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Ohio heroes make a difference in our lives by working hard in critical jobs every day. OHFA is proud to offer all the benefits of our First-Time Homebuyer Program to Ohio’s heroes at a .25% lower interest rate.

Do I Qualify?

The Ohio Heroes Program is available to the following full-time employees who are:

• Active Military, Active Reserve, or a Veteran – Qualified Active Duty Service personnel include Armed Services or Reserve Forces. Qualified veterans include military members honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics – Sworn paid members of a fire department whose regular duties include fire suppression or prevention, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response.
• Health Care Workers – Certified, accredited, or licensed health care workers who are employed full-time as a medical resident or fellow, dental hygienist, nurse, nursing assistant, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, physician’s assistant, medical technician, technologist, or therapist.
• Police Officers – Individuals commissioned as a police officer by a federal, state, county, or municipal or township government, or a public or private college or university; must be sworn to uphold, and make arrests for violations of federal, state, county, municipal, or township law or respond to terrorism.
• Teachers – Individuals employed full-time by an accredited or state recognized public school, private school, or federal, state, county, or municipal educational agency as a state-certified classroom teacher or administrator in grades K-12 or higher education.

Applicants for the Ohio Heroes Program must:

• Meet OHFA’s income and purchase price limits.
• Be a first-time homebuyer—someone who has not owned or had an ownership interest in his/her principal residence in the last three years. Not a first-time homebuyer? Check out our Target Area Loan Program.
• Be creditworthy. Minimum credit scores may apply.
• Have a signed Purchase and Sales Agreement.
• Qualify for the loan being requested. Lenders will assess your ability to afford a home by considering income, assets, job stability, liabilities, and other criteria.

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How to Apply

OHFA partners with a network of Ohio lenders to make our Ohio Heroes Program loans available on a continuous basis year round. Learn more about the loan process or contact a participating lender to apply.

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Loan Types

To meet each homebuyer’s needs, OHFA offers a variety of loan products including:

• Fannie Mae conventional loans with special features and flexible terms
• Government-insured loans including traditional FHA, VA, and USDA-RD loans

All OHFA loan products offer competitive rates and other beneficial features. Your lender can help you choose the right loan for your needs.

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Loan Features

• Available to any qualified homebuyer
• For new or existing homes
• Below market, 30-year fixed interest rate
• Flexible rate options
• Available in all 88 Ohio counties
• Generous purchase price limits

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Loan Fees

The following fees may apply to your loan:

• 1% origination fee
• $150 transfer fee
• $79 tax service fee
• .25% adverse market fee (conventional loans only)

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Down Payment Assistance

If you need or want assistance with your down payment and closing costs, OHFA offers a Down Payment Assistance Grant that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

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Homebuyer Education

Some OHFA mortgage products and OHFA's Down Payment Assistance Grant and Homebuyer Advantage Loan require borrowers to participate in homebuyer education or counseling. All borrowers are encouraged to take advantage of the free homebuyer education classes available through HUD counseling agencies or to use OHFA's streamlined homebuyer education program. Learn more...

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About Recapture Tax

OHFA will reimburse borrowers for the full amount of any recapture tax in the rare instances where tax repayment is required. Learn more...

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Downloadable Information

You can download information about our loan programs from our download center.

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Questions?

Your lender and/or real estate agent can guide you through the home buying process and answer any questions you may have regarding the Ohio Heroes Program. You can also check out our homeownership FAQs.

If you need additional information, please contact:

Office of Homeownership
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
57 East Main Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
888.362.6432

I am looking for websites that will direct someone to find assistance with mortgage.

Hi, I have applied to Nursing school at our local community college.

I currently own my home and I work full time.
I have applied for the RN program at the college, once I find out I am accepted, I will need to quit my job to attend the program.

Are there grants or loans or Financial Assistance available to pay my mortgage while I attend the 2 year program. 

I will not be able to work during these 2 years.

Thank you.

Hello,  I am in need of 1675.00 for my mortgage payments which are in default.  I am in foreclosure and my home will be sold at the end of this week if I dont come up with this amount of the re-payment plan. I can make the repayments on time monthly, but I do not have the down payment.  I have always managed to make it by myself, until this year when everything that could happen, happened.  In February 09, I had to move my mother in, as she was diagnosed with end stage cancer and she passed away 3 months later in May.  I didnt have the funeral money, so I had been making payments on that. In September 09, I lost my brother, who was found behind a gas convience store in NY. I had to pay for his funeral as well. I have no-one to ask for help, and I am need of some financial assistance. If anyone can find it in their herat to donate or lend me some money, I would forever be grateful for you. I pray that HE blesses you for your efforts and I would be willing to re=pay back on a loan if possible also on a monthly basis.  Please contact me if you can help, even if a small donation, maybe I can raise enough money by the end of this week to save our home. I cant think about having to move, and displace my children before Christmas, besides we have no where to go.

