Live Baltimore Buy Back the Block Program

Live Baltimore's Buy Back the Block Program

Geographic Scope: Six eligible Baltimore City areas including Belair-Edison Area (Belair-Edison, Berea, Four by Four)

Funder: Live Baltimore in partnership with City of Baltimore; funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Focus Areas: Home purchase grants for renters buying homes in their current neighborhoods

Award Amounts

• $10,000 home purchase grant
• $20,000 home purchase and renovation grant (with fixed-rate purchase and renovation mortgage)

Eligible Areas in Belair-Edison Region

• Belair-Edison
• Berea
• Four by Four

Eligibility Requirements

• Cannot currently own any real estate
• Must earn homeownership counseling certificate before making offer
• Must have rented current primary residence within eligible area for at least 12 months prior to purchase agreement
• Must purchase in same grant-eligible area where currently renting
• Must occupy home as primary residence (certified in mortgage documents)
• Must work with program-approved mortgage lender
• Fixed-rate mortgages only (co-signers, cash sales, owner-financing not permitted)
• Homes not yet constructed are ineligible
• Short sales, foreclosures, non-traditional transactions may be ineligible
• Mortgage amount cannot exceed FHA limit of $667,000 for single-family home
• Must contribute at least $1,000 of own money to purchase
• Must apply and be approved prior to closing
• Settlement must be within 90 days of application approval
• Only one grant per property address

Important Notes

• Grants do not have to be repaid
• Funds are limited and awarded on first-come, first-served basis
• Can be combined with other programs (as allowed)

Contact

• Deandra Lasan
• Phone: (410) 637-3750 x 116
• Email available through program contact form

How to Apply

1. Take Eligibility Quiz - Complete the eligibility quiz to determine qualification
2. Verify Eligibility - Have your eligibility verified
3. Receive Approved Application - Obtain approved grant application form
4. Obtain Homeownership Counseling Certificate - Must complete before making offer on home
5. Work with Approved Lender - Partner with program-approved mortgage lender for fixed-rate mortgage
6. Submit Application - Submit application prior to closing on home
7. Close Within 90 Days - Complete settlement within 90 days of application approval

For the $20,000 Home Purchase & Renovation Grant

• Must obtain fixed-rate purchase and renovation mortgage such as:
  • FHA 203(k)
  • Fannie Mae HomeStyle
  • Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation
  • Other approved purchase and renovation products

Required Documents

• Proof of rental residency in eligible area for at least 12 months
• Homeownership counseling certificate
• Mortgage pre-approval from program-approved lender
• Proof of $1,000 minimum personal contribution