Incentive Programs

Baltimore City offers a variety of incentive programs for potential homebuyers. Each program has specific qualifications, managed by different city departments or nonprofits. If you are interested in any of these programs, click on the headings below. Doing so will take you to a details page describing each incentive.  If you think you qualify, contact the program administrator listed. Live Baltimore does not manage any of these incentive programs, but we can help you review your options and put you in touch with the organizations that do.

Home Purchase Loan Programs

While you are comparing conventional and government-backed mortgages, consider these home purchase programs too!  Click on the heading for more details on each.

• Good Neighbor Next Door (Teacher Next Door / Officer Next Door) Program
• Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.
• Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities Program
• Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program
• Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc.
• State of Maryland Mortgage Program (CDA)
• Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. Direct Purchase Program

Downpayment & Closing Costs

These are programs that offer assistance with downpayments and closing costs. Each program varies. Click on the heading to review the incentive summaries to see if you might qualify.

• Buying into Baltimore
• Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program (DSELP)
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB) * Funds available as of April 19, 2010!

Employer-Based Assistance Programs

If your employer participates in one of these state or city programs, you may be eligible for a downpayment/closing cost grant or loan.  And don't forget that if you are a firefighter, EMT, Teacher, or Police Officer, you may be eligible for the federal government's "Good Neighbor Next Door" purchase program.  Click on the heading for more details on each.

• Baltimore City BRAC Homeownership Incentive
• Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program
• Good Neighbor Next Door (Teacher Next Door / Officer Next Door) Program (see description under Home Purchase Loan Programs)
• House Keys 4 Employees
• Smart Keys 4 Employees
• Live Near Your Work

Renovation / Rehabilitation Loan Products

Now that you're in your dream house, there may be a few things that need fixing.  Review these special loan programs for everything from emergency roof repair to lead abatement.  Click on the heading for more details on each.

• Baltimore City Lead Abatement Action Program (LAAP)
• City Housing Assistance Program (CHAP)
• Deferred Loan Program
• Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. Home Renovation Loan
• Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. Refinance and Renovate Loan
• HUD 203K Rehabilitation Loan Program
• Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP)
• Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program
• Maryland Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program
• SCOPE / Project 5000
• Senior Roof Repair Program

Historic Preservation Programs

Baltimore has amazing historic treasures and the city and state want to help you preserve them.  Learn how to determine if your house is historic, and check out these great tax incentive programs before you do any renovation work!  Click on the heading for more details on each.

• Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Property Tax Credit
• Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Program

Homeowner Tax Incentives

These programs can help ease the burden of property taxes for eligible homeowners.  Click on the heading for more details on each.

• Newly Constructed Dwelling Tax Credit
• Home Improvement Property Tax Credit
• Homeowner's Tax Credit
• Renter's Tax Credit
• Homestead Property Tax Credit
• Green Tax Credits - Federal Programs
• Green Tax Credits - State of Maryland Programs
• Arts & Entertainment District Property Tax Credit
  

Homeownership Counseling

Don't forget: many home purchase loan and grant programs require a homeownership counseling certificate prior to contract!  Check out our homeownership counseling resources page by clicking the heading above to find the best program for you.