09/30/2026
The Maryland Mortgage Program announced their newest product, First Homes for First Responders and Teachers:
First Homes for First Responders and Teachers offers an interest rate of half a percentage point lower than already competitive Maryland Mortgage Program rates, as well as 5% in down payment and closing cost assistance.
We’ve received many questions on who could benefit from this new program. Here’s the list of who’s eligible:
First responders:
• Firefighter / Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) / Certified Paramedic whose regular duties include fire suppression, prevention, or emergency medical response (a valid firefighter or EMT certification card may be required if the VOE does not clarify the position)
• Volunteer Firefighter who have documented volunteer status with their local municipality for at least 12 of the most recent months
• Police Officer who are commissioned as active law enforcement officers (federal, state, county, municipal, township government, or public or private college or university)
• A Rescue Squad member
• A sworn member of the Office of the State Fire Marshal
• A 9–1–1 specialist
Full-time state-certified classroom teachers or school counselors who are eligible include:
• Are employed by an accredited or state-recognized public, private, or vocational school
• Serve students in pre-K–12
An MSDE teaching license or school accreditation documentation may be required if needed to verify eligibility.
A State of Maryland initiative that helps eligible first responders and teachers buy their first home.
