DC4ME
DC4ME 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
- 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.
- 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 applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through DCHFA-approved Homebuyer Education Class.
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 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.
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 homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. The program lists a minimum credit score of 640. A homebuyer education course is required, through DCHFA-approved Homebuyer Education Class. Residency requirement: 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.
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 homebuyers 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. 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.