Ohio Housing Finance Agency Celebrates June as National Homeownership Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 11, 2026
Media Contact: Paige Dixon
Phone: 614.728.9755
Email: [email protected]

Partners with the Ohio Departments of Commerce and Insurance to help Ohioans realize their dreams of homeownership

COLUMBUS, OH - Buying a home can be challenging, especially in a competitive housing market. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) is partnering with the Ohio Departments of Commerce and Insurance to let Ohioans know there are resources available to help prepare them for homeownership and, when they are ready, help them purchase a home.

"We want Ohioans to know that if they are thinking of buying a home, the state of Ohio has resources to help them," said Bill Beagle, OHFA executive director. "From OHFA's 3% or 3.5% down payment assistance to help finding a lender or real estate professional to understanding the insurance needed after you purchase a home, we're here to guide Ohioans through the homebuying process."

OHFA, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, and the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) have launched the website ohiohome.org/homeownershipmonth that features resources to help Ohioans understand the homebuying process. The website also includes homebuyer guides, tips for first-time homebuyers, and links to key resources, like OHFA's down payment assistance programs, finding a real estate professional, and homeowner's insurance information.

OHFA works with more than 140 lenders throughout the state to provide competitive mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and other loan products to make buying a home more affordable. The Agency offers 30-year, fixed-rate conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA-RD government loans with generous income and purchase price limits designed especially for homebuyers with low- and moderate-incomes. Ohioans can visit myohiohome.org for information on programs available and to find participating lenders in their localities.

Here are five tips to help Ohioans start their homeownership journeys:

Establish a budget. Having a monthly budget will help you identify your expenses and how much you can afford for a mortgage payment. The general rule of thumb is that you can reasonably afford a home that costs about two-and-a-half times your annual salary.

Know your credit score. To qualify for a mortgage and avoid higher interest rates, you will need to have a good credit score. Paying your bills on time and in full will help improve and maintain your credit. It's a good idea to obtain copies of your credit report, ensure the information is correct, and fix any problems that you discover before meeting with a mortgage lender.

Find a lender and receive preapproval for a loan. Working with a reputable lender can make the homebuying process much easier. OHFA has a network of lenders throughout the state who are ready to discuss mortgage options. Once you obtain pre-approval from a lender, you will have a better understanding of how much you can spend when selecting a home to purchase.

Work with a licensed real estate agent. Having a professional real estate agent guide you through the process of buying your new home can reduce some of the stress associated with being a first-time homebuyer. By asking trusted friends and family for referrals, interviewing real estate agents for good fit, and verifying with the Division that they are indeed licensed by the state, you can help ensure the individual you select is someone who will best represent your needs. To verify a real estate licensee's credentials, access the Division's License Lookup tool.

Work with a licensed insurance agent. After reading ODI's educational homeowner's insurance information, talk with friends and family for recommendations and utilize ODI's agent locator tool to find an insurance agent for assistance determining and securing appropriate protection for your property and its contents.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is an Equal Opportunity Housing entity. Loans are available on a fair and equal basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability or ancestry. Please visit www.ohiohome.org for more information.