Washington, D.C. offers several programs that may help qualified buyers reduce their upfront costs or obtain favorable mortgage financing. Each program has different income, credit, residency, property and repayment requirements. Funding and program terms can change. Therefore, buyers should always confirm eligibility before relying on assistance in a purchase offer.
DC Open Doors
For qualifying home purchases in Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency offers DC Open Doors through participating lenders. In addition, the program provides eligible buyers with a first mortgage and options that may include down payment assistance toward the minimum required down payment.
- Available to qualified first-time and repeat homebuyers
- Property must be purchased in Washington, D.C. and used as the buyer’s primary residence
- Conventional and government-insured mortgage options may be available
- The program generally provides assistance as a deferred, zero-interest subordinate loan with no monthly payment
- Borrowers must repay the assistance after specified events such as a sale, transfer, refinance, the home ceasing to be their primary residence, or the end of the loan term
- Credit, income, debt-to-income and first-mortgage limits apply and can change
For current limits, rates and requirements, use the official DC Open Doors program page or contact our team for a scenario-specific review.
HomeAdvantage DC
HomeAdvantage DC is DCHFA’s mortgage revenue bond program. It offers eligible buyers below-market mortgage financing with options both with and without down payment assistance. In addition, FHA, conventional and VA financing options may be available depending on the borrower and loan structure.
Read our HomeAdvantage DC guide for an overview, then contact us to compare the current rate and assistance choices with DC Open Doors and other financing.
HPAP and EAHP
The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) may provide eligible first-time D.C. homebuyers with down payment and closing-cost assistance. The Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) may provide eligible District government employees with additional home purchase assistance.
However, these programs have separate applications, documentation, education and approval requirements. Funding availability and processing timelines can change, so buyers should begin early and confirm the current status before writing a contract that depends on the assistance.
Review our current Washington DC first-time homebuyer and assistance guide.
Mortgage Credit Certificate Status
Currently, DCHFA’s official program information lists the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program as unavailable. Because that status can change, buyers should verify current availability directly with DCHFA rather than relying on an old dated notice.
Check the official DCHFA MCC status.
D.C. Recordation Tax Reduction
Eligible first-time D.C. homebuyers may qualify for reduced recordation tax when purchasing a qualifying principal residence and meeting the District’s current homestead and household-income requirements.
Read our updated D.C. Tax Abatement guide and verify the current requirements and forms before settlement.
Planning to request seller-paid closing costs as well as assistance? Read our down payment assistance and seller credits guide before discussing the contract credit with your loan officer and real estate agent.
Which D.C. Program Is Best?
The largest assistance amount is not always the best overall financial choice. Instead, buyers should compare the interest rate, assistance repayment terms, mortgage insurance, monthly payment, available cash, processing time and long-term plans together.
The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team has extensive experience helping homebuyers evaluate D.C. mortgage and assistance programs. We can compare DC Open Doors, HomeAdvantage DC, HPAP, EAHP and standard loan options based on your individual circumstances.
Questions about buying a home in Washington, D.C.? Call (240) 670-5090, email us directly or pre-qualify online.
Program funding, rates, limits, guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Not all borrowers or properties will qualify.
