Explore First-Time Buyer Grants, Loans, and Tax Credits

We help buyers in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, D.C., North Carolina, and Texas access powerful financial assistance to make homeownership more affordable.

Choose Your State Below

Maryland

  • Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
  • Up to 6% Down Payment Assistance
  • SmartBuy Student Debt Relief (up to $20K)

Delaware

  • DSHA Welcome Home Program
  • Home Sweet Home Forgivable Loan (up to $12K)
  • Wilmington First Start Program
  • MCC Tax Credit (up to $2,000/year)

Pennsylvania

  • PHFA K-FIT Forgivable Loan
  • Advantage Assistance Loan
  • Philly First Home Grant (up to $10K)
  • Pittsburgh URA & Local Grants

Virginia

  • Virginia Housing DPA Grant (up to 2.5%)
  • Virginia Closing Cost Grant (up to 2%)
  • Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
  • Local Grants (Richmond, Arlington, Norfolk)

Washington, D.C.

  • HPAP (up to $202K + $4K closing)
  • DC Open Doors Forgivable Loan
  • EAHP for DC Government Employees (up to $30K)

North Carolina

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage
  • NC 1st Home Advantage (Forgivable $15K)
  • CPLP Down Payment Assistance (up to $50K)
  • MCC Tax Credit

Texas

  • TSAHC Home Buyer Program (5% DPA)
  • My First Texas Home (via TDHCA)
  • Texas MCC Tax Credit (up to $2,000/year)
 

What These Programs Can Help With

  • Down payment assistance

  • Closing cost help

  • Forgivable second loans

  • Tax credits worth up to $2,000/year

  • Local city/county grants

  • Special aid for teachers, veterans & city employees

Who Qualifies as a First-Time Homebuyer?

You may qualify even if you’ve owned a home in the past!

Most programs require:

  • Not owning a home in the past 3 years
  • A credit score of at least 620
  • Staying within income and purchase price limits (varies by county)
  • Completing a homebuyer education course

Many programs also support:

  • Veterans
  • Public service employees
  • Buyers in targeted revitalization areas

Why Work with
Federal Hill Mortgage?

We don’t just offer mortgages. We offer solutions built around you — with real people guiding you the whole way.

Local Program Experts

We know the ins and outs of every state we serve — so you never miss out on grants or incentives.

Smarter Loan Strategies

We creatively stack programs and discounts to get you better terms and lower costs.

Fast, Credit-Safe Preapprovals

Get preapproved the same day — without a hard credit check.

All-In Support, Start to Close

We guide you through every step, offering FHA, VA, USDA, ITIN, and conventional loan options.

FAQs About First-Time Buyer Programs

  • Yes. In many states, we help clients stack city, state, and federal assistance together.

  • Most grants are not taxed—but some second loans may require repayment if you sell early.

  • Almost always. But it’s free and available online in most states.

  • Yes. That’s the minimum for most programs. Higher scores may unlock better rates.

  • Absolutely. We work with a variety of income types and documentation.

  • Most buyers are preapproved within 1–2 days. Grant approvals can take longer, so apply early.

Ready to See What You Qualify For?

Your journey starts here. Whether you’re buying in a big city or a small town, we’ll match you with every available benefit—and guide you through the entire process.

Start My Application