Home Ownership

Buying a home is a big decision for people with and without disabilities. Homeownership can provide the opportunity to live in the community and build equity (wealth). However, purchasing a home is a complicated process. The resources below are designed to help you determine if homeownership is right for you. 

Homeownership Counseling

• US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counselors  – read about HUD's Office of Housing Counseling and find a list​of HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Maryland that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues, and reverse mortgages. 
   
• ​​Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's HOPE​ Initiative - DHCD's Home Owners Preserving Equity (HOPE) website has resources for prospective and current homeowners, including a list of Maryland Counseling Agencies. 

Homeownership Financial Assistance Program

• Maryland Homeownership Program for Individuals with Disabilities​ is a home loan program through the Maryland Department of Housing is available to individuals with disabilities and their caregivers who meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
   
• Homeownership Voucher Program​ through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), also known as the Section 8 Homeownership Program, provides assistance to first time home buyers who are receiving Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers. Contact your local Public Housing Authority for more information.
   
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Affordable Housing Program helps financial institutions in 12 states, including Maryland, provide affordable housing and to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. Search for an FHLB-supported financial institution in your area.
   
• Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit that provides affordable (but not free) houses for eligible low-income individuals and families. 
   
• Tax Exemptions and Credits for Homeowners​ - Maryland's Department of Assessment and Taxation provides information on tax credits for low-income, blind, and disabled veteran homeowners and their surviving spouses.​​

Mortgage & Foreclosure Assistance

• Maryland HOPE Initiative - website offers foreclosure prevention resources and information for homeowners on how to prevent foreclosure. 
   
• US Department of Housing & Urban Development Foreclosure Resources - provides guidance specifically for homeowners with FHA-insured loans, but includes tips that may apply to all homeowners in danger of losing their home. 
   
• ​NeighborWorks Center for Foreclosure Solutions  - offers free foreclosure prevention services and counseling to consumers 

Resource Guides for Prospective Homeowners with Disabilities

• US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Buying a Home Webpage - HUD provides information on shopping for and buying a home, home inspections, loans, and homeownership incentive programs.
   
• A Home of Your Own Guide - PDF - a decision making guide for prospective homebuyers with disabilities created by the National Home of Your Own Alliance
   
• Keys to My Home - website maintained by the NeighborWorks Center for Education and Counseling that includes financial calculators to help people decide if they can afford to buy a home.
   
• New Horizons Un-Limited Publications​ – resource guides on home buying, home modifications, and financial assistance
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