See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 8, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Bowling Green, OH (2026)
Bowling Green is a city of about 30,400 residents in Wood County, Ohio, best known as the home of Bowling Green State University. With a median home price around $225,000, the city offers affordable homeownership opportunities in northwest Ohio. The City of Bowling Green operates its own Down Payment Assistance Program through its Housing Revolving Loan Fund, providing assistance to income-eligible buyers. Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio also serves the area with affordable homeownership programs featuring affordable mortgages and sweat equity partnerships. Combined with the OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance (3% to 3.5% of the purchase price, forgiven after seven years) and the FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home Program (grants of $10,000 to $20,000), Bowling Green buyers can layer multiple programs to significantly reduce their upfront costs.
City Programs in Bowling Green
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Bowling Green Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Down payment assistance funded through the Housing Revolving Loan Fund | No | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Down payment assistance funded through the Housing Revolving Loan Fund
- First-time only:
- No
State Programs in Ohio
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communities First Ohio Down Payment Assistance (The Port) | Grant | 3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price as a grant toward down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home Program | Grant | Grants of $10,000 to $20,000; up to $25,000 for veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Grants for Grads | Forgivable Loan | 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Mortgage Tax Credit | Tax Credit | Federal tax credit of 40% of annual mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000 per year (with OHFA loan). 15-20% with other lenders. | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Ohio Heroes | Forgivable Loan | 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance | Forgivable Loan | 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- 3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price as a grant toward down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Grants of $10,000 to $20,000; up to $25,000 for veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Tax Credit
- Amount:
- Federal tax credit of 40% of annual mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000 per year (with OHFA loan). 15-20% with other lenders.
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with affordable mortgage through Habitat or partner agency such as USDA | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with affordable mortgage through Habitat or partner agency such as USDA
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Bowling Green DPA program requires income at or below moderate income levels per HUD guidelines. For example, a family of four must earn $57,500 or less. Check the city's Housing Programs page for current income limits by household size.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. OHFA requires completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio also requires homebuyer education classes for their program participants.
Step 3: Contact the City of Bowling Green. The city administers seven housing programs through the Housing Revolving Loan Fund, including down payment assistance options. Visit the city's Housing Programs office for application details.
Step 4: Contact Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio. They offer affordable homeownership with affordable mortgages for families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Call (419) 572-1324 for information.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with an OHFA-approved lender to access the Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance of 3% to 3.5% of the purchase price. OHFA partners with over 150 lenders statewide.
Step 6: Ask your lender about the FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home Program. This program provides grants of $10,000 to $20,000 through participating member banks and credit unions. You must contribute at least $500 of your own funds.
Step 7: Find a home within program limits and submit your applications. Allow extra processing time when combining multiple assistance sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Bowling Green?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get assistance in Bowling Green?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay using these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
What income limits apply for the City of Bowling Green DPA?+−
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