Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Columbiana County, Ohio, administered by Columbiana County Board of Commissioners (with Cities of Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem); administered by Community Action Agency of Columbiana County and Hall Community Development LLC. Columbiana County's CHIP program, a partnership of the County Commissioners and the cities of Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem, provides homeownership assistance including down payment/closing-cost assistance (in addition to home repair and rehabilitation). Down payment grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 as a 0% forgivable loan secured by a 10-year promissory note, for households at or below 80% AMI. Buyers contribute at least $500 of their own funds and complete homebuyer counseling. $1,000-$5,000 down payment/closing-cost assistance. 0% interest, forgivable over a 10-year note. Can be combined with FHA/VA/USDA/conventional financing. Homebuyer counseling provided. Funding comes from Ohio Department of Development CHIP program.

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance offers between $1,000 and $5,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Minimum $500 of the buyer's own funds toward the purchase. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Columbiana County Board of Commissioners (with Cities of Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem); administered by Community Action Agency of Columbiana County and Hall Community Development LLC determines any individual award.

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Sale/transfer/vacancy before the 10-year promissory note expires triggers repayment of a percentage; after 10 years, repay 15% of the grant upon vacancy/transfer (payback amount varies by community). The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (mortgage/promissory note recorded; ~$36-$44 recording fee plus release fee) position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. A homebuyer education course is required, through Approximately 7 hours of counseling in budgeting, home maintenance, lending, and fair housing. LOAN TERM: 0% forgivable loan over a 10-year promissory note. CHIP is a competitive two-year grant; the official county page lists down payment/closing-cost assistance, but Columbiana County's PY2025 CHIP award (Ohio Dept. of Development, Jan 2025) may be budgeted only for owner rehabilitation — DPA availability in the current cycle MUST be confirmed with the administering agencies before relying on it. Standard CHIP DPA terms cited from the Ohio Regional Development Corp. guidelines.

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. At or below 80% AMI (example cited: family of three at or below $39,900). Net assets over $100,000 disqualify. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance can be used for Single Family, 2-4 Unit, Condo, and Manufactured. New construction is not eligible. Manufactured homes are eligible.

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Columbiana County, Ohio.

Applications for Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance go through Columbiana County Board of Commissioners (with Cities of Columbiana, East Liverpool, and Salem); administered by Community Action Agency of Columbiana County and Hall Community Development LLC, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served. 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.