CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant

What is CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Baltimore, Maryland, administered by Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI).

• CHAI's Homebuyer Incentive Grant is a $5,000 zero-interest forgivable loan for first-time homebuyers purchasing in the 21215 zip code or the northwest Baltimore neighborhoods of Cheswolde, Cross Country, Fallstaff, Glen, and Mount Washington. Funds are available at closing toward down payment and closing costs with no monthly payments, and the loan is fully forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. It can be stacked with other city, state, or employer homebuyer programs.
• $5,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
• Zero interest.
• Forgiven after 5 years.
• No monthly payments.
• Funds available at closing.
• Stackable with other incentives.

How much assistance does it provide?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant offers up to $5,000 in assistance.

• The program can be combined with Other city, state, or employer homebuyer programs.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Forgiven after 5 years occupying the home as primary residence; no monthly payments.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Total household income (including all adults 18+) must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant caps the purchase price at $499,650.

• New construction is not eligible.

Where does it apply?

CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant serves buyers purchasing in Baltimore, Maryland.

• The program targets specific areas: Homebuyers in the 21215 zip code or the neighborhoods of Cheswolde, Cross Country, Fallstaff, Glen, and Mount Washington (northwest Baltimore City).

How do you apply?

Applications for CHAI Homebuyer Incentive Grant go through Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Certified homebuyer education workshop plus one-on-one pre-purchase counseling with a HUD-certified housing counselor.

2. 2

   Contact Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.