City of Toledo Home at Last Program Marks Strong Year Helping First Time Homebuyers

The City of Toledo's Department of Housing and Community Development Home at Last Program celebrated another successful year, creating 35 new Toledo first-time homeowners in 2025!

"The Home at Last Program is expanding homeownership in Toledo neighborhoods, by providing financial assistance for down payment and closing costs to credit-worthy first-time homebuyers," Rosalyn Clemens, Chief of Housing & Neighborhood Stability, said. "We focus on purchasers who have been pre-approved by a lender, selected a house, and are ready to move forward, but need a little help to get them over the finish line of closing on their first home."

The end of 2025 ushered in some exciting changes to the Home at Last Program designed to provide even more assistance to potential homebuyers purchasing a home in Englewood, Junction, Old South End and East Toledo Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSAs), while continuing to benefit potential homebuyers whose incomes are at or below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for family size.Potential homebuyers can now receive up to $20,000 of Home at Last assistance in NRSAs and up to $12,500 in neighborhoods not located in a NRSA.

Conchita Coffey received $7,500 in Home at Last assistance to help cover a down payment and closing costs on her $112,000 home.

"The City of Toledo's down payment assistance made our dream of homeownership a reality," Coffey said. "Because of their help, my family moved into our home just before Christmas, a moment we will cherish forever. Their support created lasting stability for my family, and we are beyond grateful."

In 2025, the program supported home purchases with 26 conventional mortgage loans and nine FHA mortgage loans, leveraging $4.3 million in mortgage investments in Toledo neighborhoods. KeyBank was the top producing lender, closing nine home purchases, followed by Huntington Bank and Maumee Valley, which each closed seven.

Faye Smith, Assistant Vice President and Sr. CRA Loan Specialist at Fifth Third Bank, praised the program's impact on the community.

"The City of Toledo Home at Last Program plays a vital role in strengthening our community by making homeownership more attainable for individuals and families who may have otherwise faced significant barriers," Smith said. "By providing meaningful financial support, the program helps bridge the gap between renting and owning, allowing qualified buyers to overcome challenges related to down payment and closing costs. Its positive impact extends beyond individual households, promoting neighborhood stability, long-term investment, and pride of ownership throughout the city. For many new homeowners, this program has transformed homeownership from a distant goal into a realistic and achievable milestone."

The average sale price of a home purchased in 2025 with Home at Last Program assistance was $117,775, with an average first mortgage loan amount of $108,822 and an average interest rate of 5.24 percent. Homebuyers received an average of $7,540 in Home at Last Program assistance. Applications are submitted by participating lenders and processed in 21 days or less.

The Department of Housing and Community Development has an annual goal of creating 40 new homeowners through the Home at Last Program and continues to work closely with lending institutions and realtors to reach that goal. Over the last five years 276 new homeowners have been assisted through the Home At Last Program. City leaders say the results reflect steady demand and strong partnerships with lenders, realtors, and builders.

For more information about the Home at Last Program and eligibility requirements, visit toledo.oh.gov.

####