Pathway to Purchase in Prince George's County

Eligible homebuyers in Prince George's County can take advantage of one of these collaborative opportunities to get an affordable home loan with generous down payment assistance.

Prince George's County, through their Pathway to Purchase program, can provide up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to be used in the purchase of eligible Prince George's County properties. Homebuyers can combine this with the benefits of a Maryland Mortgage Program mortgage.

The borrower must get pre-approval from an MMP lender before applying with Prince George's County. The lender will submit to Prince George's County. Any lender that has been approved by MMP can offer the Pathway to Purchase with an MMP loan.

The two options are:

  1. With the 1st Time Advantage Direct
    • MMP lender submits borrower's pre-approval to apply for the Pathway to Purchase funds.
    • Pathway to Purchase approves the down payment assistance up to $25,000.
    • Lender submits reservation to MMP for a 1st Time Advantage Direct first mortgage, which has the lowest interest rate available for the Maryland Mortgage Program.
  2. ​ Partner Match using the 1st Time Advantage 6000 w/CPIP (Community Partner Incentive Program)
    • MMP lender submits borrower's pre-approval to apply for Pathway to Purchase, including the CPIP Verification of Partner Contribution form for Prince George's County CPIP
    • Pathway to Purchase approves up to $25,000, and signs Verification.
    • Lender submits reservation to MMP for 1st Time Advantage 6000 with CPIP $2,500 (this provides $8,500 in down payment assistance in addition to the Pathway to Purchase funds)
    • When submitting package, Lender includes: Attachment D - Request for Lien Exception and signed Verification of Partner Contribution (for the approved amount of the Pathway to Purchase forgivable loan).

MMP Pathway to Purchase Flyer

For both options, the Maryland Mortgage Program first mortgage will be at the interest rate available at the time of reservation. For option #2, the down payment assistance will be in the form of a zero percent deferred loan which becomes payable upon transfer or refinance or payoff of the first mortgage.

Down payment and closing cost assistance through Prince George's County's Pathway to Purchase program is available as a 0% interest loan that must be paid back when the home is sold, transferred, or ceases to be the primary residence of the buyer(s). However, the Pathway loan amount decreases at a rate of 10% per year and after 10 years is completely forgiven and the lien is released.

Homebuyers apply separately for each program - scroll down for information on steps to take to start your applications.

Eligible Properties

Homebuyers can purchase a home anywhere in Prince George's County. Eligible residential properties also include new construction, resale, short sales and foreclosures, as long as they meet other applicable program guidelines.

Learn More

For information on Prince George's County's Pathway to Purchase Program, including program income limits,​ area median​ income and debt requirements, please ​visit the Pathway to Purchase website.

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Getting Started

If you're ready to take advantage of these special programs:

  1. Talk to a Lender - Your lender can help you determine if you meet preliminary eligibility for the Maryland Mortgage program (MMP). The lender does an initial review (including factors such as income, credit background, and employment history) in order to provide a "pre-approval" for the first mortgage. Full underwriting will take place later in the process.
  2. Complete a Homebuyer Education Class - Complete an 8-hour class provided by a HUD-certified housing counseling agency. Completing a Homebuyer Education class prepares you to make the right decisions when purchasing your home.
  3. Talk to a Realtor - Work with a real estate agent to place a contract on a residential property that can pass the HQS inspection. To be eligible for the Pathway to Purchase assistance, the property must be located in Prince George's County.
  4. Schedule the HQS Inspection - The inspection must be done by American Property Consultants, Inc. (APC) after the contract is ratified. For more information, see the program instructions.
  5. ​Return to your Lender - After the home passes the HQS inspection, return to the lender who pre-approved you. When the lender has completed the full underwriting process and obtained a conditional approval for your first mortgage, they can submit your application for review by the Pathway to Purchase program. You should allow at least 21 business days to process the application.
  6. Closing - If you are approved for funding by the Pathway to Purchase program, the County will coordinate with your lender to provide the funds at closing. The lender will provide the funds for the first mortgage.
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