If you are a first-time home buyer in Ohio, there's help to make homeownership more affordable. The state of Ohio works with mortgage lenders to offer home loans to people with low and moderate incomes, including first-time home buyers. You’re considered a first-time buyer if you haven’t owned a residence within three years.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency, or OHFA, helps with 30-year fixed-rate conventional, Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development mortgages that have relaxed income and purchase price limits, and can be combined with other assistance.

Here’s what to know about national and state programs available in Ohio and what you need to qualify.

National first-time home buyer programs

These national mortgage programs may be used by first-time home buyers to make home-owning more affordable in any of the 50 states.

OHFA highlights and eligibility requirements

OHFA has a number of programs that assist first-time buyers and others buying a home. Benefits include lower mortgage rates, down payment assistance, tax credits and combined financing for buying and renovating a home. Not a first-time buyer? You may find help from Ohio’s Next Home program.

Highlights

  • Down payment assistance forgivable after seven years.

  • Mortgage tax credits available.

  • Incentives for recent college grads, military, teachers, healthcare workers and others.

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score of 640, may be higher for FHA loans.

  • Free home buyer education required.

  • Limits on debt-to-income, purchase price and borrower incomes.

  • First-time buyer requirement waived for eligible veterans or for homes in target areas.

Summary: 2021 OHFA first-time home buyer programs

  • The Ohio Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance program for cash to apply to your closing costs or down payment.

  • Ohio Heroes for discounted interest rates on home loans to military borrowers, first responders, educators, doctors, nurses and others.

  • Ohio Grants for Grads for a discounted interest rate and down payment assistance of up to 5% of the home's purchase price to recent college grads.

  • The Ohio Mortgage Tax Credit for a tax credit of up to 40% of the mortgage interest you pay each year.

Start learning about OHFA first-time home buyer programs at the agency’s website. You’ll find details on income and purchase price limits, and links to lenders who are acquainted with these programs and their requirements.