Communities First is
Down Payment Assistance Made Simple
The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (dba The Port) is proud to offer the Communities First - Down Payment Assistance program, providing first mortgage financing and down payment / closing cost assistance grants to eligible homebuyers.
The Port created Communities First - Ohio as part of a commitment to increasing homeownership opportunities for residents in Ohio.
ADVANTAGES OF A DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE (DPA) GRANT VS. LOAN
DPA GRANT
No Second Mortgage
No Extra Paperwork
Origination Fees are determined by your lender
Instant Home Equity for Grant Applied to Loan
No Repayment Obligation
No Restrictions on Selling or Refinancing
DPA LOAN
Second Mortgage
Extra Paperwork, TRID
Origination Fee is Capped
No Instant Home Equity in a Second Mortgage
Repayment Required if Home is Sold or Refinanced within 7 Years
GRANT PROVIDER
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
MASTER SERVICER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Communities First – Ohio is statewide down payment and/or closing cost assistance in the form of a grant.
A down payment assistance grant offers a number of advantages over a loan. With Communities First, there is no second mortgage, no restrictions on selling or refinancing, and offers instant home equity.
- Single family, owner-occupied (one unit) principal residence, including condominiums, townhomes, and PUD’s.
- Duplex, owner-occupied.
Depends upon Loan Type.
To be eligible, all borrowers must:
- Apply through a participating lender.
- Meet standard industry guidelines.
- Not exceed maximum income limits.
- No DTI restriction with Approved/Accept AUS or LPA Eligible/Accept, as applicable.
- Have a minimum FICO credit score of 620 (subject to change).
- Occupy the property as their principal residence within 60 days.
- FHA
- VA
- Rural Development
- Conventional
No program purchase price limits, but must conform to first loan program guidelines.
- 115% AMI by County, any family size
- Credit qualifying income of homebuyer only, not household income