Yes. The City of Dayton offers a Down Payment Assistance Program worth up to 10% of the purchase price for qualifying buyers who purchase a home within Dayton city limits. The program is run through the HomeOwnership Center of Greater Dayton. Funds are limited and handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: City of Dayton – Home-Buyer Assistance

To qualify, you generally need to:

• Have a household income below 80% of the area median income.
• Buy a home inside the city of Dayton.
• Put at least $500 of your own money toward closing.
• Live in the home as your primary residence for at least five years.
• Complete a homebuyer class and meet with an advisor at the HomeOwnership Center.

Home value limits and other restrictions also apply.

Source: City of Dayton – Home-Buyer Assistance

It’s a local nonprofit that offers homebuyer classes, one-on-one coaching, financial education, mortgage counseling, and access to down payment assistance programs. It’s located at 130 W. Second St., Suite 1420, Dayton, OH 45402, and you can reach it at 937-853-1600.

Source: Ohio Legal Help – HomeOwnership Center of Greater Dayton

Yes. Montgomery County partners with the HomeOwnership Center on a program for first-time buyers purchasing in the county outside the cities of Dayton and Kettering. The assistance is up to 10% of the purchase price, capped at $8,000, and is structured as a 0% deferred second mortgage. Kettering runs its own separate program.

Source: Montgomery County Down Payment Assistance flyer

Yes. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers several programs:

• Down payment assistance of 3% or 3.5% of the purchase price, depending on the loan type.
• Mortgage Tax Credit, which gives first-time buyers a federal tax credit for part of their mortgage interest.
• Ohio Heroes, which offers a discounted rate for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and veterans.

You must use one of OHFA’s 140+ approved lenders to access these programs.

Source:
Ohio Realtors – OHFA homebuyer resources
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OHFA

It depends on your situation:

• FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down and are popular with first-time buyers.
• VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans and service members.
• USDA loans offer $0 down in eligible rural areas around the Dayton region.
• Conventional loans can start at 3% down and often suit buyers with stronger credit.

A lender can confirm what you qualify for. We’re happy to connect you with trusted local lenders.

Source: HUD – Buying a Home

For most assistance programs, yes. Both the City of Dayton and Montgomery County programs require you to complete a homebuyer class and meet with a HomeOwnership Center advisor. Even when a class isn’t required, it’s a smart step for first-time buyers.

Source: City of Dayton – Home-Buyer Assistance

Yes. Ohio Homebuyer Plus is a state-backed savings account offered through participating banks and credit unions. It pays an above-market interest rate and may qualify you for Ohio income tax deductions. The money must go toward a down payment or closing costs on a primary residence in Ohio, and it must be used within five years.

Source: Ohio Treasurer – Ohio Homebuyer Plus

Often, yes. Buyers sometimes layer city or county assistance with OHFA programs and their own savings. Each program has its own rules, so check with your lender and the HomeOwnership Center before you make an offer. Contact the Gillen Group and we’ll help you build a plan.