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The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers several first-time homebuyer programs — with help ranging from mortgages to down payment assistance to interest rate discounts — for those looking to achieve their dream of homeownership.
Through the OHFA Homebuyer Program, first-time homebuyers can apply for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages designed specifically for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Qualified buyers must complete a free homebuyer education class.
Eligible applicants include homebuyers who haven’t had an ownership interest in their primary residence for the past three years and honorably discharged veterans.
Homebuyers must purchase a home in a qualified target area and have a minimum credit score of 640 or 650, depending on the type of mortgage they’re seeking.
Ohio Heroes offers a mortgage interest rate discount on mortgage loans for residents who serve the public. This can be combined with the Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance (see below).
Eligible applicants include homebuyers who are:
Homebuyers must have a minimum credit score of 640 or 650, depending on the type of mortgage, and must meet income and purchase price limits.
Eligible homebuyers could receive 2.5% or 5% of the home’s purchase price in assistance through Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance. The funds can be used for the down payment, closing costs or pre-closing expenses. After seven years, the assistance amount is forgiven.
Eligible applicants include homebuyers who haven’t had an ownership interest in their primary residence for the past three years.
Homebuyers must have a minimum credit score of 640 or 650, depending on the type of mortgage they’re seeking, and must meet the income and purchase price limits.
