Home buyer grant program covers up to 3% of purchase price

Just when you thought owning your own home was a distant dream, the state of Ohio has a new program designed to help make home ownership a reality. Communities First Ohio Program is a home buyer grant offered through the Port Authority of Greater Cincinnati and provides closing costs and/or down payment assistance of up to 3% of the purchase price of a home to eligible buyers. The down payment/closing cost assistance is in the form of a gift to the borrower and never has to be repaid.

Any home buyer living in the state of Ohio can benefit from this program, but it's especially helpful for first time home buyers since they won't have to put up much money to buy a home. For example, to buy a $100,000 home, the buyer would only need about $500 out of pocket.

This program was started in 2014 and potential home buyers will find the process relatively simple. The only requirement is that buyers cannot have an annual income of more than $70,035 making this the perfect opportunity for a first time buyer. Even if your household income is higher than $70,035, you may still be approved by running the loan through only one person. The minimum credit score of 640 is also fairly lenient.

This program is very appealing to buyers unable to provide the 10 or 20 percent down payment required for a traditional mortgage. Any buyer pursuing an FHA loan should consider this program as a way to buy their home faster with less money up front.

At this time, there are very few lenders approved for this program and Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors recommends Prime Lending. For more information or to see if you qualify, visit the Own Your Dream website. To find an agent to further discuss this program, please contact Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors.