NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance is a silent second mortgage for homebuyers in Cincinnati, Ohio, administered by NEST (Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation).
The program asks for
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- Must purchase a NEST-offered home; at or below 80% Hamilton County AMI (income-verified); remain in home 10 years.
- A home inside Cincinnati city limits
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 80% of area median income
- Homes outside Cincinnati
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
80% of Hamilton County’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
Cincinnati’s homesCincinnati’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 38.3% single-familysingle-family
- 4.9% townhousetownhouse
- 20.2% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 36.1% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 0.4% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$230,900
Cincinnati median home value
79.9%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Cincinnati
How to apply
How to applyTwo steps, in this order
Contact NEST (Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served as funding allows, and are subject to availability.
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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance is a silent second mortgage for homebuyers in Cincinnati, Ohio, administered by NEST (Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation). NEST Egg provides soft second mortgages to qualified buyers purchasing NEST-offered homes in Cincinnati's Northside. Assistance equals 10% of purchase price up to $15,000, applied as a closing credit, forgiven over a 10-year owner-occupancy period, and combinable with City of Cincinnati and lender DPA. Up to $15,000 (10% of price) soft second. Closing credit lowers loan and payment. Forgiven after 10 years. Stackable with City of Cincinnati DPA. Funding comes from Grants and philanthropic donations.
How much assistance does it provide?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance offers up to $15,000 in assistance. The program can be combined with City of Cincinnati DPA and private lender programs. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — NEST (Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Recipient must remain in the home for 10 years. The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (soft second mortgage) position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. Must purchase a NEST-offered home; at or below 80% Hamilton County AMI (income-verified); remain in home 10 years.
What are the income limits?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. At or below 80% of Hamilton County AMI. 80% AMI by household size: 1 $58,700; 2 $67,100; 3 $75,500; 4 $83,850; 5 $90,600; 6 $97,300; 7 $104,000; 8 $110,700. 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?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance can be used for Single Family.
Where does it apply?
NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Cincinnati, Ohio. The program targets specific areas: Northside neighborhood, Cincinnati (NEST-offered properties).
How do you apply?
Applications for NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance go through NEST (Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served as funding allows. 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.
Also for Cincinnati homebuyersOther programs open to Cincinnati homebuyers
- City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)Up to $14,000
- Down Payment AssistanceDeferred
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership ProgramAssistance available
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 75 programs for CincinnatiProgram terms are set by NEST (Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.