Partner Match Programs

What is Partner Match Programs?

Partner Match Programs is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Statewide, Maryland.

• Maryland DHCD MMP Partner Match - umbrella for various partner-funded down-payment match contributions matched dollar-for-dollar by DHCD as an additional deferred 0% DPA layer. Partners include employers, builders, developers, community / faith-based organizations, and local governments. Specific match amounts vary by partner agreement. Active partner list at mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Partner-Match.aspx. 640 FICO. Statewide.
• Maryland DHCD's Partner Match Programs is the MMP umbrella for THIRD-PARTY DOWN-PAYMENT MATCH contributions provided by employers, builders, developers, community organizations, faith-based groups, local governments, and other partners. When an MMP borrower receives a qualifying down-payment contribution from an approved partner, DHCD MATCHES the contribution dollar-for-dollar (typically up to $2,500-$10,000+ per partner agreement) as an additional 0% deferred second-mortgage DPA layered on top of the MMP first mortgage and standard MMP DPA second. Specific match amounts, eligibility terms, and partner lists vary by partner and update monthly. The Partner Match second is non-amortizing - no monthly payment - due on sale/refinance/transfer/payoff. Active partner list maintained at mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Partner-Match.aspx. 640 FICO. Homebuyer education required.
• Funding comes from State and Bond.

Do you have to pay it back?

Partner Match Programs is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by 0% deferred soft second. Full balance due on sale, refinance, transfer of title, payoff of first mortgage, or non-owner-occupancy. No monthly payment. No forgiveness schedule (unless specified by particular partner agreement).
• The assistance is recorded in 3rd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Partner Match Programs is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Partner Match Programs limits household income to $229,460.

• 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?

Partner Match Programs caps the purchase price at $1.5M.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, 2-unit owner-occupied (per overlays), condo (approved), townhouse, PUD. Specific partner agreements may restrict property types (e.g., builder partners restrict to homes within specific developments).
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Partner Match Programs names veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Partner Match Programs serves buyers purchasing in Statewide, Maryland.

• The program targets specific areas: Federally targeted census tracts and high-cost MD counties have elevated income / purchase-price limits. Specific Partner Match agreements may have additional targeted-area provisions (e.g., builder partners restrict to specific developments; local-government partners restrict to specific jurisdictions).

How do you apply?

Applications for Partner Match Programs go through the administering agency, 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 MMP-approved homebuyer education provider network..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Reserved through MMP Lender Online portal at rate lock. Partner Match designation flagged at reservation with partner-contribution documentation. Active partner list refreshed periodically by DHCD., 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.