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, no application fees.

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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 3% Down

First-time buyers can put as little as 3% down on a conforming conventional loan (programs like Conventional 97, HomeReady, or Home Possible). PMI is typically required but drops off automatically at 78% LTV.

No. 02

FHA 3.5% Down

FHA loans offer 3.5% minimum down with credit scores from 580. More flexible underwriting and competitive rates—but PMI lasts the life of the loan in most cases. A good fit for some buyers, not all.

No. 03

VA & USDA (Qualified Buyers)

Veterans get 0% down on VA loans with no PMI. Rural and many suburban Cincinnati properties qualify for USDA loans with 0% down. 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?+

First-time buyer programs allow as little as 3% down on conventional loans, or 3.5% on FHA. On a $300,000 home, that's $9,000 to $10,500. VA and USDA loans (for those who qualify) require nothing down. 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. It typically takes 24–48 hours and 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?+

Conventional loans typically require 620+. FHA goes down to 580 (sometimes lower with compensating factors). VA and USDA are similarly flexible. 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 is free, 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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