THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING.

Harford County Government wishes to assist the County's workforce to realize the dream of homeownership, and has become a participating employer in the Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) homeownership initiative, House Keys 4 Employees (HK4E) Program.

WHAT IS HK4E?

HK4E is managed and administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and is an employer partnership program to assist Maryland's workforce to become homeowners through a creative match program with the State.

HK4E enables eligible homebuyers to receive additional downpayment and/or closing costs assistance on the purchase of a first home.

WHO QUALIFIES?

Harford County Government employees who meet eligibility criteria under the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), and receive a MMP loan, may participate in HK4E.

To receive the Harford County Government (HCG) contribution, employees must be employed full time, working for Harford Community College or Harford County Government, including the Sheriff's Office, Harford County Public Schools, Harford County Public Library and/or Fire Department*, be a first-time homebuyer, and purchase a home in Harford County.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

HCG contributes up to $5,000 toward closing and downpayment costs. The loan is a zero (0) percent interest deferred loan that converts to a grant in five (5) years. HCG's contribution is forgiven at the following rate: on the 2nd anniversary date of settlement - 10%, 3rd anniversary date - 20%, 4th anniversary date - 30%, and 5th anniversary date - 40%, for borrowers who remain full-time employees of Harford County Government or a covered agency.

DHCD matches the $5,000 employer contribution up to $5,000. The DHCD match is in the form of a 0% interest deferred loan that is repayable at the time of payoff or refinance, or upon the sale or transfer of the home. DHCD also offers additional closing costs assistance programs which may be combined with the HK4E Program.