Connect the Ohio program name to the lender and purchase requirements
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) works through participating lenders across the state. Use the city directories above to research providers, then identify the mortgage program and any assistance included in the application. A Mortgage Firm listing does not establish OHFA participation or eligibility for a particular product.
Give an OHFA lender your purchase history and property county
OHFA's mortgage applications go through participating lenders rather than directly to the agency. Its lender finder lets buyers choose the county where they plan to purchase and see lenders covering it. Check that route before asking a provider about an OHFA loan, and confirm which named product the loan officer will review.
The Homebuyer Program considers prior ownership of a primary residence and identifies qualifying veteran and target-area exceptions. Next Home serves buyers who are not first-time buyers and can include down payment assistance. If you plan to keep a current home, tell the lender: Next Home's description says continued ownership can affect income eligibility. Give the lender the proposed address so it can check any target-area claim for that property.
Compare the assistance agreement's sale and refinancing conditions
OHFA Down Payment Assistance is a second mortgage, with forgiveness after seven years and full repayment if the home is sold within that period. The agency's lender FAQ also describes repayment when refinancing outside its own refinance program. Ask the lender for the assistance note and mortgage, applicable forgiveness date and payoff conditions before signing or planning a later refinance.
Grants for Grads pairs a mortgage discount with assistance whose rules differ: its page describes forgiveness after five years while remaining in Ohio, and some or all repayment if the buyer sells and moves out of the state within that period. Have the lender review your graduation date, degree and current program requirements, then explain how a future sale or move affects the assistance. Do not apply one program's forgiveness schedule to another.
Check the specific role behind an Ohio Heroes application
Ohio Heroes is a mortgage interest-rate discount for specified military, public-safety, healthcare and school roles. The official list includes some volunteer and surviving-spouse categories as well as employed professionals. Ask the lender to check the exact role and supporting documentation; a broad industry description or a program name does not establish qualification.
The program allows buyers to include down payment assistance. Request a written explanation of the proposed first mortgage and assistance separately, including fees, repayment conditions and total monthly housing costs. The occupational discount does not remove the program's income, purchase-price, credit or loan-type requirements. No provider's directory entry establishes that it offers Ohio Heroes.
Finish the counseling call and confirm the certificate reaches the loan file
OHFA describes free homebuyer education for its qualifying mortgage borrowers, including Next Home buyers. It places completion after submission of the mortgage application and before agency commitment approval. Coordinate that sequence with the loan officer. If using a HUD-approved Ohio counseling agency's course instead of the streamlined route, confirm the course, certificate and direct-counseling requirements before enrolling.
The streamlined portal starts with a test and budget, followed by choosing an agency and attending telephone counseling. Gather monthly, quarterly and yearly bills first; the portal warns that unfinished answers and budget information cannot be saved. The counselor uploads the completion certificate for the loan officer to view. Ask the officer to confirm receipt. For missing counselor contact or computer-access help, the portal directs buyers to 888-362-6432 and the Homebuyer Education team.
Published by Mortgage Firm, an independent directory. Program administrators and lenders determine current availability and eligibility. Our editorial approach