Buying in Maryland: programs and quirks you should know.
From Baltimore's neighborhood incentives to Montgomery County transfer taxes, Maryland has more wrinkles than most states — and more programs to help you navigate them.
Know your market
Montgomery & Prince George's
Strong price points, especially inside the Beltway. Transfer taxes and recordation fees are meaningful — budget carefully.
Baltimore City & County
A wide range of prices, neighborhood incentives, and city programs for buyers in targeted areas.
Queen Anne's, Talbot, Worcester
More rural with USDA eligibility in places. Seasonal market dynamics — plan your timeline.
Frederick, Washington, Allegany
Affordable price points, competitive first-time buyer programs, and expanding commuter demand.
Maryland Mortgage Program & local options
The MMP is the centerpiece — and pairs with strong local programs:
- 1st Time Advantage — flagship first-time buyer loan with optional DPA.
- Flex — for repeat buyers and targeted-area purchases.
- SmartBuy 3.0 — pays off eligible student loan debt at closing.
- Partner Match — multiplies employer or community DPA.
- Maryland HomeCredit — federal tax credit for mortgage interest.
- City and county programs — Baltimore "Live Near Your Work," Prince George's "Pathway to Purchase," and more.
Maryland closing-cost quick reference
Maryland closing costs often run 3–5% of the loan amount, driven by state and local transfer/recordation taxes:
- State transfer tax (typically 0.5%, often with first-time buyer exemption)
- County recordation and transfer taxes
- Title insurance and settlement fees
- Lender fees and prepaids
Estimates only. Actual figures depend on property, location, and loan program. We provide a written Loan Estimate within three business days of application.
What can you afford in your area?
Rough price and income guidance by county — so you can gut-check where to start looking before you run the full Mortgage Plan.
| County | Typical Price Range | Est. Income Needed | Common Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | $450k – $900k+ | $110k – $200k+ | MMP, Partner Match, Jumbo |
| Prince George's County | $300k – $500k | $70k – $115k | MMP, FHA, SmartBuy |
| Howard County | $400k – $750k | $95k – $170k | MMP, Conventional |
| Baltimore City | $150k – $350k | $35k – $80k | MMP, FHA, HomeAbility |
| Baltimore County | $280k – $500k | $65k – $115k | MMP, FHA, Conventional |
| Anne Arundel | $380k – $650k | $88k – $150k | MMP, Conventional |
| Frederick County | $320k – $550k | $75k – $125k | MMP, USDA (some areas), FHA |
| Charles County | $320k – $500k | $75k – $115k | MMP, FHA, USDA |
Price ranges and income estimates are illustrative only, based on general market data as of early 2026. Actual qualification depends on your full financial profile, credit, debts, and lender guidelines. Speak with a TMES advisor for a personalized estimate.