Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program

What is Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, administered by Believe Mortgage (CHN Housing Partners).

• Administered by Believe Mortgage (CHN Housing Partners) for Cuyahoga County, this deferred, subordinated second loan provides up to 10% of the purchase price (up to $20,900) for down payment and eligible closing costs in eligible urban-county communities. No interest; repaid in full only on sale, transfer of title, or refinance. Buyers cannot have owned a home in the past 3 years, must occupy as primary residence, must earn at or below 80% AMI, and must complete homebuyer education.
• Up to 10% of price (up to $20,900).
• 0% deferred 2nd.
• No monthly payments.
• Open to repeat buyers (no ownership in 3 yrs).
• Free CHN homeownership classes.
• Funding comes from Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $20,900 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Minimum 3% contribution toward purchase.
• The program can be combined with FHA, VA, or Conventional first mortgages.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Believe Mortgage (CHN Housing Partners) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program 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 of Title, and Refinance.
• 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?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 80% AMI for the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor MSA. (Dollar table on the CHN brochure is dated 2021 and not current — verify current HUD limits at application.).
• 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?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: HOME purchase-price limit applies (CHN brochure figure dated 2021 — verify current limit at application).

• Eligible property types include Single Family.
• New construction is not eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

How do you apply?

Applications for Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program go through Believe Mortgage (CHN Housing Partners), 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 CHN Housing Partners (free homeownership classes) or any HUD-certified counseling agency (online accepted); 8 hours required..

2. 2

   Contact Believe Mortgage (CHN Housing Partners) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider 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.