DC Open Doors - District of Columbia
DC Open Doors provides a 0% deferred loan sized to your entire minimum down payment - no monthly payment on that assistance ever. The income limit is $275,400 based on your qualifying income alone, not your household's. No purchase price limit in DC. The first conversation is free and starts with no credit pull.
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Two things most buyers get wrong
Most DC buyers assume down-payment assistance requires being a first-time buyer. It does not - DC Open Doors is open to repeat buyers. The second common misconception is the income limit: unlike Maryland programs that count all household income, DC Open Doors limits apply to the borrower's qualifying income only. Your spouse's income, a roommate's, or other household members' income beyond the borrower is not counted. Both of these facts open the program to buyers who ruled themselves out.
What DC Open Doors gives you
The DPAL is sized to your entire minimum required down payment. 3.5% for FHA. 3% for conventional. 3% of the loan amount for VA. No monthly payment on the DPAL - ever - until you sell, refinance, or move out.
The $275,400 limit (DCHFA lender manual, Nov 2025) is based on your qualifying income only. If you earn $200,000 and your spouse earns $150,000, your spouse's income does not count against the limit for this program. This is the opposite of how most Maryland DPA programs work.
DC Open Doors has no maximum purchase price. The program works for a wide range of DC price points. The property must be in DC, a primary residence, and must be a 1-4 unit home, condo, or townhouse. No co-ops or manufactured homes.
Program facts - not borrower projections
Facts from the DCHFA DC Open Doors lender manual, November 2025. Subject to change.
Your road to keys
We verify your qualifying income against the $275,400 limit and review your credit score against the 640 minimum. This conversation is free and starts with no credit pull.
FHA, conventional, or VA all pair with DC Open Doors. FHA High Balance is ineligible. VA requires AUS approval. We help you pick the first that fits your profile and goals.
DCHFA reserves your DPAL. Pre-approval letter issued so you shop with confidence in DC's competitive market.
At closing, you sign both the first and the DPAL. No monthly payment on the DPAL - ever. But if you refinance, the DPAL must be paid off in full. We make sure you know this before you sign anything.
Your team
Good questions
Yes. DC Open Doors does not require you to be a first-time buyer. Repeat buyers who meet income, credit, and program requirements are fully eligible.
No. The income limit applies to the borrower's qualifying income only - the income used to qualify the mortgage application. Your spouse's income, a roommate's income, or other household income is not counted. This is the opposite of how most Maryland DPA programs work.
No. The DPAL is repayable - it is not forgiven. It carries 0% interest and no monthly payment, but it is due in full when you sell, refinance, move out, or transfer title. The old 5-year forgiveness schedule is obsolete; do not rely on it. The current program is repayable.
If you refinance your first mortgage, you must pay off the DPAL in full at that closing. It cannot be subordinated. This is an important planning factor that we discuss before you close.
No. DC Open Doors has no purchase price cap. The property must be in DC, a primary residence, and eligible (1-4 units, condo, or TH; no co-ops or manufactured homes).
Find out where you stand
Free and no obligation - we walk through your income, credit, and first mortgage options with you.
Free and no obligation. Tell us how to reach you and we will walk through your eligibility picture with you.
Thanks - we have your details and will reach out shortly to walk through your DC Open Doors eligibility.