Mortgage Assistance Program

The Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) is designed for first time homebuyers needing assistance with down payments, closing costs, and reducing first mortgage amounts. Depending on your need, this program can provide up to $30,000 in assistance.

The funds are provided as a loan; however, no payments are required and the funds are loaned at zero percent interest. MAP loan amounts must be repaid when you sell your home, transfer the title, or in 30 years, whichever occurs first. Under certain circumstances you may be required to repay the MAP loan if you refinance your first mortgage. The dollar amount of the MAP loan is determined by ACDS staff in conjunction with your mortgage company. A lien for the amount of the loan will be placed on the property through a Deed of Trust.

Am I eligible for MAP funds?

To be eligible for the Mortgage Assistance Program, you must:

  1. (1)  be a first time homebuyer, which means you have not owned an interest in real property during the last three years,
  2. (2)  be a graduate of the ACDS Homeownership Counseling Program, and
  3. (3)  have a household income at or below the limits listed in the chart below.

Household Size:

1
Person

2
Person

3
Person

4
Person

5
Person

6
Person

Income Limit

$43,050

$49,200

$55,350

$61,500

$66,400

$71,350

As income limits are subject to periodic adjustments, you may want to call our office to confirm your eligibility.

 

How do I apply for MAP funds?

Graduates of our Homeownership Counseling Program will be provided with a MAP application with their Homeownership Counseling Graduation Certificate. If you are a graduate of our Homeownership Counseling Program and need a MAP application call (410) 222-7600 or e-mail info@acdsinc.org to request an application, or download a copy here. If you call during non business hours, please leave a message requesting a Mortgage Assistance Program application and leave your name, phone number and mailing address. An application will be mailed to you on the next business day. Please complete the application and mail it to:

Arundel Community Development Services, Inc.
2666 Riva Road, Suite 210
Annapolis, MD 21401

Upon receipt of your application, a Housing Financial Advisor will get in touch with you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does the Mortgage Assistance Program provide the funds in the form of a grant?
  2. How much money do I have to contribute?
  3. Is there a limit to how much savings I can have and still be eligible for Mortgage Assistance Program funds?
  4. Do I have to buy a home in a certain area?
  5. Can I buy a “fixer-upper”?
  6. Do I have to use an approved lender or Realtor?
  7. What is the definition of a first time homebuyer?
  8. Can I own other types of property and still qualify?

 

1. Does the Mortgage Assistance Program provide the funds in the form of a grant?

No, the funds you receive to assist you in purchasing a home will be in the form of a loan, which you will eventually have to repay. The loan will be at zero percent interest and will be for a term of 30 years. You will have to repay the loan when you sell the property, transfer the title, or after 30 years. In some circumstances, you may have to repay the loan if you refinance your first mortgage.

2. How much money do I have to contribute?

You must contribute one percent (1%) of the sales price. The money you pay outside of closing for items such as the appraisal or home inspection (if required) can count towards your one percent contribution.

3. Is there a limit to how much savings I can have and still be eligible for Mortgage Assistance Program funds?

Yes, at the time of settlement, after you have contributed your one percent, you cannot have savings greater than three (3) months mortgage payments.

4. Do I have to buy a home in a certain area?

You can purchase a home anywhere in Anne Arundel County, including the City of Annapolis.

5. Can I buy a “fixer-upper”?

The home you purchase must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which means it must not violate any health or safety codes. Most likely, a home that needs significant rehabilitation work will not pass the HQS inspection.

6. Do I have to use an approved lender or Realtor?

No, you are free to choose the lender and Realtor with whom you wish to work. However, you should inform your lender and Realtor that you are participating in the Mortgage Assistance Program as soon as you start working with them so they may contact ACDS for more information.

 

7. What is the definition of a first time homebuyer?

A first time homebuyer is:

  1. (1)  someone who has not had an ownership interest in their principal residence* at any time in the three years preceding the date of their mortgage application; or
  2. (2)  someone who is separated or divorced and has had an interest in marital property during the last three years, but can document they did not live in the property during the last three years and no longer have title to the property.

* A mobile home occupied as a borrower’s principal residence will not disqualify the borrower unless the mobile home is/was permanently attached to real property owned by the borrower.

8. Can I own other types of property and still qualify?

At the time of loan closing, you may not have any ownership interest in certain types of property, including mobile homes, raw land, a building, any principal residence, a vacation home, a rental property, an inherited property, commercial property, any jointly held property, a cooperative, and any other real property.

 


Arundel Community Development Services, Inc.
2666 Riva Road, Suite 210
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-7600
www.acdsinc.org