Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program

What is Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Columbus, Ohio, administered by Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio.

• Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio's homeownership program helps first-time homebuyers at 30-60% AMI become homeowners through a 12-18 month process that includes 200-250 hours of sweat equity, required financial and home-maintenance classes, and purchase of a Habitat-built home with an affordable 0% interest mortgage. A Veterans Build track offers additional mortgage discounts based on years of active service.
• Affordable 0% interest mortgage.
• No traditional down payment.
• Homebuyer education.
• Sweat-equity homeownership.
• Veterans receive mortgage discounts.
• Funding comes from Donations, corporate/foundation sponsors, City of Columbus, City of Newark, Affordable Housing Trust, Ohio Housing Trust Fund.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio.

• Repayment is triggered by Due on sale or transfer.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program limits household income to 60% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income must be 30-60% of AMI by household size (2024 HUD income guidelines). Max by size: 1 $43,440; 2 $49,620; 3 $55,800; 4 $61,980; 5 $66,960; 6 $71,940; 7 $76,860; 8 $81,840.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program names veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists and National Guard members 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?

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Columbus, Ohio.

• The program targets specific areas: Neighborhood Revitalization areas in central Ohio including the Devon Triangle (Columbus); also Newark.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, 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 Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio (financial and home maintenance classes).

2. 2

   Contact Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Application by mail/drop-box; interest forms periodically open and close, 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.