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HomeAdvantage DC

District of Columbia 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

Price cap

$1.3M

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Repayable

Repaid on the terms set by District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA)

What is HomeAdvantage DC?

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

  • HomeAdvantage DC is a DCHFA homeownership program offering eligible buyers below-market first mortgage financing through federally-backed Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) financing, with flexible options that include down payment assistance. Buyers choose among three financing structures: a standard first mortgage with no DPA, a conventional loan with up to 3% DPA, or an FHA/VA loan with up to 3.5% DPA.
  • 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at below-market rates with optional down payment assistance of up to 3% (conventional) or up to 3.5% (FHA/VA) of the loan/purchase price.

How much assistance does it provide?

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

  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

HomeAdvantage DC is a second mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).

  • The assistance is recorded in subordinate position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

HomeAdvantage DC is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 640 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • DPA amount/structure depends on loan type (Option 2 conventional up to 3%; Option 3 FHA/VA up to 3.5%). Income is based on total HOUSEHOLD income of all occupants 18+, not borrower income only, and must fall within MRB income limits by household size/occupancy. First-time homebuyer required except for purchases in targeted areas. Homebuyer education may be required. Must register and attend DCHFA's two-part monthly Homebuyers webinar and work with an approved DCHFA participating lender. The DPA lien structure/terms are not fully specified on the official program page; confirm with DCHFA/lender. Purchase price limits cited are federal MRB limits effective as of the page's last update (2026-05-28).

The program excludes

  • Purchases above the $1.3M price cap

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?

HomeAdvantage DC sets its income limit as follows: Household income must fall within Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) income limits, based on household size and occupancy; income counts all occupants 18 and older.

  • 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?

HomeAdvantage DC caps the purchase price at $1.3M.

Where does it apply?

HomeAdvantage DC serves buyers purchasing in Washington, District of Columbia.

  • The program gives priority to designated target areas, so the address matters as well as the county.

How do you apply?

Applications for HomeAdvantage DC go through District of Columbia 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 before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact District of Columbia 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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