Live Baltimore Buy Back the Block Program

Live Baltimore's Buy Back the Block Program

Status: Active (2024)

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