Howard County Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP)
How much assistance
Up to $40,000 in deferred loans for down payment and settlement costs (Deferred Loan)
Deferred loan due upon sale of home, refinance, or default. HomeStarter loan includes forgiveness provision — up to 30% of loan balance forgiven at 5, 10, and 15 years.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Must meet income limits which vary by loan type. Contact DHCD for current limits.
- Purchase price limit: $462,600
- First-time buyer required: Yes — First-time homebuyer required for HomeStarter, HomeSteader, and DreamMaker loans. Not required for Revitalization and Workforce Initiative loans.
- Geographic restrictions: Must purchase a home in Howard County.
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Howard County Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP)
Step 1: Contact Linda Phillips, SDLP Administrator at 410-313-6318, option 1, or lphillips@howardcountymd.gov. Complete pre-purchase counseling through Howard County DHCD. Get approved for a fixed-rate primary mortgage with an approved lender who will reserve SDLP funds with DHCD.
Notes
Offers multiple loan types: HomeStarter, HomeSteader, DreamMaker, Revitalization, and Workforce Initiative. Interest rate is capped at 3% (2 points below primary mortgage rate). Part of the Opportunities for Wealth-Building Now (OWN) initiative.