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First Look Maryland

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s First Look Maryland Program gives non-profits, public housing authorities, and other community driven entities the first opportunity to purchase DHCD owned single family properties. The department believes this initiative will expedite the transition of vacant houses into the hands of new families who are looking for stable, sustainable home ownership opportunities.

The First Look Maryland Program offers an approved program participant an initial preview of the property during its first fifteen days on the market and the exclusive opportunity to purchase any of DHCD’s newly listed First Look REO portfolio properties at up to a 20% discount from the advertised market list price. For the first 15 days that DHCD’s contract property brokers, ROC Realty and Long & Foster, list our REO properties and conduct showings, qualified prospective buyers can benefit from favorable pricing and financing. At the end of the 15 days, the property becomes available to the general public. The 1st Look Program will be eligible for on State of Maryland REO properties.

Eligibility

First Look Maryland is available to nonprofits with proof of 501-C3 status for a minimum of two years, and to registered public housing authorities. All nonprofits, PHAs and other groups wishing to participate must register with the department.

Requirements

In order to begin the process of becoming DHCD-approved, the following documents must be submitted via mail or fax to the department for review.

• A complete application 
• The department requires certification that the nonprofit organization shall abide by all requirements of:
  • Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended,
  • The provisions of the Governor’s Code of Fair Practices, as amended,
  • Governor’s Executive Order 01.01.1989.18 relating to drug-free and alcohol-free workplaces, and any Department regulations adopted to carry out the requirements of that order;
• A contract affidavit;
• A copy of the following organizational documents to confirm nonprofit status:
  • A letter from the Internal Revenue Service granting tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
  • Article of Incorporation or other applicable documents,
  • Bylaws,
  • Certificate of good standing, and
  • A resolution authorizing for the participation in the Program and purchase for a particular property where applicable, and designation of the person or persons authorized to sign on behalf of the organization; and
• Any other documents requested by the department.

Additional Requirements

• The nonprofit organization shall be in good standing and may not be under suspension or debarment from any of the Department’s programs in any action under COMAR 05.01.05.
• The nonprofit organization may not be in default under any loan from the Department.
• At the time of settlement, the nonprofit organization shall have all necessary legal and corporate authorizations to purchase the property.
• DHCD reserves the right to remove any nonprofit, especially ones that do not go to closing.

Please read these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information.

Available Properties

Please refer to the map of available properties.

For More Information, Contact: