In an effort to assist first-time homebuyers in Ohio, the state government has established a grant program. Through this program, eligible individuals can receive financial assistance towards the purchase of their first home. The grant can be used to cover a variety of expenses, including the down payment, closing costs, and other eligible costs.
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: They must be first-time homebuyers, meaning they have not owned a home within the past three years. They must also have a household income that does not exceed 120% of the area median income in the county in which they plan to purchase a home.
First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- First-time homebuyer
- Household income at or below 120% AMI
- Complete homebuyer education course
- Purchase a home in Ohio
- Use grant funds for eligible expenses
- Meet program deadlines
- No prior homeownership within 3 years
- Residency in Ohio for at least 1 year
- US citizenship or permanent residency
Applicants who meet all of the eligibility requirements may receive a grant of up to $15,000 to assist with the purchase of their first home.
First-time homebuyer
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must be first-time homebuyers. This means that they must not have owned a home within the past three years.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, individuals who have only owned a home with a former spouse may still be eligible for the grant. Additionally, individuals who have owned a home but have been displaced due to a natural disaster or other hardship may also be eligible.
To prove that they are a first-time homebuyer, applicants will need to provide documentation such as a copy of their driver’s license or state ID card, a copy of their Social Security card, and a letter from their lender stating that they have not owned a home within the past three years.
If applicants are unable to provide this documentation, they may still be able to qualify for the grant if they can provide a written explanation of their circumstances. This explanation should be submitted to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) for review.
Household income at or below 120% AMI
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must have a household income that does not exceed 120% of the area median income (AMI) in the county in which they plan to purchase a home.
The AMI is a measure of the median income of all households in a particular area. It is calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.
To determine if they meet the income eligibility requirement, applicants will need to provide documentation of their household income. This documentation can include pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from their employer.
Applicants who have a household income that exceeds 120% of the AMI may still be eligible for the grant if they can meet one of the following exceptions:
- They are purchasing a home in a targeted area.
- They are a veteran or active-duty military member.
- They are a first responder.
- They are a teacher.
Applicants who meet one of these exceptions will need to provide documentation to support their claim. For example, veterans will need to provide a copy of their DD-214 form, and teachers will need to provide a copy of their teaching license.
Complete homebuyer education course
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must complete a homebuyer education course. This course must be approved by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).
- Course content: The course must cover a variety of topics, including budgeting, mortgage financing, home maintenance, and the homebuying process.
- Course length: The course must be at least eight hours long.
- Course completion: Applicants must complete the course and pass a final exam with a score of at least 70%. Applicants have 180 days from the enrollment to complete the course.
- Course providers: There are a number of organizations that offer homebuyer education courses in Ohio. Applicants can find a list of approved providers on the OHFA website.
Once applicants have completed the course, they will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate must be submitted to OHFA along with the grant application.
Purchase a home in Ohio
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must purchase a home in Ohio. The home must be the applicant’s primary residence, and it must be located in a census tract that is not designated as a high-cost area.
Applicants can use the grant funds to purchase a single-family home, a townhouse, or a condominium. The home must be in good condition and meet the minimum property standards established by OHFA.
Applicants must close on the home within 180 days of receiving the grant award. If the applicant is unable to close on the home within this time frame, the grant award will be forfeited.
After closing on the home, applicants must occupy the home as their primary residence for at least five years. If the applicant does not occupy the home as their primary residence for at least five years, they will be required to repay the grant funds.
Use grant funds for eligible expenses
The First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024 can be used to cover a variety of eligible expenses, including:
- Down payment: The grant can be used to cover up to 5% of the purchase price of the home, up to a maximum of $15,000.
- Closing costs: The grant can be used to cover closing costs, such as lender fees, title insurance, and appraisal fees.
- Prepaid expenses: The grant can be used to cover prepaid expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.
- Home improvements: The grant can be used to cover the cost of certain home improvements, such as energy-efficient upgrades and accessibility modifications.
Applicants must use the grant funds within 12 months of receiving the grant award. If the applicant does not use the grant funds within this time frame, the grant award will be forfeited.
Meet program deadlines
Applicants for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024 must meet the following deadlines:
- Application deadline: The application deadline for the grant is June 30, 2024.
- Home purchase deadline: Applicants must close on the home within 180 days of receiving the grant award.
- Grant funds deadline: Applicants must use the grant funds within 12 months of receiving the grant award.
Applicants who do not meet these deadlines will forfeit their grant award.
