Ohio is one of the more affordable states to buy in, and its programs reflect that: OHFA’s first-time buyer help, a modest conveyance fee, and court-supervised foreclosures with a chance to redeem before the sale is confirmed.
Ohio at a glance
| Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Property tax | Moderate; a homestead exemption for owners 65 and older or disabled, under an income limit |
| Transfer tax | A conveyance fee of $1 to $4 per $1,000, set by each county |
| Closings | Handled by title agencies |
| Foreclosure | Through the courts (judicial), with a sheriff’s sale |
| Community property | No |
Loans and costs in Ohio
FHA loans in OhioOhio’s lower prices mean FHA covers most homes.
Conforming and jumbo loans in OhioEvery Ohio county uses the $832,750 conforming baseline in 2026, and with Ohio’s home prices, most purchases fit comfortably inside it.
VA loans in OhioOhio’s veterans, many near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, can buy with no down payment through VA, and the state adds property tax relief for disabled veterans.
First-time homebuyer programs in OhioThe 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.
Investment property loans in OhioOhio’s lower prices and steady rents make it popular with out-of-state investors, often buying small multifamily homes with DSCR loans.
Reverse mortgages in OhioOhio homeowners use reverse mortgages to stop a monthly payment and stay in place, and the state’s homestead exemption can lower the property tax that a reverse mortgage still requires.
Foreclosure and buying again in OhioOhio foreclosures go through the courts and end with a sheriff’s sale that the court must confirm, and until it does, you can still redeem the home.
Closing costs in OhioOhio closings are handled by title agencies, and the main government charge is the conveyance fee on the deed, usually paid by the seller.
Property tax rates in OhioOhio property tax is the highest as a share of value of my four states, and it is set through voted levies, reappraisals every six years and credits that lower the bill on a home you live in.
Loan limits
In 2026 the conforming limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 in most Ohio counties, and FHA limits run from $541,287 to $591,100. Every Ohio county’s limits.
Licensed in Ohio
I’m individually licensed in Ohio (NMLS #1470164), through ARBOR Financial Group, which holds its Residential Mortgage Lending Act Certificate of Registration RM.804976.000. Licensing details.
