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DC Open Doors

DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) · Washington, District of Columbia

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

3.5%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

170% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

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.

How much assistance does it provide?

DC Open Doors provides assistance worth 3.5% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • Buyer contribution: DPAL can cover the full minimum down payment.
  • The program can be combined with HPAP, EAHP, and DC4ME.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) determines any individual award.

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 buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • 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+).

The program excludes

  • 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.

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 buyers 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.

  1. Contact DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  2. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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