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DC4ME

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

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Assistance

3%

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 DC4ME?

DC4ME is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Washington, District of Columbia, administered by DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).

  • A reduced-rate first trust mortgage for full-time DC Government employees, with an optional 3% down payment assistance as a 0% deferred second; includes a DC4ME VA product ($0 down).
  • Reduced-rate first mortgage for DC gov employees.
  • Optional 3% DPA (0% deferred).
  • No minimum tenure.
  • Stacks with EAHP/HPAP.
  • DC4ME VA product: $0 down.
  • Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

DC4ME provides assistance worth 3% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • The program can be combined with EAHP and HPAP.
  • 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?

DC4ME is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by 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?

DC4ME 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
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through DCHFA-approved Homebuyer Education Class
  • Residency: At least one borrower a current full-time DC Government employee (incl. Instrumentalities, Independent Agencies, DC Public Charter Schools).
  • At least one borrower a current full-time DC Government employee (offer letters not accepted). Homebuyer education required.

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?

DC4ME limits household income to 170% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Max household income 170% AMI ($275,400). At least one borrower must be a current full-time DC Government employee.
  • 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?

DC4ME caps the purchase price as follows: Max loan amount $1,249,125.

  • Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, and 2-4 Unit.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

DC4ME names veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, surviving spouses, and educators among the groups it serves.

  • Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

DC4ME serves buyers purchasing in Washington, District of Columbia.

How do you apply?

Applications for DC4ME go through DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through DCHFA-approved Homebuyer Education Class.

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

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

  3. 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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