No prior homeownership within 3 years
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must not have owned a home within the past three years. This means that applicants must not have had any ownership interest in a residential property during this time period.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, individuals who have only owned a home with a former spouse may still be eligible for the grant. Additionally, individuals who have owned a home but have been displaced due to a natural disaster or other hardship may also be eligible.
Applicants who are unsure whether they meet this eligibility requirement should contact OHFA for clarification.
Residency in Ohio for at least 1 year
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must have been a resident of Ohio for at least one year prior to applying for the grant.
Applicants must provide proof of their residency, such as a copy of their driver’s license or state ID card, a utility bill, or a lease agreement.
Applicants who have not been a resident of Ohio for at least one year may still be eligible for the grant if they meet one of the following exceptions:
- They are a member of the military and are stationed in Ohio.
- They are a full-time student at an Ohio college or university.
- They are a victim of domestic violence or stalking and have relocated to Ohio for safety reasons.
Applicants who are unsure whether they meet this eligibility requirement should contact OHFA for clarification.
US citizenship or permanent residency
To be eligible for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
- US citizens: Applicants who are US citizens must provide a copy of their birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
- Permanent residents: Applicants who are permanent residents must provide a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (green card).
Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents may still be eligible for the grant if they meet one of the following exceptions:
- They are a refugee or asylee.
- They are a non-citizen national.
- They are a member of the military and are stationed in Ohio.
Applicants who are unsure whether they meet this eligibility requirement should contact OHFA for clarification.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024:
Question 1: Who is eligible for the grant?
Answer 1: To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: They must be first-time homebuyers, meaning they have not owned a home within the past three years. Applicants must also have a household income that does not exceed 120% of the area median income in the county in which they plan to purchase a home. They must complete a homebuyer education course, purchase a home in Ohio, and use the grant funds for eligible expenses. They also must meet the program deadlines, have no prior homeownership within 3 years, have residency in Ohio for at least 1 year, and be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Question 2: How much is the grant?
Answer 2: The grant amount is up to $15,000.
Question 3: What can the grant be used for?
Answer 3: The grant can be used to cover a variety of eligible expenses, including the down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and home improvements.
Question 4: How do I apply for the grant?
Answer 4: The application for the grant is available on the OHFA website. The application deadline is June 30, 2024.
Question 5: What are the income limits for the grant?
Answer 5: To be eligible for the grant, applicants must have a household income that does not exceed 120% of the area median income (AMI) in the county in which they plan to purchase a home. The AMI is a measure of the median income of all households in a particular area. It is calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.
Question 6: What are the residency requirements for the grant?
Answer 6: To be eligible for the grant, applicants must have been a resident of Ohio for at least one year prior to applying for the grant.
Question 7: What are the citizenship requirements for the grant?
Answer 7: To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
For more information about the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024, please visit the OHFA website or contact OHFA at 1-800-221-5626.
The First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024 is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in Ohio. If you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply for the grant.
Tips
Here are a few tips for applying for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024:
Tip 1: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will show the seller that you are a serious buyer and that you have the financial means to purchase the home. It will also help you to narrow down your search to homes that you can afford.
Tip 2: Find a real estate agent who is experienced in working with first-time homebuyers. A good real estate agent can help you to find the right home and negotiate the best possible price. They can also help you to navigate the homebuying process and ensure that you are getting the most out of your grant.
Tip 3: Be prepared to make a down payment. The down payment is the amount of money that you will pay upfront when you purchase your home. The down payment amount will vary depending on the purchase price of the home and the type of mortgage that you get. However, most lenders will require you to make a down payment of at least 3% of the purchase price.
Tip 4: Be patient. The homebuying process can take time. It is important to be patient and to not get discouraged if you do not find the right home right away. Keep in mind that the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024 is a great opportunity to purchase a home in Ohio. If you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply for the grant.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success when applying for the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024.
The First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024 is a valuable resource for first-time homebuyers in Ohio. If you are thinking about purchasing a home, we encourage you to learn more about the grant and to apply if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024 is a valuable resource for first-time homebuyers in Ohio. The grant can provide up to $15,000 in assistance towards the purchase of a home. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: They must be first-time homebuyers, meaning they have not owned a home within the past three years. Applicants must also have a household income that does not exceed 120% of the area median income in the county in which they plan to purchase a home. They must complete a homebuyer education course, purchase a home in Ohio, and use the grant funds for eligible expenses. They also must meet the program deadlines, have no prior homeownership within 3 years, have residency in Ohio for at least 1 year, and be a US citizen or permanent resident.
If you are a first-time homebuyer in Ohio, we encourage you to learn more about the First Time Home Buyer Grant Ohio 2024. The grant can help you to purchase a home and achieve your dream of homeownership.
