In addition to the various programs provided by the federal government, many cities offer help to first-time home buyers. Before buying a home, check your state’s or community’s website for information on housing grants and programs available in your area. For information on state-based home buyer programs, keep reading.
10. State-Based Programs
Different states have different programs and conditions for their home-buying grants and programs. Do your research and find out what grants are available in your chosen area where you plan to move. Down payment assistance programs are funded at the city, county, and state levels; due to this funding, the assistance programs are ever-changing. Each program operates on its own budget, and with its own set of requirements. Credit score, income levels, and other factors will play into your eligibility for these programs. For example, in Ohio, if you’re in the market for your first home and need help with down payment and closing costs, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) can help you if you need help with down payment and closing costs and you’re in the market for your first home through a program called “Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance.” OHFA offers 30-year fixed-rate conventional and FHA, VA, and USDA-RD government loans designed for home buyers with low and moderate incomes, with generous income and purchase price limits. “Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance” allows home buyers to choose either 2.5% or 5% of the home’s purchase price. Assistance can be applied toward your down payment, closing costs, or other related expenses. Down payment assistance is forgiven after
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