Grant & Down Payment Assistance Information

Buying a home is one of the most meaningful financial decisions you’ll make and sometimes the biggest hurdle is simply getting across the financial starting line. Fortunately, there are programs designed to help qualified homebuyers with down payment funds, closing costs, and other financial assistance that can make ownership more attainable.

Below is an overview of resources you may be eligible for, including statewide programs, local Butler County options, and special grant opportunities.

 Ohio Statewide Assistance

  • Ohio Statewide Homebuyer Assistance

    • Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) OHFA offers a range of programs to make homeownership more accessible, including down payment assistance, purchase programs, and grants like Grants for Grads or Next Home. These options are available to eligible buyers statewide and can often be paired with a 30 year mortgage to reduce your upfront costs.

    • Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance – Through OHFA, buyers may qualify for assistance that helps cover part of their required down payment and/or closing costs. 

  • Eligibility Check for OHFA Programs: Ensure you qualify for assistance.

  • Local Assistance Opportunities (Butler County & Greater Cincinnati)
  • Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton (NHSH) – NHSH administers the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DPA) Program for Butler County, the City of Hamilton, and the City of Middletown. Eligible buyers can receive assistance up to a percentage of the purchase price (capped at a set dollar amount) in the form of a forgivable loan if the home is owner-occupied for a required period.
      • City & County HOME Programs – Some municipalities have HOME or similar programs that offer down payment or closing cost support to qualified buyers purchasing within city limits, often in conjunction with NHSH

Other Grant & Assistance Options

  • Welcome Home Program (Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati) – Offers grant funds of up to approximately $20,000 toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers; higher amounts are possible for veterans and military households. Funds typically must be accessed through a participating lender and are subject to income and program criteria.

    Note: These grants operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds are limited.

  • Specialty & Targeted Grants – 

  • There are additional programs aimed at specific professions (teachers, first responders), military service members, and targeted neighborhoods — eligibility varies by program and year. Contact me for personalized guidance on these. 

  • Older Adults (61+): Home Improvement Grants
    Explore options to update your current property through the USDA’s Single-Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program.

Helpful Next Steps

  1. Check program eligibility: Many assistance programs are income-based or have purchase price limits.

  2. Work with an approved lender: Some grants require using a participating lender to qualify.

  3. Get pre-qualified: A lender can help confirm what assistance you may be eligible for before you start shopping.


Need Help Navigating Your Options?

I’m here to help you understand which programs might apply to your situation and how to integrate them into your homebuying plan.

Contact me anytime to talk through your eligibility, review programs together, or connect you with approved lenders who work with these grants.


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