Can you get help buying your first home in Virginia, Washington, DC, or Maryland? Absolutely. First-time homebuyers across the DMV may qualify for down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, special mortgage programs, and other homeownership incentives in 2026.
Depending on your income, credit profile, purchase location, and loan type, these programs could significantly reduce the amount of money you need upfront.
And here's something many buyers don't realize: You don't necessarily need 20% down to purchase your first home.
Some conventional mortgage programs allow eligible buyers to put down as little as 3%, while FHA loans may offer down payments as low as 3.5%. Certain assistance programs can help cover part of those costs.
At KS Team, we've helped thousands of families navigate the DMV real estate market. We also work with mortgage professionals, including our lending partner Guild Mortgage, to help buyers explore financing options and understand what may be available to them.
Whether you're searching for your first condo in Arlington, a townhouse in Fairfax, or a single-family home in Maryland, understanding your financing options is one of the smartest places to start.
1. First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Virginia (2026)
Virginia offers several programs designed to make homeownership more accessible, including options administered through Virginia Housing and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant
Virginia Housing offers a Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Grant for eligible first-time buyers using qualifying mortgage products.
The grant can help reduce the amount of money needed at closing. Unlike a traditional loan, qualifying grant assistance generally does not have to be repaid.
Eligibility depends on factors such as household income, home purchase price, loan program, and first-time buyer status.
For the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria region, Virginia Housing's published limits effective August 1, 2026, include:
- Households of two or fewer people: Income limit of $148,000
- Households of three or more people: Income limit of $174,000
- Maximum sales price or loan limit: $800,000
These are program-specific limits, not universal mortgage qualification thresholds.
Virginia HOMEownership Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
Virginia's Department of Housing and Community Development also administers assistance through regional providers.
Eligible first-time homebuyers earning at or below 80% of area median income may qualify for assistance toward their down payment and closing costs.
Under published program terms, assistance can reach $40,000, subject to eligibility, location, and program requirements.
This assistance is structured as a deferred loan rather than a standard nonrepayable grant.
Who Should Explore Virginia Homebuyer Programs?
These options may be especially relevant if you're:
- Buying your first home in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, or another Northern Virginia community.
- Earning a steady income but struggling to save for a down payment.
- Considering a condo or townhouse as your first property.
- Unsure whether your savings are enough to begin the buying process.
KS Team Tip: Before deciding that Northern Virginia is out of your budget, speak with a qualified lender about assistance programs and your estimated monthly payment. The amount you need upfront may be different from what you expect.
2. First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Washington, DC (2026)
Washington, DC has several homeownership assistance options, including programs designed to help buyers bridge the gap between their savings and the cost of purchasing a home.
DC Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
The Home Purchase Assistance Program, commonly called HPAP, provides interest-free purchase assistance loans and closing cost assistance to eligible buyers purchasing homes in Washington, DC.
Under the assistance table effective July 1, 2026, eligible buyers may qualify for:
Up to $202,000 in purchase assistance, plus up to $4,000 in closing cost assistance.
The actual amount depends on household income, household size, and program eligibility.
HPAP is not free money. It is an assistance loan with repayment terms that vary by income category and circumstances.
Funding availability is also important. The program has limited funding, and eligibility does not guarantee assistance or a closing date.
DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors, administered through the DC Housing Finance Agency, offers eligible borrowers assistance toward down payments and closing costs.
The program offers assistance of 3% or 3.5% of the lower of the home's purchase price or appraised value, structured as a deferred loan.
Published eligibility criteria include:
- Minimum credit score of 640.
- Qualifying income limit of $199,200.
- Additional mortgage and property requirements.
Importantly, DC Open Doors does not require applicants to be first-time buyers, although they cannot own a home when applying.
Which DC First-Time Homebuyer Program Is Better?
The answer depends on your income, purchase timeline, available funds, and financing needs.
HPAP may provide substantial assistance for qualifying households, while DC Open Doors may be an alternative for buyers who meet its lending requirements.
A mortgage professional can help determine which program fits your situation and whether funding is currently available.
3. First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Maryland (2026)
Maryland offers several homeownership assistance programs through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), including options for buyers in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Prince George's County, and Baltimore.
Maryland Mortgage Program — 1st Time Advantage
The 1st Time Advantage program offers qualifying first-time homebuyers access to competitive 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.
Depending on the product selected, buyers may qualify for:
- 1st Time Advantage 6000: $6,000 in deferred assistance.
- 1st Time Advantage 3%: Assistance equal to 3% of the first mortgage amount.
- 1st Time Advantage 4%: Assistance equal to 4% of the first mortgage amount.
- 1st Time Advantage 5%: Assistance equal to 5% of the first mortgage amount.
