Overview of First Time Home Buyer Loans Programs And How To Qualify

Explore first-time home buyer loans , including FHA, VA, and USDA options, and learn how to qualify , apply, and save on your path to homeownership.

Learn about Ohio first-time homebuyer grants and loans . See details on OH first-time homebuyer down payment assistance, requirements, tax credits and more.
Homeownership Products

The competitive interest rates and mortgage options on our 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loans make it affordable for qualifying buyers to realize the dream of homeownership. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to purchase your next home , OHFA can help.
The state of Ohio works with mortgage companies, lenders and credit unions to offer home loans to people with low and moderate incomes, including first time home buyers . The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) helps low- and moderate-income borrowers get 30-year, fixed-rate conventional, Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development ...

OHFA Homebuyer Program
OHFA offers 30-year, fixed-rate FHA, VA, USDA-RD and conventional mortgage loans with generous income and purchase price limits designed especially for homebuyers with low- and moderate-incomes. If you are not a first-time homebuyer , learn more about OHFA's Next Home program .
Everything you need to know as an Ohio first-time home buyer , from home prices to loan options and grant programs .

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)
About OHFA We open the doors to an affordable place to call home . As the state's affordable housing leader, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers a variety of programs to help first-time homebuyers , renters, senior citizens and others find quality affordable housing that meets their needs.
Ohio offers several assistance programs for first-time homebuyers in the state.

OHFA Down Payment Assistance
OHFA Down Payment Assistance allows homebuyers to choose 3% for conventional loans or 3.5% for government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the home's purchase price. Assistance can be applied towards down payments, closing costs, or other pre-closing expenses. This assistance is forgiven after seven years.




Ohio buyers : claim up to $12,500 in FREE down payment grants from OHFA. 0% interest, forgivable. Plus Columbus & Cleveland city grants up to $20K. Check eligibility now — updated 2026.