Grant Money to Buy Your First Home

The 2026 Welcome Home Program (WHP) through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati is almost here - and it can provide grants up to $20,000 to eligible homebuyers to help with down payment and closing costs.

Homebuyers may qualify if they meet these key requirements:

- Household income (all occupants) is at or below 80% of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) income limit for the county where the home is located

- A fully executed purchase contract (signed by the buyer and seller) is in hand

- The buyer can contribute at least $500 of their own funds toward down payment and/or closing costs

- If the buyer is a first-time homebuyer, they must complete homebuyer counseling prior to closing (Note: buyers do not have to be first-time homebuyers to apply.)

Eligible properties must meet the following:

- Must be the buyer's primary residence

- Can be a single-family, townhome, condo, duplex, multi-unit (up to 4 units), or certain qualified manufactured homes.

- Must include a five-year retention mechanism

To be ready when the window opens, we recommend getting these items to us ASAP:

- Estimated household income for all occupants
- Your executed purchase contract (once available)
- Confirmation of the $500 buyer contribution
- If applicable, homebuyer counseling completion

The application window opens April 6 at 8:00 AM ET. Funds go fast, so we strongly encourage you to get your information and application materials to us as soon as possible.

To get more information about buying your first home or securing grant money to go towards your purchase, contact The Finn Team: 513-560-6513 or holly.finn@cbws.com

Request a Home Buyer Guide