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Montgomery County, Maryland · Homebuyer Assistance

Compare Montgomery County Buyer Assistance Programs.

Eligible first-time homebuyers in Montgomery County may be able to use HOC homebuyer assistance programs with approved first mortgage options, including FHA 203(b), Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage.

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Subject to buyer, property, program, first mortgage, lender, and funding approval.

HOC Montgomery County programs

Three key options to compare: McHAF, MPP Option 2, and RCCAP “5 for 5.”

$806,598maximum purchase price listed in supplied program details
0% or 5%assistance interest rate depending on program
5–10 yearsforgiveness or repayment period depending on program
🏡 Montgomery County Only
👤 First-Time Buyer Required
📚 Homebuyer Education Required
🤝 Participating Lender Required
Maryland DPA Strategy

Different Montgomery County programs fit different buyer profiles.

Some options are forgivable and deferred. One option is repayable with monthly payments. Credit score, DTI, condo buyer contribution, employment location, and asset rules can all matter.

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Program Overview

HOC Montgomery County Homebuyer Assistance Programs

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County offers homebuyer assistance programs that may help eligible first-time buyers purchase a primary residence in Montgomery County, Maryland.

This page compares three programs: McHAF, MPP Option 2, and RCCAP “5 for 5.” Each program has different repayment, forgiveness, credit score, DTI, asset, buyer contribution, and employment requirements.

Exact maximum assistance amounts were not included in the supplied program information and should be confirmed before publishing, presenting, or relying on this comparison for a borrower.

One-page program comparison

A quick side-by-side look at McHAF, MPP Option 2, and RCCAP “5 for 5.”

Program FeatureMcHAFMPP – Option 2RCCAP “5 for 5”
Program TypeForgivable subordinate loanForgivable subordinate loanRepayable second mortgage
Geographic AreaMontgomery County, MarylandMontgomery County, MarylandMontgomery County, Maryland
First-Time Buyer RequiredYesYesYes
Primary Residence RequiredYesYesYes
Maximum Purchase Price$806,598$806,598$806,598
Minimum Credit ScoreBased on first-mortgage requirements640 for every borrowerBased on first-mortgage requirements
Maximum DTIBased on first-mortgage requirements45% with 640–679 FICO; 50% with 680+ FICOBased on first-mortgage requirements
Homebuyer EducationRequired for at least one borrowerRequired before funds are reservedRequired before funds are reserved
Education CertificateWithin two years of settlementWithin two years of settlementWithin two years of settlement
Participating Lender RequiredYesYesYes
Employment RequirementNone listedNone listedAt least one borrower must regularly work in Montgomery County
Buyer ContributionBased on first-mortgage guidelinesBased on first-mortgage guidelines; 5% required for condosBased on first-mortgage guidelines
Asset LimitationLiquid assets equal to 20%+ of purchase price may make borrower ineligibleNo specific asset test listedNo asset test
Interest Rate0%0%5%
Monthly PaymentsNoneNoneRequired
Loan Term10 years5 years10 years
ForgivableYes, 100% after 10 years if conditions are metYes, forgiven proportionally over five yearsNo
DeferredYes, for 10 yearsYes, for five yearsNo
Repayment TriggerProrated balance may be due if a repayment trigger occurs before 10 yearsUnforgiven balance due if property is sold or first mortgage is paid off within five yearsRepaid through regular monthly payments over 10 years
Manual UnderwritingNot allowedNot specifiedNot specified
Approved First MortgagesFHA 203(b), Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, Freddie Mac HFA AdvantageFHA 203(b), Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, Freddie Mac HFA AdvantageFHA 203(b), FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HFA Preferred
FundingNot specifiedContinuousContinuous

Household income limits

The supplied program information lists the following household income limits.

Household SizeMaximum Income
1-person household$119,532
2-person household$170,760
3–8-person household$199,220
Verify before relying on these numbers: Income limits, purchase price limits, assistance amounts, funding availability, and participating lender requirements should be confirmed before presenting the program to a borrower.

Which program may fit the buyer?

Each option has a different use case.

McHAF

Longer-term forgivable option

Best suited for buyers seeking no interest and no monthly payment who expect to remain in the home for at least 10 years. It includes a liquid-asset limitation.

MPP Option 2

Shorter forgiveness period

Best suited for buyers who meet the 640 minimum credit score requirement and want assistance forgiven over a shorter five-year period. Condo buyers must contribute 5%.

RCCAP “5 for 5”

For buyers who work in Montgomery County

Best suited for buyers who work in Montgomery County and can afford a monthly second-mortgage payment. It has no asset test, but is not forgivable and carries a 5% rate.

Important Notes

Common requirements across the programs

All three programs generally require:

  • The property must be located in Montgomery County, Maryland.
  • The buyer must be a first-time homebuyer.
  • The property must be occupied as the buyer’s primary residence.
  • Homebuyer education is required.
  • An approved participating lender is required.
  • Eligible citizenship may include U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, and non-permanent resident aliens, subject to applicable lending guidelines.

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Subject to program approval, funding availability, and lender guidelines.

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This form can be used by buyers, Realtors, or sellers who want to explore Montgomery County homebuyer assistance.

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This is not a commitment to lend or approval for down payment assistance. Program eligibility and funding must be confirmed.

Program Provider

Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County

Buyers and Realtors should confirm current program details, funding availability, participating lender requirements, and program-specific rules directly with HOC.

Program and financing disclaimer: This page is informational and does not guarantee eligibility, approval, funding availability, assistance amount, or specific mortgage terms. Program requirements, income limits, purchase price limits, credit score rules, DTI rules, buyer contribution requirements, property eligibility, participating lender requirements, assistance structures, and repayment terms can change. All loans are subject to credit approval, property approval, underwriting approval, program approval, and funding availability. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by HOC, Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, or any government agency.
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