Category: State Programs | Published: September 10, 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Quick Summary: Ohio offers excellent first-time home buyer assistance through OHFA programs providing up to $5,000 in down payment assistance, competitive interest rates, and various tax benefits. This complete guide walks you through every step with a free printable checklist.
Free Ohio First-Time Buyer Checklist
Download our comprehensive printable checklist to track your progress through every step of the Ohio first-time home buyer process.
Forgiveness: Loan forgiven after 10 years of occupancy
OHFA Conventional Loan Program
Low down payment options
Traditional fixed-rate mortgages with competitive interest rates for qualified buyers.
Loan types: 15-year and 30-year fixed rate
Down payment: As low as 3%
Credit score: Minimum 640
Available statewide: All 88 counties
OHFA FHA/VA/USDA Programs
Government-backed loans
Government-insured loans with low down payment requirements and flexible credit guidelines.
FHA loans: 3.5% down payment, 580+ credit score
VA loans: 0% down for eligible veterans
USDA loans: 0% down in eligible rural areas
Competitive rates: Below market interest rates
Step-by-Step Process for Ohio First-Time Buyers
1
Determine Your Eligibility
First-Time Buyer Definition:
Haven't owned a home in the past 3 years
Single parent who owned with former spouse
Displaced homemaker
Individual who owned mobile home only
Income Limits (2025):
Hamilton County (Cincinnati): Up to $106,200 (1-person) / $121,000 (4-person)
Franklin County (Columbus): Up to $93,600 (1-person) / $106,700 (4-person)
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): Up to $88,200 (1-person) / $100,500 (4-person)
Summit County (Akron): Up to $83,280 (1-person) / $94,920 (4-person)
Other counties: Varies by area median income
2
Complete Homebuyer Education
Required for all OHFA programs:
Choose HUD-approved counseling agency
Complete 8-hour homebuyer education course
Obtain certificate of completion
Course must be completed within 2 years of application
Tip: Many courses are available online and can be completed at your own pace. Budget 2-3 days to complete the full course.
3
Gather Required Documents
Income Documentation:
Pay stubs for past 30 days
W-2 forms for past 2 years
Tax returns for past 2 years
Bank statements for past 2 months
Employment verification letter
Asset Documentation:
Savings account statements
Checking account statements
Investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Gift letter (if applicable)
4
Find OHFA-Approved Lender
Use OHFA's Lender Directory:
Visit OHFA.org lender directory
Search by your county or ZIP code
Contact multiple lenders for rate quotes
Verify lender offers your desired program
Important: Only OHFA-approved lenders can originate OHFA loans. Working with non-approved lenders will disqualify you from the programs.
5
Apply for Pre-Approval
Submit Complete Application Package:
OHFA loan application
Your Choice! Down Payment application (if applicable)
All required documentation
Homebuyer education certificate
Pre-approval fee (varies by lender)
Timeline: Pre-approval typically takes 3-5 business days
6
Shop for Homes
Property Requirements:
Must be your primary residence
Single-family homes, condos, townhomes eligible
Property must meet OHFA inspection standards
Purchase price must not exceed county limits
2025 County Loan Limits:
Hamilton County: $489,450
Franklin County: $420,680
Cuyahoga County: $420,680
Summit County: $420,680
Delaware County: $489,450
Most other counties: $420,680
7
Submit Purchase Contract
After Offer Acceptance:
Submit signed purchase contract to lender
Order home inspection and appraisal
Finalize loan application
Provide any additional documentation requested
Timeline: Standard 30-45 day closing period
8
Complete Final Loan Processing
Underwriting Process:
Lender submits file to OHFA for approval
Final income and asset verification
Property appraisal review
Clear any final conditions
Timeline: 7-14 days for final approval
9
Close on Your Home
Closing Day Tasks:
Review all closing documents
Sign loan documents and deed
Receive keys to your new home
Your Choice! assistance funds applied at closing
Pro Tip: Bring a cashier's check for any down payment amount not covered by assistance programs. Personal checks are typically not accepted at closing.
Printable Ohio First-Time Buyer Checklist
Ohio First-Time Home Buyer Checklist
Pre-Application Preparation
Verify first-time buyer eligibility (no home ownership in past 3 years)
Check income limits for your county
Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education course
Obtain homebuyer education certificate
Document Collection
Pay stubs for past 30 days
W-2 forms for past 2 years
Tax returns for past 2 years (complete with schedules)
Bank statements for past 2 months (all accounts)
Employment verification letter
Social Security card and driver's license
Investment/retirement account statements
Gift letter and gift funds documentation (if applicable)
Lender Selection & Pre-Approval
Research OHFA-approved lenders in your area
Contact multiple lenders for rate quotes
Submit complete loan application
Apply for Your Choice! Down Payment assistance
Receive pre-approval letter
Home Shopping & Purchase
Find qualified real estate agent
Verify properties meet OHFA requirements
Confirm purchase price within county limits
Submit purchase offer and negotiate terms
Order home inspection
Review inspection report and negotiate repairs
Loan Processing & Closing
Submit signed purchase contract to lender
Complete loan application and provide additional docs
Review appraisal report
Clear all underwriting conditions
Schedule final walk-through
Review closing disclosure
Prepare cashier's check for closing costs
Attend closing and sign documents
Post-Closing
Set up homeowner's insurance
Transfer utilities to your name
Register for OHFA loan servicing account
Keep all loan documents for tax purposes
Ohio Tax Benefits for First-Time Buyers
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
Annual Tax Credit: Receive up to 20% of your mortgage interest as a federal tax credit each year. For example, if you pay $10,000 in mortgage interest annually, you could receive a $2,000 tax credit.
Property Tax Deductions
State and local tax (SALT) deduction up to $10,000 annually
Mortgage interest deduction on loans up to $750,000
PMI deduction may be available based on income
Important Ohio Contacts
OHFA Customer Service
Phone: (888) 362-6432
Website: OHFA.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
HUD Housing Counseling
Phone: (800) 569-4287
Website: HUD.gov/counseling
Service: Free homebuyer education and counseling
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the OHFA loan process take?
From application to closing typically takes 30-45 days, similar to conventional loans. Allow extra time for homebuyer education completion if not already done.
Can I use OHFA programs for condominiums?
Yes, condos are eligible if they meet OHFA requirements and are located in approved developments. Your lender can verify eligibility.
What happens to the Your Choice! assistance if I sell?
The Your Choice! Down Payment loan is forgiven after 10 years of continuous occupancy. If you sell before 10 years, you may need to repay a portion of the assistance.
Are there credit score requirements?
Minimum credit scores vary by program: 640 for Conventional, 580 for FHA, varies for VA/USDA. Higher scores may qualify for better interest rates.
Ready to Calculate Your Ohio Mortgage?
Use our advanced mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments with current Ohio interest rates and down payment assistance.
Ohio's first-time home buyer programs provide substantial assistance to help you achieve homeownership. The Your Choice! Down Payment Program alone can provide up to $5,000 in forgivable assistance, while the state's various loan programs offer competitive rates and flexible terms.
Success with these programs requires careful preparation, especially completing homebuyer education early and working with OHFA-approved lenders. Use the printable checklist above to stay organized throughout your home buying journey.
Remember that program requirements and benefits can change, so always verify current details with OHFA or your approved lender before making decisions.
Need help with your mortgage calculations?
Our mortgage calculator includes Ohio-specific features to help you plan your home purchase with state assistance programs.