Ohio gives buyers a lot of choices, from the fast growing Columbus area to the lakefront and river cities. If you are planning a purchase in 2027, this guide covers Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, and Akron, the loan types we can help you compare, and the state housing agency that may be worth a look. Shay Yates and the True North Yates Group team are a small, Springfield, Missouri based team licensed to lend in Ohio, and we answer the phone. You can also read our Ohio page for a quick overview.
Where buyers are looking in Ohio
Here is a quick tour of places we hear about often. This is not a ranking and not advice about where anyone should live. It is simply a starting point for your own search.
Columbus
The state's largest city and a fast growing metro with plenty of new construction, from in-town neighborhoods to suburbs in Franklin County and neighboring Fairfield County.
Cincinnati
A large metro on the Ohio River with historic neighborhoods in the city and a wide range of suburbs in Hamilton and Warren counties.
Cleveland
A lakefront city with older homes, price points that tend to be more approachable than many metros, and a big range of suburbs.
Dayton
Home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which gives the area a large military and civilian federal workforce.
Akron
Between Cleveland and Canton, with a steady market and price points that tend to be more approachable than many metros.
Loan programs to know in Ohio
Most Ohio buyers end up choosing among a handful of loan types. We compare them side by side for your situation, with no pressure.
- Conventional loans. A flexible choice for buyers with solid credit, and often a good fit for larger purchases or second homes.
- FHA loans. Government insured loans designed with flexible credit and smaller down payments in mind, a common route for first-time buyers.
- VA loans. A benefit for eligible Veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton is one of the largest employers in the state, so Veteran and military buyers come up often.
- USDA loans. Ohio has many small towns and rural areas that may be USDA eligible, so check an address on the USDA map and ask us.
- First-time buyer programs. Help from Ohio Housing Finance Agency, covered below.
First-time buyer help from Ohio Housing Finance Agency
Ohio Housing Finance Agency is the state agency behind homebuyer programs in Ohio. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance, and Ohio Heroes, a program for eligible Veterans and military members, through participating lenders. Ask us whether you may qualify.
Program details, limits, and which lenders take part are set by the agency and can change, so please check the agency's own site, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, for the latest. We do not want to promise anything the agency has not. What we can do is look at your situation and tell you honestly what to ask about.
A local thing worth asking about
The Ohio Heroes program is aimed at eligible Veterans and military members. Ask us how it might fit.
How we work with Ohio buyers
The path is the same wherever you are buying. First comes a no pressure conversation about your goals and your budget. Next we look at loan options and, if it makes sense, get you pre-approved so your offer stands out. Once you are under contract, we keep you posted at every step, from the appraisal to the closing table, and we explain each document in plain English. If a question comes up at 9 at night, send a text.
Next steps
Not sure where to start? Start with a simple conversation. We will listen first, then map out a plan that fits your timeline. You can see where we lend on our states we serve page, read the Ohio page, send us a note on the contact page, or start your application. Shay and the team are just a text away.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shay licensed to help with a home loan in Ohio?
Yes. Shay Yates (NMLS 2172921) is licensed through Southwest Funding to originate loans in Ohio. Licensing details are on our Ohio page, and you can verify any loan officer at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Does Ohio have a first-time buyer program?
Yes. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers programs like Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance through participating lenders. Ask us whether you may qualify.
What is Ohio Heroes?
It is an Ohio Housing Finance Agency program for eligible Veterans and military members. Income and price limits and other requirements apply, so ask us whether you may qualify.
Do I need to live in Missouri to work with you?
No. Our team works with buyers in Ohio and other states by phone, text, and secure online tools, so you can apply and move through the process from home. Reach us any time on the contact page.
This post is general information, not financial advice or a commitment to lend. Programs and eligibility vary and are subject to credit and property approval. Talk with a loan officer about your situation.