State Program
OHFA Grants for Grads | Ohio Housing
OHFA Grants for Grads provides 2.5% or 5% forgiven after 5 years and low‑rate financing to help Ohio residents purchase, improve, or keep their homes.
Program Details
OHFA Grants for Grads is administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) or a partnering local housing
department to expand access to affordable homeownership and neighborhood revitalization statewide. Qualified
borrowers may receive 2.5% or 5% forgiven after 5 years together with a fixed‑rate first mortgage, free
homebuyer education, and post‑purchase counseling. Programs can be layered with FHA, VA, USDA, and
conventional products as well as OHFA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate, which offers up to $2,000 annual federal
tax savings. Income and purchase‑price limits are based on HUD guidelines and vary by county. Properties
must serve as the borrower’s primary residence and meet state habitability standards. Some assistance loans
are forgiven over a defined term, reducing repayment burden. Funds are reserved through an OHFA‑approved
lender network and disbursed at closing to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
department to expand access to affordable homeownership and neighborhood revitalization statewide. Qualified
borrowers may receive 2.5% or 5% forgiven after 5 years together with a fixed‑rate first mortgage, free
homebuyer education, and post‑purchase counseling. Programs can be layered with FHA, VA, USDA, and
conventional products as well as OHFA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate, which offers up to $2,000 annual federal
tax savings. Income and purchase‑price limits are based on HUD guidelines and vary by county. Properties
must serve as the borrower’s primary residence and meet state habitability standards. Some assistance loans
are forgiven over a defined term, reducing repayment burden. Funds are reserved through an OHFA‑approved
lender network and disbursed at closing to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
Eligibility Requirements
- Household income must not exceed OHFA’s county limits.
- Purchase price (or after‑rehab value) must be within OHFA or city caps.
- Minimum 640 credit score; DTI generally ≤ 45 percent.
- Completion of OHFA‑approved homebuyer education prior to closing.
- Property must be a 1‑4 unit primary residence, condo, or manufactured home on permanent foundation.
- Purchase price (or after‑rehab value) must be within OHFA or city caps.
- Minimum 640 credit score; DTI generally ≤ 45 percent.
- Completion of OHFA‑approved homebuyer education prior to closing.
- Property must be a 1‑4 unit primary residence, condo, or manufactured home on permanent foundation.
Program Benefits
- 2.5% or 5% forgiven after 5 years applied to down payment, closing costs, rehab, or mortgage relief.
- Thirty‑year fixed‑rate mortgage often below market rate.
- Option to combine with OHFA MCC for $2,000 annual tax credit.
- Free foreclosure‑prevention counseling statewide.
- Thirty‑year fixed‑rate mortgage often below market rate.
- Option to combine with OHFA MCC for $2,000 annual tax credit.
- Free foreclosure‑prevention counseling statewide.
How to Apply
1. Review county income and purchase‑price charts on ohiohome.org.
2. Obtain pre‑approval from an OHFA‑participating lender and reserve program funds.
3. Complete HUD‑approved homebuyer education (online or classroom).
4. Sign a purchase agreement; lender finalizes underwriting and locks OHFA rate.
5. Attend closing; OHFA funds are wired to cover eligible costs. Occupy the home within 60 days.
2. Obtain pre‑approval from an OHFA‑participating lender and reserve program funds.
3. Complete HUD‑approved homebuyer education (online or classroom).
4. Sign a purchase agreement; lender finalizes underwriting and locks OHFA rate.
5. Attend closing; OHFA funds are wired to cover eligible costs. Occupy the home within 60 days.
Program Overview
Category
State Program
Maximum Assistance
$5
Official Program Website
Information about this program is provided as a resource and may be subject to change. Always verify details with the official program website.
Important Note
Program availability, terms, and requirements may vary by lender and location. Additionally, programs are subject to change based on policy updates and market conditions. Always consult with a mortgage professional for the most current information and to determine eligibility for specific programs.