- HomeStart: 6% assistance for eligible buyers at or below 50% of area median income.
These assistance products generally use zero-interest, deferred second loans rather than grants.
Borrowers must meet income, credit, purchase price, and homebuyer education requirements.
Maryland Partner Match Assistance
Some Maryland buyers can also benefit from the Partner Match program.
Eligible borrowers using the 1st Time Advantage 6000 or Flex 6000 products may receive an additional match of up to $2,500 when they receive qualifying assistance from an approved employer, community organization, or homebuilder.
This can be especially helpful for buyers whose employers already participate in homeownership assistance initiatives.
What About Montgomery County Buyers?
If you're purchasing in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, or another Montgomery County community, you may also be eligible for county-specific mortgage assistance.
Maryland offers specialty products such as the Montgomery County Homeownership Program and the Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan.
Each has separate qualification requirements.
KS Team Tip: Don't compare assistance amounts alone. Compare interest rates, monthly payments, mortgage insurance, repayment obligations, and total financing costs before selecting a program.
4. How Guild Mortgage Can Help First-Time Buyers Explore Their Options
One of the most important decisions you'll make as a first-time homebuyer is choosing the right mortgage strategy.
That's why KS Team works with lending professionals, including our partner, Guild Mortgage, to help buyers understand their options before they begin seriously shopping for a home.
Guild Mortgage offers a range of homebuying assistance options, including access to government-supported programs and select Guild-specific mortgage products.
Guild Mortgage 1% Down Program
Guild's 1% Down program allows eligible borrowers to contribute 1% toward their down payment, with Guild providing additional assistance of up to 2%, capped at $5,000.
Program eligibility, property restrictions, loan terms, and availability must be confirmed with Guild Mortgage.
Guild Mortgage Zero Down Program
Guild also offers a Zero Down program that combines an FHA first mortgage with a second mortgage to help cover the required down payment.
Zero down does not necessarily mean zero closing costs or zero cash required at closing.
Borrowers should review the full financing structure, including repayment terms and mortgage insurance.
Guild Mortgage MyPath2Own
Not quite mortgage-ready?
Guild's MyPath2Own program is designed to help prospective first-time buyers work toward qualifying for a mortgage.
It combines homebuyer education and a personalized homeownership plan, with potential assistance of up to $4,000 toward down payment or closing costs for eligible participants.
Why Work With KS Team and Guild Mortgage?
Buying your first home requires more than finding a property you love. You also need a financing strategy that supports your long-term goals.
By working with KS Team and Guild Mortgage, buyers can benefit from coordinated real estate and mortgage guidance.
KS Team can help you identify neighborhoods, evaluate properties, navigate offers, and negotiate purchase terms.
Guild Mortgage can help you review mortgage options, assess assistance-program eligibility, and understand estimated financing costs.
Together, the goal is simple: Help you make a confident, informed homebuying decision without overlooking opportunities that could make purchasing more affordable.
Mortgage products and assistance programs are subject to eligibility, underwriting approval, geographic restrictions, and availability. Not all programs can be combined.
5. Do You Have to Be a First-Time Homebuyer to Qualify?
Not always.
Many programs define a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence during the previous three years.
That means you may qualify even if you've owned a home in the past.
Other programs make exceptions for qualifying veterans, buyers purchasing in designated areas, or borrowers meeting specific income requirements.
For example, Maryland's 1st Time Advantage program includes certain exceptions to the traditional first-time buyer requirement.
The definition varies by program, so verify eligibility before ruling yourself out.
6. What Credit Score and Income Do You Need?
There is no single credit score or income requirement for all first-time homebuyer assistance programs.
Your eligibility generally depends on:
- Credit score: Each mortgage and assistance program establishes its own standards.
- Household income: Some programs limit eligibility based on area median income and household size.
- Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders review how your existing monthly debts compare with your qualifying income.
- Purchase price: Certain programs impose property price or mortgage loan limits.
- Property occupancy: Most assistance programs require you to use the property as your primary residence.
- Homebuyer education: Some programs require completion of an approved course.
A lender can help you understand which requirements apply to your situation.
7. How Much Could Down Payment Assistance Actually Save You?
Let's look at a hypothetical example.
Suppose you're purchasing a $450,000 home and qualify for a conventional mortgage requiring 3% down.
Example: Buying a $450,000 Home
- Home purchase price: $450,000
- Required 3% down payment: $13,500
- Hypothetical down payment assistance: $6,000
- Remaining down payment to fund: $7,500
In this scenario, assistance could reduce the buyer's out-of-pocket down payment from $13,500 to $7,500.
