Explore HPAP, DC Open Doors, and EAHP with expert insight from Federal Hill Mortgage.
What Programs Help First-Time Homebuyers in Washington, D.C.?
Buying your first home in Washington, D.C. can feel overwhelming — especially with high home prices and steep closing costs. Fortunately, the District offers several financial assistance programs designed to make homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers.
The three core programs include:
- HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance Program) – up to $202,000 for down payment and closing costs
- DC Open Doors – forgivable loans for moderate-income earners
- EAHP (Employer-Assisted Housing Program) – special assistance for DC government employees
Federal Hill Mortgage is proud to help D.C. residents navigate these powerful resources. Here’s how they work.
What Is the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) in D.C.?
How Much Assistance Does HPAP Offer?
HPAP is one of the most generous local assistance programs in the country. Qualified buyers may receive:
- Up to $202,000 in interest-free, deferred down payment financing
- An additional $4,000 in closing cost assistance
This loan is deferred, meaning no payments are due until you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.
Who Qualifies for HPAP in Washington, D.C.?
To be eligible for HPAP in 2025, applicants must:
- Be first-time homebuyers (not owned property in the past 3 years)
- Purchase a primary residence within the District
- Meet income and purchase price limits based on household size
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course
- Have a minimum credit score of 640
HPAP is particularly beneficial for buyers earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI).
How Do You Apply for HPAP?
Applicants can apply through:
- Approved community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Participating HPAP lenders, including Federal Hill Mortgage
What Is the DC Open Doors Program?
What Are the Benefits of DC Open Doors?
DC Open Doors helps moderate-income buyers with forgivable down payment loans — meaning no repayment is required if you live in the home for 5+ years.
Benefits include:
- Up to 3% down payment assistance
- Access to competitive 30-year fixed-rate loans
- Can be paired with FHA, VA, or conventional loans
Who Qualifies for DC Open Doors?
Buyers must:
- Have a minimum credit score of 640
- Earn no more than $199,200 annually (2025 cap)
- Use the home as a primary residence
- Meet debt-to-income and underwriting requirements
Importantly, you don’t need to be a first-time buyer — just cannot own other residential property at closing.
How to Apply for DC Open Doors
Work with a participating lender like Federal Hill Mortgage to get preapproved and submit documentation.
What Is the Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) in D.C.?
How Much Can DC Government Employees Receive?
EAHP supports eligible D.C. government employees by offering:
- Up to $30,000 in financial assistance
- Additional help if purchasing within certain “hotspot” neighborhoods
Eligibility and Application Details for EAHP
To qualify, you must:
- Be a full-time DC government employee
- Work in an eligible agency (MPD, DCRA, DDOT, etc.)
- Be a first-time homebuyer in the District
- Complete a homebuyer education course
Apply through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or an approved CBO.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for DC Homebuyer Programs?
Who Counts as a “First-Time Homebuyer” in DC?
You qualify as a first-time buyer if:
- You haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years
- You’re buying a primary residence (not a second home or investment)
Credit Score and Income Limits
Most programs require a credit score of 640 or higher. Income and purchase limits vary:
program | max income (1 person) | max purchase price |
|---|---|---|
HPAP | ~$91,200 | ~$647,000 |
DC Open Doors | $199,200 | No cap |
EAHP | Same as HPAP | HPAP caps apply |
Note: Limits vary by household size. Federal Hill Mortgage can help you confirm.
Homebuyer Education Requirements
All programs require completion of an approved homebuyer education course. These are typically 8-hour HUD-certified sessions, online or in person.
How Do You Apply for DC Homebuyer Assistance Programs?
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Get Preapproved – Work with a participating lender like Federal Hill Mortgage
- Complete Homebuyer Education – Schedule with an approved provider
- Submit Documents – Income verification, tax returns, ID, etc.
- Get Certificate of Eligibility – Provided by DHCD or lender
- Make an Offer and Finalize Loan – Proceed with property purchase
🕐 Timeline: The full process typically takes 45–60 days, so plan early!
DC First-Time Homebuyer Program Comparison Table
Why Work with Federal Hill Mortgage for Your DC Home Purchase?
Navigating homebuyer programs in D.C. takes expertise. At Federal Hill Mortgage, we specialize in helping local buyers maximize every available benefit.
Here’s why buyers choose us:
✅ Creative strategies for down payment assistance stacking
✅ Fast preapprovals and tailored loan guidance
✅ In-house knowledge of HPAP and Open Doors processes
✅ Licensed across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the income limit for HPAP in Washington, D.C.?
It varies by household size but starts around $91,200 for a 1-person household.
2. Can I combine DC Open Doors and HPAP programs?
Not typically. These programs are used separately but can be paired with other incentives.
3. Do I need to repay the HPAP loan?
Yes, but repayment is deferred until sale, refinance, or full payoff of your mortgage.
4. Is DC Open Doors available for condos and co-ops?
Yes — if they meet program and lender guidelines.
5. How long does HPAP approval take?
Usually 30–45 days from completed application.
6. Can I qualify if I haven’t owned a home in 3 years?
Yes — you’re considered a “first-time buyer” again after 3 years.
7. Does Federal Hill Mortgage help with the HPAP application?
Absolutely. We walk you through the process and coordinate with DHCD.
8. Are there any grants for DC government employees buying a home?
Yes — the EAHP program offers up to $30,000.
9. What credit score is needed for DC Open Doors?
Minimum 640.
10. How do I take a homebuyer education class?
Register through a HUD-approved agency or nonprofit. We can refer you.
Your Path to Homeownership Starts Here
Get Preapproved or Check Your Eligibility Today
If you’re buying your first home in Washington, D.C., don’t leave money on the table. Our experts will help you confirm your eligibility, complete the paperwork, and match you with the right loan and assistance program — including HPAP, DC Open Doors, and EAHP.
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