Buying a first home in Ohio

A first home purchase has the same steps as any other: pre-approval, search, offer, inspection, and closing. The difference is that some loan programs are written for buyers who have not owned a home recently. This page describes them in general. It is not lending advice, and it is not a list of who qualifies.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency publishes homebuyer programs, including loans and assistance with income limits, purchase-price limits, and other rules. Some programs are for buyers who have not owned a primary home in the recent past. Others have different rules, including for some veterans and some places. Read the current page and ask a participating lender. The official start is OHFA's homebuyer program page and myohiohome.org.

Homes of Toledo does not take loan applications and does not choose a lender.

The rest of the purchase

• Get pre-approved before you write an offer.
• Budget closing costs separately from the down payment. See buyer closing costs.
• Inspect the house, including older-home items. See inspections.
• If the house is on the lake or an island, read the summer home guide before you assume you can rent it or reach it in January.

More guides: all guides. Questions: FAQ.