FHA + Down Payment Assistance
MaxONE FHA DPA Program
Buy a home with zero out-of-pocket down payment. The MaxONE program layers down payment assistance on top of an FHA loan — covering your 3.5% requirement so you can close with $0 down. 620 minimum credit score. No income limits.
Three ways to use MaxONE DPA
The MaxONE program offers three DPA structures — each with a different second lien option so we can match the right one to your situation.
MaxONE
Most Popular- 3.5% DPA covers your full down payment
- 0.00% interest rate on the 2nd lien
- Deferred payments — nothing due monthly
- 3-year forgivable term option
- 96.5% LTV + 3.5% DPA = 100% CLTV
- $0 borrower contribution required
MaxONE Plus
Flexible- 3.5% DPA covers your full down payment
- 2nd lien rate = 1st lien rate + 2%
- 10-year amortization with monthly payments
- 96.5% LTV + 3.5% DPA = 100% CLTV
- $0 borrower contribution required
- High balance loan amounts eligible
MaxONE Home Assist
Maximum DPA- 5.0% DPA — covers down payment + closing costs
- 2nd lien rate = 1st lien rate + 2%
- 10-year amortization with monthly payments
- 96.5% LTV + 5.0% DPA = 101.5% CLTV
- $0 borrower contribution required
- High balance loan amounts eligible
Program requirements
Eligible properties
Ineligible properties & restrictions
Baltimore City, MD — Note
Row homes in Baltimore City require an external-only BPO secondary valuation within 10% tolerance of the appraised value.
How the 3-year forgivable option works
With MaxONE, the down payment assistance is forgiven entirely if all three conditions are met:
2/1 Temporary Buydown available
MaxONE DPA is compatible with a seller- or builder-funded 2/1 temporary buydown on the first lien:
• Borrowers qualify at the full Note rate, not the reduced rate
• Seller or builder funded only — not borrower funded
• Does not apply to the DPA second lien — first lien only
Common questions
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
No. The MaxONE program is available to first-time and repeat buyers alike. There are no first-time buyer restrictions.
Are there income limits?
No income limits. The MaxONE program is open to borrowers at any income level, making it more flexible than many state DPA programs.
Can I use a co-borrower who won't live in the home?
Yes. Non-occupant co-borrowers are allowed per FHA guidelines — a family member can co-sign to help you qualify without living in the property.
What is homebuyer education and is it required?
Yes — at least one borrower must complete a HUD-approved housing counseling course before closing. Options include Fannie Mae HomeView, Freddie Mac CreditSmart, and HUD Housing Counseling Services.
Can I use this on a 2-unit property?
Yes. 1–2 unit properties are eligible. 3–4 unit properties are not eligible for the MaxONE DPA program.
Can the seller pay closing costs?
Yes — sellers can contribute up to 6% of the sales price toward closing costs, including origination fees, prepaids, and discount points.
Buy a home with $0 down.
The MaxONE DPA program eliminates your down payment requirement entirely. Tell us your situation and we'll show you which option fits — at no cost to you.
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