First Homes for First Responders and Teachers

A State of Maryland initiative that helps eligible first responders and teachers buy their first home with a lower first mortgage interest rate and includes 5% down payment and closing cost assistance as a no-interest, deferred second loan.

Who can apply

First-time homebuyers who meet MMP eligibility requirements and are:

• Working full time in an eligible first responder or teacher position in Maryland
• Moving to Maryland for a full-time eligible first responder or teacher position with a signed, non-contingent employment offer from a Maryland employer

Benefits

• Competitive 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage
• Includes a secondary loan equal to 5% of the first mortgage total loan amount to help cover the down payment and closing costs:
  • 0% interest, 30-year deferred secondary loan
  • No monthly payments for the secondary loan as long as you live in the home and keep your first mortgage
  • You only pay it back when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home
• May be combined with external grants or loans from employers, builders, or non-profits, as long as they meet all MMP, U.S. Bank, and investor guidelines (Note: it cannot be combined with other MMP products or MMP Partner Match Program)

Eligibility requirements

To qualify you must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer
• Be an eligible first responder or teacher
• Complete an approved Homebuyer Education class
• Meet MMP loan eligibility requirements, including income limits, credit score, and purchase price limits
• Meet all requirements from lenders, mortgage insurers, and any partner organizations providing funding
• Provide a standard written Verification of Employment (VOE) with detailed income information or an Income and Employment Verification Report from an agency approved third party vendor

Eligible first responders

Full-time employees of a public safety agency, fire department, or ambulance service, including:

• Firefighter / Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) / Certified Paramedic whose regular duties include fire suppression, prevention, or emergency medical response (a valid firefighter or EMT certification card may be required if the VOE does not clarify the position)
• Volunteer Firefighter who have documented volunteer status with their local municipality for at least 12 of the most recent months
• Police Officer who are commissioned as active law enforcement officers (federal, state, county, municipal, township government, or public or private college or university)
• A Rescue Squad member
• A sworn member of the Office of the State Fire Marshal
• A 9–1–1 specialist

Eligible teachers

Full-time state-certified classroom teachers or school counselors who:

• Are employed by an accredited or state-recognized public, private, or vocational school
• Serve students in pre-K–12

An MSDE teaching license or school accreditation documentation may be required if needed to verify eligibility.