This assumes the assistance is permitted for the selected mortgage and fully applicable to the down payment. Closing costs, prepaid expenses, reserves, and any minimum borrower contribution are not included.
Assistance can make a meaningful difference, but it's important to understand whether the funds are a grant, forgivable loan, or repayable second mortgage.
A program with a larger assistance amount is not automatically the least expensive financing option.
8. How to Apply for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance in 2026
If you're thinking about purchasing a home in Virginia, DC, or Maryland, here's a practical way to get started.
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
Review your income, monthly debts, savings, and comfortable housing payment.
You don't need to know exactly how much you can afford yet. The goal is to understand your financial starting point.
Step 2: Connect With a Mortgage Professional
Ask about conventional, FHA, VA, and assistance-program options.
KS Team can help connect you with Guild Mortgage to discuss potential financing opportunities.
Step 3: Review Program Eligibility
Compare requirements based on your preferred location, household income, and financing needs.
Some programs are limited to specific cities or counties, while others are available statewide.
Step 4: Complete Homebuyer Education if Required
Certain state and local programs require an approved homebuyer education course before closing.
These courses can also help you understand budgeting, mortgages, inspections, and long-term homeownership responsibilities.
Step 5: Get Preapproved
Understand your estimated purchase price range and financing conditions before making an offer.
A mortgage preapproval can help you shop more confidently and prepare for a competitive housing market.
Step 6: Begin Your Home Search With KS Team
Explore properties that align with both your lifestyle and financial goals.
Whether you're interested in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, Washington, DC, or Maryland, our team can help you evaluate your options.
Step 7: Confirm Funding and Financing Before Closing
Assistance availability, documentation, lender participation, and program deadlines should be verified early.
Working with experienced real estate and mortgage professionals can help you navigate these steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About First-Time Homebuyer Programs
What is the best first-time homebuyer program in Virginia in 2026?
Virginia Housing's Down Payment Assistance Grant is one option worth exploring. However, the best program depends on your household income, mortgage type, property location, and whether you qualify for a grant or deferred loan.
Does Virginia offer free money for first-time homebuyers?
Virginia Housing offers certain grants that do not require repayment. Other Virginia assistance programs provide deferred loans, which may need to be repaid under specified circumstances.
Can first-time homebuyers get $202,000 in DC?
Eligible applicants may qualify for up to $202,000 in HPAP purchase assistance under the July 2026 assistance table, plus up to $4,000 in closing cost assistance. Actual awards depend on household circumstances, eligibility, and funding availability. The assistance is structured as a loan, not a cash grant.
What is the Maryland $6,000 first-time homebuyer program?
Maryland's 1st Time Advantage 6000 provides eligible borrowers with a $6,000 deferred, zero-interest loan toward down payment and closing costs. Repayment is generally due when the first mortgage ends.
Does Guild Mortgage offer down payment assistance?
Yes. Guild Mortgage offers qualifying buyers access to various assistance programs, including its 1% Down and Zero Down options. Eligibility and product availability vary.
Can I buy my first home with no down payment?
Some qualified buyers may access zero-down mortgage options, including certain VA, USDA, or lender-specific programs. However, closing costs and other expenses may still apply.
Can I combine multiple down payment assistance programs?
Sometimes. Certain programs allow assistance from approved outside sources, while others prohibit particular combinations. Your lender should verify compatibility before you rely on multiple sources of funding.
Should I get preapproved before looking at homes?
Yes. Getting pre-approved helps you understand your financing options and establish a realistic price range. It can also help you act quickly when you find a suitable property.
Your First Home Could Be More Affordable Than You Think
You don't have to figure out the homebuying process alone.
Whether you're exploring a condo in Arlington, a townhouse in Alexandria, a home in Fairfax County, or a property in Washington, DC or Maryland, the right guidance can help you make a more informed decision.
At KS Team, we've helped more than 5,000 families navigate the real estate market, with over $5 billion in lifetime real estate sales volume.
And through our relationship with Guild Mortgage, we can help connect you with mortgage professionals who can review financing options and potential homebuyer assistance.
You may have more options than you realize. Let's find out what's possible.
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
Schedule a free 15-minute homebuyer strategy session with KS Team.
We'll discuss your goals, preferred neighborhoods, timeline, and next steps toward homeownership.
Schedule Your Free Homebuyer Consultation Today!
KS Team | Your DMV Real Estate Experts
703-609-5183
Disclaimer: Program information reflects published 2026 terms and may change without notice. Eligibility, funding, interest rates, and assistance amounts vary. KS Team is a real estate team, not a mortgage lender. Guild Mortgage and other lenders independently determine mortgage eligibility and loan approval. Buyers should verify current program terms directly with the administering agency and their lender. Equal Housing Opportunity.
