DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Washington, District of Columbia, administered by DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).
The program asks for
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A minimum 640 credit score
- Residency: District of Columbia
- Work with a DCHFA participating lender. Max first trust loan $1,249,125. FHA max DTI 45% (50% with 680+).
- A home in District of Columbia
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 170% of area median income
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
170% of the area median income where the home is
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
District of Columbia’s homesDistrict of Columbia’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 11% single-familysingle-family
- 21.7% townhousetownhouse
- 10.2% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 56.9% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 0.1% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$737,100
District of Columbia median home value
69%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year.
How to apply
How to applyTwo steps, in this order
Contact DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.
Work with a lender who handles the program
Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is DC Open Doors?
DC Open Doors is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Washington, District of Columbia, administered by DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA). DCHFA flagship program: a below-market first trust mortgage plus a 0% deferred, non-amortizing Down Payment Assistance Loan covering the full required minimum down payment; open to residents and non-residents in all wards. Below-market first mortgage. DPAL covers full minimum down payment. 0% deferred, no monthly payments. First-time and repeat buyers. No max sales price. Funding comes from State.
Do you have to pay it back?
DC Open Doors is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. Repayment is triggered by 30 years from closing, Sale/transfer, No longer primary residence, and Refinance of first trust. The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
DC Open Doors is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. The program lists a minimum credit score of 640. Residency requirement: District of Columbia. Work with a DCHFA participating lender. Max first trust loan $1,249,125. FHA max DTI 45% (50% with 680+).
What are the income limits?
DC Open Doors limits household income to 170% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Borrower income up to 170% AMI; max income $275,400. No max sales price; max first trust loan $1,249,125. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
What kind of home can it be used for?
DC Open Doors caps the purchase price as follows: No max sales price; max first trust loan $1,249,125. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.
Where does it apply?
DC Open Doors serves homebuyers purchasing in Washington, District of Columbia.
How do you apply?
Applications for DC Open Doors go through DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for District of Columbia homebuyersOther programs open to District of Columbia homebuyers
- Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)Up to $202,000
- Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)Up to $35,000
- Negotiated Employee Affordable Home Purchase Program (NEAHP)Up to $26,500
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 71 programs for District of ColumbiaProgram terms are set by DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.