OHFA Downpayment Assistance Programs
OHFA offers down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible borrowers, which can greatly reduce their out-of-pocket expense. Homebuyers can choose between a down payment assistance grant in an amount equal to 2% of the home's purchase price, or a second mortgage in an amount up to 4% of the purchase price of the home secured by the first mortgage single family bond loan.
2% Down Payment Assistant Grant
- 2 percent of purchase price
- Must be 95 percent loan-to-value or greater
- Pays slightly higher interest rate on first mortgage
- Can be used for down payment or closing costs
- Cannot combine with 4 percent second mortgage program
4% Second Mortgage Down Payment Assistance Program
- Up to 4 percent of purchase price with any OHFA loan
- Interest rate 2 percent higher that the related OHFA first mortgage (example, 5% first mortgage and 7% second)
- Still get lowest rate on OHFA first mortgage
- Can be used for down payment or closing costs
- Fully amortized over 20 year term
- Cannot combine with 2% down payment gratn program
- Make on payment for both mortgages
Eligibility
The program is available to first-time homebuyers (persons not owning or occupying their principle residence in the last three years), or anyone purchasing a home in a targeted area.
- Homebuyers must meet established income limits and home sales price limits. Maximum sales prices vary according to whether a home is new or existing, or if it is in a target or nontarget area.
- OHFA loans are offered through a network of participating lenders covering all 88 counties in the state. For information, call the Office of Homeownership at (614) 466-3821.
Note: The recapture tax provision applies to all loans in this program. Go to IRS link for an explanation on recapture of federal subsidy.
LOANS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS