See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 28, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Bethesda, MD (2026)
Bethesda is an affluent unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland, located just northwest of Washington, D.C., with a population of about 68,000 and a median home price near $1,350,000. While Bethesda does not have its own city government or city-funded homebuyer programs, buyers here benefit from strong Montgomery County and state-level assistance. The Montgomery County Homeownership Assistance Fund (McHAF) and the Montgomery Homeownership Program each offer up to $25,000 in deferred-loan down payment assistance, the Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan (MEDPAL) provides $25,000 for eligible county employees and MCPS union members, and the HOC Revolving Closing Cost Assistance Program (RCCAP) contributes up to $10,000 toward closing costs. The Montgomery County MPDU Homeownership Program also makes select for-sale units available at below-market prices. By combining county and state programs, eligible Bethesda buyers can access significant assistance even in one of Maryland's most expensive housing markets.
County Programs in Montgomery County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOC Revolving Closing Cost Assistance Program (RCCAP) | Zero-Interest Loan | 5% of the sales price, up to $10,000 | Yes | View → |
| Montgomery County Homeownership Assistance Fund (McHAF) | Deferred Loan | Up to $25,000 | Yes | View → |
| Montgomery County MPDU Homeownership Program | Deferred Loan | Below-market purchase price on regulated housing units | Yes | View → |
| Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan (MEDPAL) | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Yes | View → |
| Montgomery Homeownership Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $25,000 (40% of qualifying borrower income, maximum $25,000) | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- 5% of the sales price, up to $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Below-market purchase price on regulated housing units
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- $25,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000 (40% of qualifying borrower income, maximum $25,000)
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Maryland
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Grant | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| Maryland HomeAbility | Deferred Loan | 0% deferred second loan of up to 25% of the purchase price, capped at $45,000, for down payment and closing costs; first and second loans combined may not exceed 105% of the purchase price | Yes | View → |
| Maryland Mortgage Program - 1st Time Advantage | Deferred Loan | Up to $6,000 or 3%-5% of the first mortgage amount | Yes | View → |
| Maryland Mortgage Program - Flex Loan | Deferred Loan | Up to $6,000 | No | View → |
| Maryland SmartBuy 3.0 | Forgivable Loan | Up to 15% of the purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- 0% deferred second loan of up to 25% of the purchase price, capped at $45,000, for down payment and closing costs; first and second loans combined may not exceed 105% of the purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $6,000 or 3%-5% of the first mortgage amount
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $6,000
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 15% of the purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage with zero-interest terms | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage with zero-interest terms
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most Montgomery County programs require household income at or below area median income limits set by HUD, and many require a minimum credit score of 640. Because Bethesda home prices are well above average, confirm current purchase price limits with a participating lender before starting your search.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. At least one borrower must complete a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer course. The Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) offers a 6-hour Saturday workshop for $30 per person. You can reach HIP at 301-916-5946 to register.
Step 3: Contact the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC). HOC administers most Montgomery County homebuyer programs including McHAF, RCCAP, and the Mortgage Purchase Program. Call 240-627-9400 or visit their website to connect with approved lenders.
Step 4: Get pre-approved through a participating lender. Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) and HOC programs require you to work with an approved lender who can package state and county assistance together. Ask about stacking the Montgomery Homeownership Program or McHAF with your first mortgage.
Step 5: Consider the MPDU program. If you qualify, the Montgomery County MPDU Homeownership Program offers below-market priced units in Bethesda and throughout the county. Contact the HOC at 240-627-9400 for MPDU availability and waiting list information.
Step 6: Find a home and submit your application. Work with your lender to identify properties within program price limits. Once under contract, your lender will submit the DPA application on your behalf. Processing times vary, so start the process early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Bethesda?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
Are there any Bethesda-specific homebuyer programs?+−
Can I afford to buy in Bethesda with these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I combine multiple programs together?+−
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