DC4ME

DC4ME provides D.C. government employees a first trust mortgage at a reduced interest rate. The rate comes with or without the option of three percent down payment assistance with a zero percent deferred subordinate loan.

DC4ME is offered to current full-time District Government employees, including employees of District Government-based Instrumentalities, Independent Agencies, District of Columbia Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

Eligibility:

• At least one borrower must be a current full-time District Government employee, including employees of District Government-based Instrumentalities, Independent Agencies, District of Columbia Public Charter Schools, and Organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
• DC4ME Eligible Employers List

Program Requirements*:

• Maximum household income may not exceed 170 percent Area Median Income (AMI)
• Maximum loan amount may not exceed $1,209,750.00
• Max household income- $275,400.00
• Borrower must have a minimum credit score of 640
• Borrower may not have a Debt to Income ratio that exceeds 50 percent
• At least one borrower must take a Homebuyer Education Class and provide proof of completion to DCHFA
• The maximum loan amount for both DCOD and DC4ME is the new conforming loan limit of $1,209,750.

*Subject to change without notice

FAQs:

• Can I combine DC4ME with other District home purchase assistance programs?

Yes. Applicants may combine DC4ME with other District home purchase assistance programs, if eligible including: the District of Columbia Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) and the District of Columbia Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP).

• How long do I have to have worked for District Government before I qualify?

There is no minimum tenure to qualify for DC4ME; however, you must show proof of your employment start. DCHFA will not accept offer letters as proof of employment.

• How do I know if my instrumentality, independent agency, or organization qualifies for the program?

Check this list of qualifying D.C. Government Agencies/Entities. The list of agencies/entities is subject to change at any time without notice per updates made by the Council of the District of Columbia and posted on its website.

A New VA Loan Product Built for Those Who Served

Product Description

The DC4ME VA Loan Product is a VA mortgage product offered by the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA). In addition to the traditional VA benefits, like no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, this product includes 3% assistance, funded by DCHFA, that can be used toward eligible closing costs or prepaid items. This makes the DC4ME VA Loan Product one of the most affordable and accessible loan options for qualified military-connected borrowers.

Key Features & Benefits

Who It’s For

• Veterans (with sufficient entitlement and service history)
• Active-duty service members
• Reservists and National Guard members
• Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability

How It Works

1. Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA or lender.
2. Apply through an approved DCHFA lender.
3. Qualify based on VA underwriting guidelines, residual income, and credit profile.
4. Leverage 3% assistance to reduce out-of-pocket costs at closing.
5. Close and move into your new home with fewer upfront costs and no monthly MI,

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who qualifies for the DC4ME VA Loan Product?
  Eligible applicants include veterans, active-duty service members, certain Reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required.
• Is a down payment required?
  No down payment is required for most borrowers. Exceptions apply when entitlement is not fully available or if the home exceeds VA loan limits.
• What is the 3% assistance, and what can it be used for?
  The DCHFA provides 3% of the loan amount as assistance. It may be applied to:
  • VA Funding Fee (if not waived)
  • Appraisal fees
  • Title insurance
  • Prepaid property taxes
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Recording fees
  • Escrow setup
  • Other allowable closing costs
• Does this loan include monthly mortgage insurance?
  No. VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance regardless of down payment.
• What is the VA funding fee?
  It is a one-time fee charged by the VA to sustain the program. It can be financed or paid using 3% DCHFA assistance if not exempt.
• Can the benefit be reused?
  Yes, under certain conditions. The VA benefit is reusable if previous VA loans are paid off or assumed properly.
• Can I buy a duplex or 4-unit home?
  Yes, as long as one unit will be your primary residence.
• Are there income limits?
  No income limits apply, but VA residual income rules must be satisfied.
• How quickly can I close?
  Many VA loans close in 30 days or less, depending on lender processing and appraisal timing.