Are there down payment assistance programs available?

Yes — Ohio offers several down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers with upfront costs:

• Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Programs
  • OHFA Down Payment Assistance: Offers 3% of the home purchase price for conventional loans or 3.5% for government loans (FHA, VA, USDA). These funds can be used for down payment or closing costs and are forgiven after seven years unless you sell earlier.
  • YourChoice! Assistance & Grants for Grads: First-time buyers and recent grads may receive 2.5% or 5% assistance. The money helps with down payments or closing costs and is forgiven after 5–7 years.
  • Ohio Heroes Program: Lower interest rates + down payment assistance (2.5% or 5%) for teachers, healthcare workers, veterans, first responders, and other essential workers.

• Local & Regional Programs
  • Columbus – American Dream DPA: Up to $14,999 in forgivable assistance for first-time buyers within city limits.
  • Cincinnati – American Dream Program: Offers up to $14,000, forgiven over five years; income and DTI caps apply.
  • Toledo – Home at Last: Provides $7,500–$9,500, forgiven after ten years; requires a $500 buyer contribution.
  • Cuyahoga County: Assistance through Neighborhood Housing Services can cover up to 10% of purchase price.