DC's down payment assistance program
Nine steps.
Your down payment, covered.
DC Open Doors covers your minimum down payment - and you do not have to be a first-time buyer to use it. Here is the program eligibility path, income check to closing day.
Borrower income check
Only the borrower's qualifying income counts for the $275,400 DC Open Doors limit - household and spouse income are not included.
640 credit score check
DC Open Doors requires a minimum 640 lower-middle score across all borrowers; a score dip before closing can delay or disqualify.
Choose loan program
Pair DC Open Doors with FHA 203(b)/203(k), Conventional HFA Preferred/Advantage, or VA (AUS approve required); FHA High Balance is ineligible.
DPAL reservation
DCHFA reserves your DPAL funds; the deferred second is sized to cover your minimum down payment - no monthly payment, but repayable at refi or move-out.
Homebuyer education (FTB conv. only)
Education is required only for first-time buyers using a conventional first; complete it early if it applies to keep your timeline on track.
AUS approval
A clean automated underwriting approval on the first mortgage is a strong green light; manual underwrites are harder under DC Open Doors guidelines.
Underwriting
Lender reviews income, assets, and DCHFA program compliance simultaneously; respond to conditions quickly to stay on schedule.
Final compliance review
DCHFA confirms program eligibility before clear-to-close; keep income, employment, and credit steady through closing day.
Closing day
Sign both the first mortgage and the DPAL at the table; no monthly payment on the DPAL - it repays only when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Four questions to check before you dive in - there is a right first-mortgage pairing for most situations.
Income under $275,400?
Only your borrower qualifying income counts - your spouse's or household's income beyond the borrower is not included. No purchase price limit in DC.
Credit score 640 or above?
Applies to all borrowers on the loan - a score dip below 640 before closing can disqualify.
Which first mortgage fits?
FHA, conventional, or VA all pair with DC Open Doors - FHA High Balance is ineligible, VA requires AUS approval.
Refinancing soon?
The DPAL must be paid off in full to refinance - it cannot be subordinated. We model whether the program still makes sense for you.
FHA First
203(b) or 203(k) Streamline; FHA High Balance is ineligible for DC Open Doors.
Conventional First
HFA Preferred or Advantage; first-time buyers using conventional must complete homebuyer education.
VA First
Stack DC assistance with your VA benefit; AUS approve is required on the first mortgage.
See if DC Open Doors fits - free
Scan the code or reach out. We review your qualifying income, credit score, and first mortgage type to confirm eligibility and map your path to closing.