May God Bless You & may everyone's need's be met.

Thank You,

Carole

I don't want my dad to lose health insurance or my parents to lose our family childhood home. My dad has survived diabetes, a heart attack and cancer and did so without complaint. In March 2009, two years prior to retirement, he was laid off from his job after nearly a decade. Although he is highly intelligent and hugely qualified in OSHA Safety, job hunting on the internet has made it easy for potential employers to be cruely impersonal, not even responding to a resume and email inquiry.

My mom is self-employed in her own business and any income goes back into running her small retail business. Both my sister and I were laid off in 2008 and are employed freelance from home to make ends meet. My husband was laid off until recently and both of our husband's are blue-collar, so we, like the majority of America struggle each month to make the income meet the bills. As much as we'd give anything in the world to be able help our parents, we have nothing but our love that we can offer.

Our parents have lived in our family home for over twenty-five years. My dad is scouring the want ads every day, applying and hearing NOTHING. He is, by no means, sitting on his backside simply collecting unemployment. Being without work is driving him stir-crazy. All he wants is a job in OSHA Safety. Right now they are paying for COBRA for his insurance, but when that stops in December, that means no heart or cancer medication. And this is dangerous for his continued well-being.

My parents have ALWAYS done everything in their power to help people. They were foster parents on and off for almost thirty years and my mom was a nanny for another ten. They given of themselves so many times without asking for anything in return. Now that they need help, there is nothing out there.

Because he was making an extremely decent salary in 2008 and until March, my parents do not qualify for any of the help programs available - even though the only income now is unemployment and they cannot make their house payment, regular bills and pay over $500 a month for COBRA. My dad always prided himself on having incredible credit, never missing a bill payment, and always paying everything on time. Now bill collectors are calling because there is just not enough money and there is no one turn to for help. 

We love our parents and feel helpless because we are not in a position to financially help them. My dream is to have someone reading this meet and interview my dad, be blown away by his skills and offer him a job in OSHA Safety. My ultimate wish would be to have some organization pay off my parent's mortgage, so even if my dad is forced into early retirement, they can afford to keep our home and my Dad could afford to pay for his health insurance. 

IT is great that there are companies out there to help people that are TRUELY in need and it is too late for any other option.  I want you all to know that if you are just now starting to feel the stress of bills and mortgage payments being too high then you need to act right away on fixing the mortgage problem.  I am a mortgage rep for a highly repitable mortgage company, you can click on my web site to see which one (i'm not sure what I can and can not say to be in compliance with our company policies). However, this is what I can tell you, if any of you out there need to refinance and you currently have an FHA or VA loan there are some great refinance options available that include being able to refinance without income verification or a credit check.  This is huge for anyone that has lost there job or had a decrease in income. Please, don't wait until it's too late to get help.  Visit my web page and come to my page and ask some questions.  I don't mind just being able to help with answering questions.

Hello my name is Bobbi

Please let me start by apologizing for this request, but I find that I am desperate and have no where to turn! 

I would like to share my story with you.

Like many other Americans my husband and I have found ourselves in a terrible situation, we thought that we had our life under control.  After 18 years of marriage, we decided to have a family, we wanted to make sure we were financially ready to provide for our children. We were blessed with two healthy children they are 5 years old and 2 years old.

Four months before I gave birth to our fist child, my husband's company of over 31 years went bankrupt; he lost his pension and stock investment. A little difficult to take but none the less it was alright, you see I had a great job.  I had my Master Degree in Business Administration and I was on the fast track at work.  Knowing that my husband would make the better stay at home caregiver to our new born child, we decided that all worked out for the best. I returned back to work six weeks after giving birth and continued to excel.  A few years latter we were blessed once again with a second child.  Life was great. 

We were enjoying our new experiences and loving life's adventure. Then of course it hit.

Downsizing!

I was downsized in July 2008 from my employment after 16 years. Again it was all alright I stayed positive, I knew that I was marketable and would transition into a new position in no time. However ,I did not plan on not being healthy, I was always healthy.  I had a mishap which caused me to have to have neck surgery. There was good news, two weeks before my surgery I landed a great job, I was to start the first week of December which would give me enough time for recovery and I looked forward to it.

