Maryland Loan Options and Mortgage Rates
The state of Maryland, nicknamed The Old Line State, sits atop the list of states with the highest median income, and has done so for several of the last few years. Because of this Mid-Atlantic state's proximity to our nation's capital, it has become the home of many politicians. Cities like Baltimore and Bethesda house government installations and enclaves for government workers. 

Millions of non-politicos also call Maryland their home, and enjoy access to affordable loan options at attractive MD mortgage rates. Among these are programs offered through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

Loan Programs and Down Payment Assistance for MD Residents
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has an innovative program to work with certain employers to match down payment funds for the borrower. Buyers get a "dollar-for-dollar" match, up to a certain limit, toward down payment and closing costs from these participating employers.  This program, entitled the "House Keys 4 Employees" comes in the form of a zero percent deferred loan that is repayable at the time of payoff or refinance, or upon the sale or transfer of the house.

Another program, The CDA Maryland Mortgage Program, provides low Maryland mortgage interest rates to eligible homebuyers with low-income to moderate-income households through private lending institutions state-wide. This program was developed mainly with first-time homebuyers in mind.

Other available programs are targeted toward seniors 55+, who need to renovate their principal residence. Loans for this group start at current MD mortgage rates, or slightly below, and are based on certain eligibility criteria, including credit and family income levels.  They are setup as 30-year amortizing loans with a maximum loan to value ratio, combined with all other junior or senior loans.

Renovation Loans and Maryland Mortgage Rates
The Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) provides funds for owners to preserve and improve their single family homes. Available money can be used to bring properties that may have fallen into disrepair up to code.  

Applicants pay a low MD mortgage interest rate on the loan, and must pass eligibility requirements, including proving their ability to repay the loan over time. The amount of the home that can be financed is capped, and loans over a certain amount are considered to be in "second position."  

Once necessary safety and code repairs are made, the homeowner can use additional money to install other general improvements, including in the following areas:

• bathroom
• carpeting
• closet
• fences and landscaping
• kitchen
• other small additions.