First-Time Buyers · Cincinnati · Northern Kentucky

First-time buyers, guided.

Buying your first home in Cincinnati shouldn't feel like guesswork. Cohen Mortgage walks first-time buyers through every step—pre-approval, programs, down payments, closing costs—at the pace you need. No jargon, no pressure.

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Real Guidance

We explain everything. Every term.

The first time you buy a home, every step is new. Pre-approval, earnest money, appraisal contingencies, mortgage insurance, escrow, recording fees—the vocabulary alone can feel like a foreign language. Our team treats first-time buyer education as a real part of our job, not an inconvenience.

You'll have a single advisor who's available to answer questions. As many as you need. At your pace. Whether that's a quick text or a 30-minute call walking through every line of your Loan Estimate—the way you learn is the way we work.

Most first-time Cincinnati buyers don't need an exotic loan program. They need someone patient enough to explain what they're signing and confident enough to advocate when the lender or seller pushes back. We do both.

Programs

First-time buyer loan options.

Most Cincinnati first-time buyers fit comfortably into one of these programs. We'll help you compare them honestly.

No. 01

Conventional, First-Time Buyer Programs

First-time buyers can often put down far less than they expect on a conforming conventional loan, through programs like HomeReady and Home Possible. Mortgage insurance is typically required with a smaller down payment, but it isn't forever—it comes off once you've built enough equity, and we'll explain exactly how that works for your loan.

No. 02

FHA Loans

FHA loans have more flexible qualifying guidelines than conventional loans and a low minimum down payment requirement. The trade-off is mortgage insurance, which lasts the life of the loan in most cases. A good fit for some buyers, not all.

No. 03

VA & USDA (Qualified Buyers)

Eligible veterans and service members can access the VA loan, which does not require a down payment and has no monthly mortgage insurance. Many rural and suburban Cincinnati-area properties qualify for USDA loans, which also do not require a down payment for eligible buyers. Both are exceptional programs for those who qualify.

Common Questions

First-time buyer questions.

How much do I need for a down payment in Cincinnati?+

Often less than people think. Conventional and FHA programs both offer low minimum down payment options, and the VA and USDA programs do not require a down payment for those who qualify. The right amount depends on the program, your budget, and how much cash you want to keep in reserve—we'll walk you through the figures once we review your situation. Don't let down payment myths stop you from exploring options.

How does a pre-approval work?+

We review your income, credit, assets, and debts—then issue a pre-approval letter showing what you can comfortably qualify for. Once we have your documents, we move quickly, and the letter gives you firm shopping power. The first conversation requires no credit pull or commitment.

What credit score do I need to buy my first home?+

It depends on the program. Conventional loans look for solid credit, while FHA, VA, and USDA loans have more flexible credit guidelines. More important than the score alone is the overall picture—score, income stability, debt ratio, and down payment work together.

Are there first-time buyer assistance programs in Ohio?+

Yes. Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers down payment assistance programs that can be paired with conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans. Eligibility depends on income, location, and other factors—we'll walk you through what applies to your situation.

Ready when you are.

The first conversation requires no credit pull and ends with you knowing more than when you started. No pressure to move forward, no follow-up sales pitch.

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