Now comes the Oh No Part of my story.

A new manager was joining the team; I had not shared the fact that I was having surgery with the VP whom hired me.  I felt that it was a non issue, I knew once I had the correction I would be back to my normal health.  I met with this new manager one week after my surgery; I appeared to be in top health although I was in recovery.  This manager informed me of my start date and training date, I felt this was a good time to let him know not to be alarmed at the fact that I will be wearing a neck brace to a few weeks, I explained that I had surgery and all was well and I looked forward to starting this new position.

Three days after my meeting with this manager I received an email which stated that the company was resending there offer of employment.  I lost the position because I was honest!

The saddest part I feel it that we waited so long to have children so that we could provide for them and now our life has been turned up side down.

I soon found myself with so much stress over what to do next that I am lost; I have been trying to keep a smile on my face and not to let my two small children know that there is a problem.

We have used all of our savings; we have applied for state assistance which we can not receive with the exception of health insurance for my children which I am grateful for.

I am now three months behind on my mortgage, I have shut off notices for heat; have been relying on food banks for food.  I am beside myself.  I just want to work again and pay my bills and get a fresh start. I need help!

I would appreciate any help that would be possible. Please consider helping us save our home and or find a job!!

Many thanks for your time and consideration.

Bobbi

I was diagnosed with Vulvor cancer last week.  Up until then I was alrady behind on most of my bills due to the economy.  I have been in the automotive industry for the past 16 years and up until last year made a good living. 

My friend I will call him has been out of work for almost a year.  Last year he worked about 4 months which was not a gret help.  Yesterday I had to resort to apply for food stamps.  This was the one place I thought I would never have to go. 

 After being diagnosed I thought ok, I have disablility that will help.  Then even after that Brian has not been able to find a job even working fast foods. 

The mortgage company had told me they would be working with me and last week I got the check I sent them back.  I am up against a wall and do not know where to turn. 

 I tried for hours to reach the mortgage company by phone and they are so busy they just keep saying call back in 2 hours.  I tried the website and I guess that has been overloaded. 

Now not only am I worried ablut loosing my life I am worried about loosing my home. 

I have a blog on my space at blcastels that may explain more about what I am going through.

I just need someone who will help me get my mortgage caught up and keep the lights and gas on in my house. 

I am 45 so to old to apply for the sugar daddy web site.  I do know there are people out there who do have the money to help me.  I will pay tis money back once I get back on my feet.  I just need help until I get finished with the chemo and radiation treatments that I have to have.

My personal e mail address is blcastels@comcast.net.  Please let me know what you can do.  I can design web pages from home to help repay the laon until I can get back to work.

Thank you In Advance,

Brenda Lee Castels

Hello everyone!  I am a 37 year old divorced mother of three teens.  I have been physically disabled for 3 years now.  I have a bone desease that hinders my mobility and has brought on arthritis.  I have a total household income (SSA) of $824.00.  I do not receive food stamps because of a "crack" in the system that renders me ineligeble.  My children's father doesn't pay child support because he takes care of the expenses associated with education, clothing, church organizations, personal hygene, out of pocket medical as well as over the counter meds, and transportation.  My children are 17 (boy), 16 (boy) and 14 (girl).  When I became disabled the children's father and I worked out this alternative to child support. My social security payment was so low that I had to do something to ensure my childrens needs (not wants) would be provided.  My ex-husbands child support was $500.00 per month total for all three children.  He spends MORE than $500 per month on his children for the items above.  I have a $540 mortgage, utilities and groceries to pay for my children and myself.  The food stamp program says I am ineligible because I do not collect "Cash" money for my children.  I have explained that they receive the benefit of more than $500 per month. 

I have enrolled in college classes online with my local community college.  Trying to education myself with something that I can do from home that will produce a suppliment to my Social Security income.  I received a pell grant for tuition.  I have a 3.7 GPA.  I am taking computer and core classes. This is my second semester.  I would like to know if anyone knows of any programs, grants, or assistance plans that would help me with other expenses associated with college?  Is there anything out there to help with mortgage payments and utilities?  I don't even have money to buy toilet paper and washing powder.  My grandmother divides hers with me.  I am doing all I can with what little I have.  Please help me find a solution!!!  My email address is downs.samantha@yahoo.com.

