage Program guidelines. Our mortgage team can help you understand the requirements based on the home you are considering.
The easiest way to get started is by speaking with a Rosedale Bank mortgage loan officer. We’ll review your goals, answer your questions, explain the program requirements, and help determine whether this program may be a good fit for your homebuying journey.
Contact a Rosedale Bank mortgage loan officer to discuss your eligibility and next steps. Our team can guide you through the application process, explain program requirements, and help you explore available mortgage and down payment assistance options.