The Ohio Housing Finance Agency runs the state’s first-time buyer programs, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati adds its Welcome Home grant each spring.
What is different in Ohio
- OHFA first mortgages pair a conventional, FHA, VA or USDA loan with the agency’s pricing.
- Your Choice! down payment assistance from OHFA helps with the down payment and closing costs.
- Ohio Heroes offers a better rate for eligible veterans, first responders, teachers and healthcare workers.
- Grants for Grads helps recent college graduates buying in Ohio.
- Welcome Home, from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, offers a grant toward down payment and closing costs through member banks, first come, first served each spring.
Questions
Can I get a loan as a first-time homebuyer in Ohio?
Yes: conventional 3%-down loans, FHA, VA and USDA all work, and OHFA’s programs can lower the rate or add down payment help.
What housing assistance programs are available in Ohio?
For buyers, OHFA’s first mortgages, Your Choice!, Ohio Heroes and Grants for Grads, plus the Welcome Home grant and city programs in places like Columbus and Cleveland. See also: Mortgage loans in Ohio.
Who is eligible for the Welcome Home grant in Ohio?
Buyers with household income at or below 80% of the local limit, a signed purchase contract on a primary home, at least $500 of their own funds, and a member bank to apply through. See also: Mortgage loans in Ohio.
Related
- First-time buyers
- Pre-qualification vs pre-approval
- Home affordability calculator
- Closing costs and cash to close calculator
First-time homebuyer programs in other states: California, Arizona, Florida. All of Ohio: mortgage loans in Ohio.