I became unemployed after twelve years with my last employer.  I am not eligible for unemployment benefits.  My severance and savings are dwindling.  I have been looking for administrative-support/personal assistant type work since October 2009 with no success.  I am hoping to locate grant(s) to help with my mortgage and utilities until I am once again  gainfully employed.

http://www.fhainfo.com/teachernextdoor.htm

http://www.neamb.com/loans/hmftnd.jsp

        My name is Stan of the Mortgage Assistance Group and we are a homeowner retention group. We specialize in loan modifications, forbearance agreements, and other loan workouts. If you want to fight to save your home we can show you how. You can get more info on our webpage at www.MortgageAssistanceAz.com . Furthermore, you can reach me on my cell 480-495-9088 or at the office 623-486-4505. Just remember you have options

Hello,

I'm a single parent of two who's diabetic sister and her son has been living with now due to sister's illness and time off from work.  I'm needing assistance with bills/mortgage.  Do not qualify for foodstamps or governement assistance due to gross income being slightly over qualifying amount.  Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to participate in this public group space.

Two easy ways to do this:

1. Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
   
2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

Either way is good - the important thing is your participation. On Aidpage, people support each other by speaking out and by paying attention to each other - as simple as that.

I am a 57 year old disabled male.  I have lived in my condo for 14 years, but the last 7 years i became disabled and now I have fallen behind on my mortgage.

I owe about 15,000 dollars. Is there any government grants that I can apply for.

I am trying to negotiate with the mortgage company- they are Countrywide Mortgage.

Any advice would be helpful.  Thanks

Bob

Notice release: 

"The VA is Reaching Out to Vets with Mortgage Problems
Peake: VA Has a "Solid Record of Success" in Helping

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2008) - Many home owners have found it difficult
recently to pay their mortgages, but quick intervention by loan
counselors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has actually
reduced the number of veterans defaulting on their home loans.

"VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan
guaranty program and those who don't take advantage of our guaranties --
to keep people in their homes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr.
James B. Peake. "I'm proud of our solid record of success in helping
veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises."

Accounting for much of this success are VA counselors at nine regional
loan centers who assist people with VA-guarantied loans avoid
foreclosure through counseling and special financing arrangements.  The
counselors also can assist other veterans with financial problems.  VA
counselors have helped about 74,000 veterans, active-duty members and
survivors keep their homes since 2000, a savings to the government of
nearly $1.5 billion.

Depending on a veteran's circumstances, VA can intercede with the
borrower on the veteran's behalf to pursue options -- such as repayment
plans, forbearance, and loan modifications -- that would allow a veteran
to keep a home.

To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA
toll-free at 1-877-827-3702.  Information about VA's home loan guaranty
program can be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/> .

Since 1944, when home-loan guaranties were offered with the original GI
Bill, VA has guarantied more than 18 million home loans worth $911
billion.  Last year, about 135,000 veterans, active-duty service members
and survivors received loans valued at nearly $24 billion.

About 2.3 million home loans still in effect were purchased through VA's
home-loan guaranty program, which makes home loans more affordable for
veterans, active-duty members and some surviving spouses by protecting
lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan.  More than 90
percent of VA-backed home loans were given without a downpayment.

April data shows that foreclosures are down more than 50 percent from
the same months in 2003.  VA attributes this to prudent credit
underwriting standards, its robust supplemental loan servicing program
and VA financial loan counselors."

"This week (June 18,2008)  in Jacksonville, Fla. - where the foreclosure rate is three times the national average - officials are launching a campaign to promote the city's interest-free loans. Distressed homeowners can get up to $5,000, which will be forgiven if they stay in their homes for at least five years, said Dayatra Coles, manager of housing services."

From:

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/real-estate/_a/cities-help-residents-facing-foreclosure/20080616173909990001?icid=100214839x1204363222x1200184889

"Louisville, Ky., also is giving out up to $5,000 in loans. The loans will be forgiven if the homeowner stays put for a decade. The city has teamed up with the United Way to offer access to housing help in addition to the charity's social services."

From:

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/real-estate/_a/cities-help-residents-facing-foreclosure/20080616173909990001?icid=100214839x1204363222x1200184889

"Louisville, Ky., also is giving out up to $5,000 in loans. The loans will be forgiven if the homeowner stays put for a decade. The city has teamed up with the United Way to offer access to housing help in addition to the charity's social services."

From:

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/real-estate/_a/cities-help-residents-facing-foreclosure/20080616173909990001?icid=100214839x1204363222x1200184889