Explore Anne Arundel Down Payment Assistance for Crownsville Homes

Saving for a down payment in Crownsville can feel like the hardest part of buying. The good news is you may not have to do it alone. Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland offer real assistance that can cover part of your down payment and closing costs. In this guide, you will learn which programs are available, who qualifies, and how to stack them to make your purchase more affordable. Let’s dive in.

What help is available in Anne Arundel

ACDS Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)

The county’s flagship option is the Mortgage Assistance Program from Arundel Community Development Services. According to the program page, qualified buyers can receive up to $50,000 as a zero percent, deferred loan that can be used for down payment, closing costs, or a rate buydown. Repayment is typically due when you sell, transfer the home, pay off the first mortgage, or after a set term. Learn more on the official ACDS MAP page.

ACDS requires homebuyer counseling and limits assistance to homes in Anne Arundel County, which includes Crownsville. The program screens homes for minimum property standards and checks for lead hazards in homes built before 1978. ACDS publishes income limits and purchase caps, with materials referencing purchase prices up to $500,000 depending on affordability. For background on recent updates that expanded eligibility, see the county’s MAP expansion announcement.

Maryland Mortgage Program options

The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) provides state-backed mortgages with built-in down payment or closing cost assistance through approved lenders. Products change over time, but examples include 1st Time Advantage options that may offer a fixed $6,000 assistance or a 3 to 5 percent deferred second loan. Other targeted options, like HomeStart for very low-income buyers or SmartBuy tied to student loan relief, are also available. Review current products on the MMP program overview and the 1st Time Advantage page.

Bank and FHLB grant programs

Some local banks distribute Federal Home Loan Bank or institution grants that can add to your funds. Typical amounts can be around $5,000, with local examples reaching $12,500 depending on the bank and buyer eligibility. These grants are limited and require a participating lender. Ask your bank about availability, and see an example at Arundel Federal’s FHLB assistance page.

Who qualifies and what to expect

Income and price limits

Most programs use area median income and household size to determine eligibility. ACDS published updated income limits effective April 1, 2025, with examples such as $91,188 for a 1-person household and $130,250 for a 4-person household. Purchase price caps also apply, and MMP limits vary by county and product. Check current ACDS limits on the MAP page and MMP’s income and purchase limit tables.

Property standards and inspections

ACDS inspects properties for minimum standards and checks for lead hazards in older homes. Condos and new homes can be eligible if they meet program criteria. MMP also has property and acquisition cost requirements by product. Verify property eligibility early so you can write a confident offer.

Education and counseling

Expect to complete homebuyer education before approval. ACDS requires its counseling for MAP applicants, and MMP products may require education as well. Plan for course scheduling to take 4 to 12 weeks depending on demand. You can start with ACDS or the Community Action Agency’s housing assistance and workshops, or use HUD’s Maryland counseling directory.

Can you combine programs

Stacking can increase your assistance when allowed. For example, an MMP mortgage can sometimes be paired with local partner matches and a bank or FHLB grant. MMP also offers a Partner Match that may add funds when paired with approved partner contributions. Rules vary, so confirm combinations with an MMP-approved lender and program administrators. Explore how stacking works on the MMP overview.

Step-by-step plan to get started

1. Enroll in homebuyer counseling with ACDS or Community Action and get your education certificate started. Begin with the ACDS MAP page.
2. Get prequalified with an MMP-approved lender if you plan to use MMP. Review program details on the MMP site.
3. Confirm your target price point fits program limits and that the property type will pass required inspections.
4. Under contract, submit your DPA application and all documents promptly. If using MAP, plan for the ACDS inspection step.
5. Ask local banks about FHLB or institutional grants to layer additional assistance. For example, review Arundel Federal’s program.

Crownsville tips for a smoother close

• Start counseling now so your certificate is ready when you find the right home.
• Budget for any required buyer contribution, prepaid costs, and reserves that programs may require.
• Coordinate contract timelines with your lender and ACDS so inspections and underwriting fit your closing date.
• Verify condo or new construction eligibility early, especially if you plan to use state assistance.

Local resources

• ACDS Mortgage Assistance Program: overview, eligibility, and counseling requirements on the official MAP page
• Maryland Mortgage Program: products and how to work with approved lenders on the MMP program overview
• MMP income and purchase limits: Anne Arundel specifics on the limits page
• Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County: workshops and counseling at the housing assistance page
• HUD counseling directory: find HUD-approved agencies on the Maryland page
• Anne Arundel County housing resource portal: updates and links on the portal announcement

Ready to explore your options

Buying in Crownsville becomes more attainable when you use the programs designed for you. With the right plan, you can combine local, state, and bank assistance to reduce cash to close and strengthen your offer. If you want a confident, well-timed path to ownership in Anne Arundel, let’s talk about your next steps. Connect with Liz Dooner to align financing, property strategy, and a smooth, design-forward experience.

FAQs

How much down payment help is available in Crownsville

• ACDS MAP lists up to $50,000 as a zero percent deferred loan, MMP products commonly include fixed amounts like $6,000 or percentage-based seconds, and some banks offer additional grants that vary by program.

Is the assistance a grant or a loan

• Most local and state assistance is a 0 percent deferred second loan that is repaid at sale, refinance, transfer, or after the term, while some bank or FHLB funds may be forgivable grants depending on the program.

Do I need to be a first-time buyer to qualify

• Many MMP products target first-time buyers, with possible exceptions such as targeted areas or certain statuses, and ACDS MAP also targets first-time buyers. Always confirm the definition used by the program.

Can I use assistance on condos or new construction in Crownsville

• Condos and new homes can be eligible if they meet ACDS standards and MMP property rules, and some MMP new construction options are limited to Priority Funding Areas.

Can I have a non-occupying co-borrower or co-signer

• ACDS generally does not allow non-occupying co-borrowers, and MMP rules can vary by product, so check with your lender and the program administrator.