Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance

What is 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.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from Ohio Department of Development CHIP program.

How much assistance does it provide?

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance offers between $1,000 and $5,000 in assistance.

• Buyer 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.

Do you have to pay it back?

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance is forgiven after 10 years, so a buyer 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.

Who qualifies?

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

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.

Where does it apply?

Columbiana County CHIP Homeownership / Down Payment Assistance is a federal program, so it is not limited to Ohio.

How do you apply?

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.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Approximately 7 hours of counseling in budgeting, home maintenance, lending, and fair housing.

2. 2

   Contact 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 to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served, and are subject to availability.

3. 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.