Uptown Consortium and the Homeownership Center of Greater Cincinnati’s (HOC) Down Payment Assistance Program is receiving a facelift entering its second year. The new “2to4K Uptown Incentive” program launches Monday, October 2, and offers $2,000 to $4,000 forgivable loans to first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in the five Uptown Cincinnati neighborhoods—Avondale, Clifton, Corryville, Clifton Heights/University Heights/Fairview Heights (CUF) and Mt. Auburn.
Based on homebuyer trends and feedback from the real estate community during the pilot program, Uptown Consortium and HOC adjusted the grants to meet the needs of homebuyers of varying income levels. The program is designed to encourage homeownership in the Uptown neighborhoods and create opportunities for first-time homebuyers to explore each of the amenities and resources that Uptown has to offer.
How it works: Turnkey process
For individuals and families to access the “2to4k Uptown Incentive” program, a real estate professional must apply in their name. Uptown Consortium is raising awareness of the program among local real estate professionals, so they can offer information to – and potentially apply for – their clients considering an Uptown home.
The previous program launched in late 2016 and provided 50 fixed $1,500 forgivable loans to first-time homebuyers. Although applicant income did not limit incentive eligibility, Uptown Consortium and HOC learned that the $1,500 fixed rate lessened its attractiveness among lower-income prospects. The new “2to4k Uptown Incentive” program offers larger loans on a sliding scale, with dollar amount determined on a case-by-case basis.
Who qualifies: High income, low income and everyone in-between
All first-time homebuyers and buyers who have not owned a house in Cincinnati in the past three years qualify for the “2to4k Uptown Incentive” program. To be eligible for the program, there are two other qualifications—buyers must complete HOC’s homebuying training session online or in person and they must owner-occupy the house for at least five years.
Income is not a qualification—any home buyer can participate, whether they’re purchasing the most expensive or the most affordable home in Uptown. The grant can be applied to down payments, closing costs and out-of-pocket costs.
For more information on the “2to4k Uptown Incentive” program, click here.