Ohio Heroes · Firefighters, EMTs & paramedics
Ohio Heroes for firefighters, EMTs and paramedics
Career and volunteer firefighters, EMTs and paramedics in Ohio can get a discounted OHFA rate and 3% to 3.5% forgivable down payment help.
Who is covered
OHFA lists firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. Volunteers are named directly, which many state programs leave out. OHFA does not publish how service is verified, so your lender confirms it.
Ohio Heroes is a 30-year fixed OHFA mortgage with a discounted interest rate for Ohio teachers, police, firefighters, EMTs, healthcare workers and veterans. You can add optional OHFA Down Payment Assistance of 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, forgiven after seven years. OHFA does not publish the size of the rate discount, so a participating lender quotes it.
Volunteer firefighters
If you volunteer with a department and work another job, you can still be on the Ohio Heroes list. All income of the borrowers who live in the home counts toward your county income limit.
Homes outside town
OHFA allows up to 2 acres inside a municipal corporation and up to 5 acres outside one. That matters if you serve a rural or township department and want land.
Papers to pull together
- Last three years of tax returns and W-2s
- 30 days of pay stubs
- 30 days of bank statements
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of your fire or EMS role, paid or volunteer, as your lender requests
Reader questions
Do volunteer firefighters qualify?
Yes. OHFA names volunteer firefighters on its Ohio Heroes list.
Can I buy a duplex?
Yes. OHFA finances duplexes and homes up to four units, with higher price limits for 2 to 4 family homes. You must live in the home.
How fast can I close?
OHFA says closing typically happens 30 to 45 days after the loan application.
