Down Payment Assistance in Ohio
Think you can't afford a down payment? Think again. Ohio offers some of the best down payment assistance programs in the country—and as an OHFA-approved lender, I can help you access them.
3.5%
Max Assistance
7 yrs
Until Forgiven
640
Min Credit Score
Quick Eligibility Check
- 1First-time homebuyer (or haven't owned in 3+ years)
- 2Purchasing a primary residence in Ohio
- 3Meet income limits for your county
- 4Minimum 640 credit score (650 for FHA)
- 5Complete free homebuyer education course
- 6Work with an OHFA-approved lender (like Dylan!)
Good news: Dylan Bunch is an OHFA-approved lender who can help you access all of these programs.
Ohio Programs
Available Assistance Programs
Ohio offers multiple programs that can be combined to maximize your savings. Here's what's available through OHFA.
OHFA Down Payment Assistance
3% - 3.5% Forgivable Assistance
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers down payment assistance that can be used for your down payment, closing costs, or pre-closing expenses. The best part? It's forgiven after 7 years if you stay in the home.
Best For:
First-time homebuyers and qualifying repeat buyers who plan to stay in their home for at least 7 years.
Key Benefits
- 3% assistance for conventional loans
- 3.5% assistance for FHA, VA, and USDA loans
- Can be used for down payment OR closing costs
- Fully forgiven after 7 years
Requirements
- •Minimum 640 credit score (650 for FHA)
- •Must meet income limits for your county
- •Primary residence in Ohio
- •Complete homebuyer education course
Ohio Heroes Program
Discounted Rates for Those Who Serve
Ohio Heroes recognizes those who serve our communities by offering discounted mortgage interest rates. This program can be combined with down payment assistance for even greater savings.
Best For:
Military members, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators looking to buy a home in Ohio.
Key Benefits
- Discounted mortgage interest rates
- Combinable with DPA programs
- 30-year fixed-rate loans
- Available with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional
Who Qualifies
- •Veterans & active-duty military
- •Police officers & firefighters
- •EMTs & paramedics
- •Nurses & healthcare workers
- •Teachers & school administrators
Grants for Grads
Special Benefits for Recent Graduates
Recently graduated? This program offers down payment assistance plus discounted interest rates for borrowers who have earned an associate's degree or higher within the last 48 months.
Best For:
Recent college graduates entering the workforce and looking to purchase their first home.
Key Benefits
- 2.5% to 5% down payment assistance
- Discounted interest rates
- Forgiven after 5-7 years
- Stackable with other OHFA programs
Requirements
- •Associate's degree or higher
- •Graduated within past 48 months
- •Meet income and purchase price limits
- •First-time homebuyer (no ownership in 3 years)
Mortgage Tax Credit
Reduce Your Federal Tax Liability
The Mortgage Tax Credit (MCC) allows you to claim a federal tax credit for a portion of the mortgage interest you pay each year. This can result in significant savings over the life of your loan.
Best For:
Buyers who want ongoing annual tax savings in addition to down payment assistance.
Key Benefits
- Federal tax credit (not just a deduction)
- Reduces tax liability annually
- Can be combined with other programs
- Available for the life of the loan
Requirements
- •First-time homebuyer or target area purchase
- •Meet income limits for your county
- •Primary residence requirement
- •Must be used with OHFA mortgage
Getting Started
How to Access These Programs
You can't apply directly to OHFA—you need to work with an approved lender. Here's how the process works.
Contact Dylan
As an OHFA-approved lender, Dylan can review your situation and determine which programs you qualify for.
Complete Education
Take a free HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Dylan will guide you to the right resources.
Get Pre-Approved
Submit your application and get pre-approved with your DPA included in your loan structure.
Important Note
Income and purchase price limits vary by county and change periodically. Contact Dylan to get the current limits for your area and confirm your eligibility before house hunting.