George...yes, it is a buyer's market and buyers can ask for seller help. But having a grant program to help with closing costs also puts the buyer in a better negotiating position since they don't NEED the seller help.

Also, with the rapid changes in the mortgage industry, many buyers may need a little more money down in order to qualify and these programs can help out with that as well.

Try this! http://www.mdhomeprograms.com/
The page is hosted by the Maryland Association of Realtors. Also, you should know that the market being what it is, people are buying houses and not needing grant programs because of seller assistance. Good for you for taking care of this first before you start looking for homes!

Hi Colin,
I am a realtor and I am very educated on the Grant programs. Not all lenders participate in the various grant programs. I'd love to get more information on your situation and guide you in the right direction. I had a client who just settled this month who received $12,000 in grant money - he did not have to bring any money to the settlement table. I regularly participate in Home Buyer Workshops to educate buyers about the programs and the whole home buying process.
Please call or email me I'd love to help you and any other home buyers out there. You can learn more about me on my website http://www.LivingMD.com

Jennifer Bayne, 410-409-2393
Jbayne@cbmove.com http://www.LivingMD.com

Colin,
Grant programs are my specialty! This new Baltimore County program is fantastic if you qualify for it. It is a $35,000 forgivable loan, $25,000 for down payment and $10,000 to cover closing costs.

It is only in certain areas of Baltimore County, it is in the entire zip codes of Pikesville, Randallstown, Woodlawn, Gwynn Oak, and then certain areas of Parkville, Towson, Rosedale, Overlea, Dundalk, and Essex (and a few others). I can definitely email you the entire list, just send me an email at patriciacshawgo@gmail.com

There is some more info about it posted about it on my blog:
http://mdrealestate.wordpress.com/2007/10/16/new-baltimore-c…

and here:
http://mdrealestate.wordpress.com/2007/11/02/baltimore-count…

I will also do a workshop about grant programs once a month (because you can actually use the Baltimore County program with some other programs believe it or not!), and the info for that is on the blog as well.

Good Luck!

There are a couple of programs. CDA and MALP are most popular. You may find info at http://www.morehouse4less.com/. I can also fax or email you more info on MALP. Please contact me at 443-286-4552 for more info.