Due to a significantly high volume of Homeownership Counseling applications, our first class is booked in advance for up to at least 6-8 weeks. The program itself is 4 classes, for a total of 8 hours, and on average, it takes about 2-4 months to complete from the start date, ensuring participants receive comprehensive guidance and support throughout their journey to homeownership.
The Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) provides deferred loans up to $50,000 to first time homebuyers in Anne Arundel County to help with down payment and settlement costs. Eligible participants must be graduates of the ACDS Homeownership Counseling Program and may not have a household income greater than 100% of the Area Median Income (see income limits below). The Mortgage Assistance Program can be used in conjunction with a mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Maryland Mortgage Program.
Information for Lenders/Agents
How the Mortgage Assistance Program Works
Eligible Applicant(s)
First-time homebuyers who do not exceed the income limits (see below) and who have successfully completed the ACDS Homeownership Counseling Program prior to entering into a contract to purchase. Must occupy the property as their principal residence; non-occupant co-borrowers (co-signers) are not permitted.
How to Apply
New ACDS’s Clients: Please download a Homeownership Counseling application here, which is a pre-requisite for the Mortgage Assistance Program. Graduates of the Homeownership Counseling Program: Please download a Mortgage Assistance Program Application by clicking here. Contact us to learn more information about the Homeownership Counseling Program and the Mortgage Assistance Program.
Income Limits
Assistance may not be provided to households whose total household income, from all sources, exceeds 100% of Area Median Income for the Baltimore Metropolitan Area, adjusted for household size.
| Income Limits (effective June 15, 2023) Borrower’s total household income cannot exceed the following: | ||||||
| Household Size | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person |
| Income Limits for ACDS financing | $85,563 | $97,750 | $110,000 | $122,188 | $132,000 | $141,750 |
Do I need to use an approved Lender and/or Realtor?
No, ACDS’s clients are allowed to choose whichever Lender and/or Realtor that they wish to work with.
Service Area
Anne Arundel County only
How do we allocate funds?
ACDS staff will determine the exact amount needed based on our underwriting guidelines and analysis.
Maximum Loan Amount
Up to $50,000.
Eligible uses
The funds available through the Mortgage Assistance Program may be used as needed for closing costs, down payment assistance, and/or mortgage write downs.
Minimum Cash Contribution from Applicant(s)
The applicant(s) must contribute a minimum of one percent (1%) of the sales price of their own funds. The money provided by the applicant(s) towards the mortgage application can be but not limited to appraisals, pre-paids, credit reports, home inspection, and application fees can be counted towards the one percent (1%).
Maximum Assets
If liquid assets exceed three months of the new Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI) payments, plus the one percent (1%) minimum contribution, an asset test will be completed to determine eligibility and/or if additional funds are needed from the borrower.
Funding Terms
Assistance is provided as a loan, not a grant. However, the terms are very favorable and offered at zero percent (0%) interest with no monthly payments. Loans are due and payable upon sale, transfer of property, when the property ceases to become a primary residence, or in 30 years, whichever comes first.
Maximum Purchase Price
Up to $500,000, depending on affordability.
Eligible Properties
An existing or newly constructed residence, including detached, semi-detached and attached townhomes and condominiums, located within Anne Arundel County. The home must be owner-occupied or vacant at the time the offer to purchase is made, except when the existing tenant is the one making the purchase. The property must meet the ACDS Minimum Property Standards for code and safety.
Credit Score
No credit score requirements for this program.
Minimum Property Standard Inspection
Upon an applicant’s request for MAP financial assistance for the purchase of a house, an ACDS Construction Specialist shall visit the property to be purchased and prepare a checklist to determine if the property meets the Anne Arundel County Property Maintenance Code and to visually identify any apparent lead-based paint hazards. Any deficiencies identified on the checklist must be corrected before MAP funding will be approved.
Maximum Debt to Income Ration (DTI)
45.00% Back-End only Back-End Ratio: the total monthly calculation of the applicant’s income that goes towards debts and proposed housing expenses.
Processing Time
Please allow 45 to 60 days from the time ACDS receive the contract of sale.
Secondary Finance Approval
The Mortgage Assistance Program can be used in conjunction with a mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Maryland Mortgage Program.
Information for Realtors and Lenders
Please visit our Lender/Realtor page to learn more about our processing requirements for our loan documents and settlement requirements.