Down Payment Assistant Programs – Real Estate Connection

Discover Down Payment Assistance Made Simple

At REC.Homes, we’re committed to helping you unlock the door to homeownership. One of the biggest hurdles for buyers is saving enough for a down payment—but it doesn’t have to stop you. That’s why we’re proud to offer access to a comprehensive Down Payment Assistance (DPA) matching platform that brings programs from across the nation right to your fingertips.

Down Payment Assistance & Grant Programs in Maryland, DC & Virginia

The down payment is the biggest hurdle for most first-time buyers — but across the DMV there are state, county, and federal programs that help cover it. Some are true grants you never repay; others are zero-interest loans that are deferred or forgiven over time. Here are the real programs we help our Maryland, DC, and Virginia buyers tap into.

Grant vs. assistance loan — what's the difference?
A grant is money you never pay back. Most "down payment assistance" is a zero-interest second loan that's either deferred (repaid only when you sell or refinance) or forgiven after you live in the home for a set number of years. Both lower your cash-to-close — we'll help you find the right fit.

Maryland

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) Down Payment Assistance Deferred Loan — Zero-interest second loans toward down payment and closing costs, paired with an MMP first mortgage.
Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 Deferred Loan — Helps buyers with student debt purchase while paying that debt down.
Montgomery County Specialty Programs Deferred Loan — County-level assistance layered on top of MMP for local buyers.
Maryland HomeCredit (MCC) Tax Credit — A federal tax credit on a portion of your annual mortgage interest.

Washington, DC

HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance Program) Deferred Loan — The District's most generous down payment and closing-cost help, as a deferred zero-interest loan with forgiveness tiers.
DC Open Doors Forgivable — Down payment assistance that can be forgiven after five years of living in the home.
EAHP (Employer-Assisted Housing Program) Grant + Loan — For eligible DC government employees, combining a matching grant with a deferred loan.

Virginia

Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant True Grant — Roughly 2–2.5% of the purchase price with no repayment required.
Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance Grant True Grant — Helps cover closing costs on eligible RHS or VA loans, no repayment required.
Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage Second Loan — Pairs with a Virginia Housing first mortgage to reduce cash at closing.

Federal Options (all three jurisdictions)

FHA Loans Low Down — As little as 3.5% down, and most local assistance above can be applied to it.
VA & USDA Loans 0% Down — No down payment for eligible veterans, service members, and rural-area buyers.

Funding, dollar limits, and eligibility for these programs change throughout the year as cycles renew. Reach out to REC.Homes and we'll confirm exactly which programs you currently qualify for and how much you could receive.

DPA ONE – A Better Way to Find Down Payment Assistance

Our platform is a free, centralized resource that allows housing professionals and homebuyers to:

– Search hundreds of DPA programs at the state, local, and municipal levels nationwide.
– Match borrowers with the right assistance options based on income, loan details, and property location.
– Compare program features side-by-side so you and your clients can make confident decisions.
– Download and share program details easily with borrowers or partners.

This powerful tool aggregates assistance programs in one place, saving you time and making it easier to serve your homebuyer clients effectively.

Who Can Use This Resource?

Whether you’re a loan officer, real estate professional, housing counselor, or homebuyer exploring options, our platform is designed to help you:

– Find DPA programs that match unique borrower needs
– Understand program guidelines and eligibility requirements
– Support first-time and repeat homebuyers in achieving their goals

Registration is completely free and gives you access to a wide range of assistance options nationwide.

Why It Matters

Down payment assistance can make a real difference — helping buyers overcome a major financial barrier and move confidently toward homeownership. With this easy-to-use platform, you’re empowered to:

– Reduce the time spent searching for assistance programs
– Improve accuracy and reduce errors in program submissions
– Provide tailored guidance based on thousands of available programs

Whether you’re helping clients for the first time or refining your approach, this tool equips you with the right data, all in one place, so you can focus on making home happen.