CCCityCheck
SafetyCostCitiesProvidersSearch

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in College Park, MD

Population 35,418 · Updated November 2026

Estimated Median Home Price

$340,000

Moderate

Based on Maryland market data and city size. Actual prices vary by neighborhood.

Affordability Snapshot

Est. Monthly Payment
$2,496/mo

P&I $2,074 + Tax $309 + Ins $113

Property Tax Rate
1.09%

$3,706/yr in Maryland

FHA Loan Limit
$1150K

High-cost area in Maryland

Down Payment Breakdown

For a $340,000 home in College Park:

FHA Loan (3.5% down)

Min. 580 credit score

$11,900

Conventional (5% down)

Min. 620 credit score

$17,000

VA / USDA (0% down)

Veterans / eligible rural areas

$0

Plus closing costs of $6,800 - $17,000 (2-5%)

Maryland Homebuyer Programs

Maryland Mortgage Program

Down Payment Assistance
Up to $5,000

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provides up to $5,000 in DPA as a 0% deferred second mortgage.

1st Time Advantage

Below-Market Rate Mortgage
Below-market rate

CDA offers below-market interest rates for first-time buyers meeting income requirements.

Federal Loan Programs

ProgramDown PaymentCredit ScoreEligibility
FHA3.5%580+ (3.5%) or 500+ (10%)All buyers
Conventional3-5%620+All buyers
VA0%No minimum (most lenders want 620+)Veterans, active military, surviving spouses
USDA0%640+ (most lenders)Eligible rural/suburban areas, income limits

FHA loan limit in Maryland: $1,149,825. Rates and requirements as of 2026.

7 Steps to Buying Your First Home in College Park

1

Check your credit score

FHA requires 580+ for 3.5% down; conventional needs 620+. Free annual reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. College Park has 1 HUD-approved counseling agencies that offer free credit counseling.

2

Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified)

Pre-approval involves a full credit check, income verification, and asset documentation. It tells sellers you are a serious buyer with confirmed financing. Pre-qualification is just an informal estimate.

3

Apply for Maryland assistance programs

Maryland offers 2 homebuyer programs that can reduce your down payment or closing costs. Apply before you start house-hunting — some programs take 2-4 weeks to process.

4

Find a buyer's agent

A buyer's agent represents your interests and is typically paid by the seller. Look for agents who know the College Park market and have experience with first-time buyers and DPA programs.

5

House hunt with your budget

With a median price of $340,000 in College Park, your total monthly housing cost would be approximately $2,496/month. Most lenders recommend keeping housing costs below 28% of gross income.

6

Make an offer and get an inspection

Your agent helps structure the offer. Always get a home inspection ($300-$500) — it can reveal costly problems. In competitive markets, resist pressure to waive the inspection contingency.

7

Close on your home

Closing typically takes 30-45 days after an accepted offer. Budget $6,800-$17,000 for closing costs. Review all documents carefully at closing — you have 3 days to review the Closing Disclosure before signing.

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors in College Park

Approximately 1 agencies offer free homebuyer education and credit counseling

First-Time Homebuyer Facts

Median Buyer Age

36 years

National Association of Realtors, 2025

Avg. Down Payment

8%

National Association of Realtors, 2025

Use DPA Programs

40% of first-time buyers

National Association of Realtors, 2024

Closing Costs

2-5% of purchase price

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in College Park

What first-time homebuyer programs are available in College Park, MD?
Maryland offers 2 state-level homebuyer assistance programs: Maryland Mortgage Program, 1st Time Advantage. In addition, federal programs including FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% down for veterans), and USDA (0% down in eligible rural areas) are available to College Park buyers.
How much do I need for a down payment on a home in College Park?
Based on the estimated median home price of $340,000 in College Park: an FHA loan requires $11,900 (3.5%), a conventional loan requires $17,000 (5%), and VA/USDA loans require $0 down. About 40% of first-time buyers use down payment assistance programs to reduce these amounts.
What is the estimated monthly mortgage payment in College Park?
For the estimated median home price of $340,000 in College Park with an FHA loan (3.5% down, 6.5% interest rate, 30-year term), the estimated principal and interest payment is approximately $2,074/month. Add property taxes (1.09% in Maryland), homeowner's insurance, and mortgage insurance for the full monthly cost.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in College Park?
FHA loans require a minimum 580 credit score for the 3.5% down payment option (or 500 with 10% down). Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. Higher scores qualify for better interest rates. Free credit counseling is available through the 1 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in the College Park area.
What are closing costs for buying a home in College Park, MD?
Closing costs in College Park typically range from $6,800 to $17,000 (2-5% of the purchase price). These include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, recording fees, and prepaid property taxes. Some Maryland DPA programs also cover closing costs.

Homebuyer Programs in Other Maryland Cities

Baltimore$490,000
High Cost
Frederick$290,000
Moderate
Gaithersburg$365,000
Moderate
Rockville$305,000
Moderate
Bowie$380,000
Moderate
Hagerstown$275,000
Moderate
Annapolis$315,000
Moderate
Salisbury$370,000
Moderate
Back to College Park overviewAll homebuyer programsCollege Park safety data

Home prices are population-based estimates and may not reflect current market conditions. Program details, eligibility requirements, and amounts are approximate and subject to change. Contact your state housing finance agency or a HUD-approved counselor for current information. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Know before you go

CityCheck covers safety grades, cost of living, climate data, and homebuyer programs for every US city.

Explore cities