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1. Learn about this resource. 

Prospective homebuyers can receive a loan to help with their down payment and closing costs. The repayment of the loan is deferred, meaning that you don’t have to repay the amount until 30 years later, when you move, when you sell the home, or when you refinance—whichever happens first. When homebuyers receive this loan, their mortgage is financed through the DC Housing Finance Agency.

 

The down payment loan covers the gap between the home’s purchase price and the amount you’re approved to borrow for your mortgage. Residents can receive either 3% or 3.5% of the sale price or appraised value for their home (whichever is lower) to be used for down payment or for closing costs.

 

This program is called DC Open Doors and is offered by the DC Housing Finance Agency.

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2. Check if you are eligible.

You are eligible if all of these statements are true:

• You have a minimum credit score of 640.

• Your yearly gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below $199,200. This includes money from working, government assistance, child support, and any other sources for everyone who will be listed as a borrower on the mortgage.

• Your debt-to-income ratio is less than 50%. This means that your monthly debt payments (such as car payments, minimum due on credit card balances, and student loan payments) are less than half of your monthly income.

• You are purchasing a single-family home, condominium, or other property with up to four units (such as a duplex) in DC to live in as your main residence.

• You do not own a home when you apply for the program.

• Your mortgage loan is a maximum of $726,200 (there is no maximum sales price limit)

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You do not need to be a current DC resident or a first-time homebuyer to apply.