DC Open Doors + HPAP
What This Looks Like for a $350,000 Home in District of Columbia
How District of Columbia's First-Time Homebuyer Programs Work
DC Housing Finance Agency offers DC Open Doors + HPAP to qualifying first-time buyers in District of Columbia. Most District of Columbia buyers pair this with an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional 97 loan, using the DPA to cover the down payment, closing costs, or both. The DPA is structured as low-interest second mortgage.
Eligibility requirements
Most District of Columbia HFA programs require: (1) you haven't owned a primary residence in the last 3 years, (2) household income under ~$154,000 (county-dependent), (3) minimum FICO score of 640-680, (4) the home is your primary residence, (5) you complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (typically online, ~6-8 hours).
How to apply for DC Open Doors + HPAP
You don't apply directly through DC Housing Finance Agency — you apply through one of their participating lenders. The agency lists approved lenders on their website. Get pre-approved with at least 2-3 of them: rates and fees vary, even within the same DPA program.
Combining District of Columbia DPA with federal loans
Pair DC Open Doors + HPAP with FHA (3.5% down, 580+ FICO) for the easiest qualifying. Veterans should use VA loans (0% down) — DPA still helps with closing costs. Rural buyers should check USDA (0% down). Buyers with 3-5% down and good credit can use Conventional 97 or HFA Preferred for lower mortgage insurance.
Other District of Columbia buyer benefits
Beyond DPA, ask your lender about: Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) for federal tax credits up to $2,000/year, employer-assisted housing programs (some District of Columbia employers offer additional grants), and city/county DPA stacking (cities like the largest metros in District of Columbia often add their own programs on top of state DPA).