Beginning on March 3, 2025, until funds are depleted, Fidelity Federal is offering the Welcome Home Program to homebuyers. This program provides up to $20,000 to be used toward down payment and closing costs on a home.
Learn more about the Welcome Home Program and how you can apply.
NOTE: The Welcome Home Program funds have been distributed for 2025. Details about applying for the program in the future will be posted when they are available. As always, you can contact our team of experienced loan professionals to find the right solution for your individual borrowing needs.
What Is the Welcome Home Program?
The Welcome Home Program (WHP) is an annual program that offers grants of up to $20,000 for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. The funds can be used to help pay for down payments or closing costs.
In 2025, Welcome Home funds are available for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. ET on March 3, 2025. The program will remain available until all funds have been reserved.
Who Is Eligible?
All income-eligible homebuyers may receive a minimum of $10,000 up to a maximum of $20,000.
Eligible homebuyers must meet the following criteria:
- The total income for all occupants who will reside in the home is at or below 80 percent of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for the county and state where the property is located.
- A fully executed (signed by buyer and seller) purchase contract on an eligible property must be in hand.
- At least $500 of the homebuyers own funds must be contributed toward the down payment and/or closing costs.
- First-time homebuyers must have completed a counseling course prior to the loan closing. Applicants do not need to be first-time homebuyers to apply.
What is an Eligible Property?
To be eligible for the WHP, the home you are purchasing must be for your primary residence. If you plan on moving from the home within five years, you may be required to pay back the grant.
This property must also be a single family, townhome, condominium, duplex, multi-unit (up to four family units) or a qualified manufactured home.
How Do I Apply for the Welcome Home Program?
There are a few steps to getting started with the Welcome Home Program.
- First, you’ll execute a purchase contract on an eligible property (a document explaining the terms of the sale and any contingencies if you proceed).
- Next, you’ll apply for your home loan through Fidelity Federal.
- We’ll determine your loan eligibility and submit a reservation request for the Welcome Home Program funds.
- You’ll receive a letter detailing whether you will receive funds and their total amount. This may take four weeks or longer.
- Finally, you’ll close on your loan and include the five-year retention language in the warranty deed.
Does that sound a little complicated? Don’t worry – we’re here to help guide you through the entire process.
Home Loans for First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home can be stressful. Our First-Time Homebuyer mortgage may be the perfect solution to ease the financing burden.
- 5% down payment
- No private mortgage insurance
- Primary residence in Ohio only
It’s important to get pre-qualified for a home purchase and how this will fit into your budget. Reach out to Fidelity Federal to start the process of achieving the dream of home ownership.
