This one is for you!!

Looking to buy a home in Washington, DC as a firefighter, police officer, or teacher? Learn how to use EAHP, HPAP, and First Responder grants with guidance from Tiana Ottley, a DC-based Realtor specializing in down payment assistance programs. 

Summary: The EAHP First-Responder Grant (Employer-Assisted Housing Program) offers eligible D.C. first responders up to $20,000 in deferred, zero-interest loan/grant combinations, plus up to $15,000 in District-matched down payment funds to buy their first home in the city. Contact me, Tiana Ottley (TianaMyRealtor@gmail.com or text/call 202-643-3425) so I can walk you through the step by step process of buying your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd home!

Link to more information: https://dhcd.dc.gov/page/eahp-%E2%80%93-eligibility-how-apply-and-program-details

• DC Firefighter Home Buyer Program

• DC Teacher Home Buyer Program

• DC Police Officer Home Buyer Program

🏡 Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home Using DC EAHP + First Responder Programs

1️⃣ Confirm Your Eligibility

Before anything else, make sure you qualify:

✔ Full-time DC government employee
✔ In good standing (no adverse actions in the past 3 years)
✔ First-time homebuyer in DC (no ownership in DC in past 3 years)

🚨 Special Advantage:
If you are a:

• Firefighter

• Police officer

• EMT / Paramedic

• Corrections officer

• Public or charter school teacher

👉 Your 1-year service requirement is waived

📲 Step 1 Action:
Reach out to me, Tiana Ottley (TianaMyRealtor@gmail.com or text/call 202-643-3425), so I can confirm your eligibility and map out your strategy.

2️⃣ Understand the Grants & Assistance Available

You may qualify for:

💰 $20,000 EAHP loan
💰 First Responder Grant (additional funds)
💰 HPAP (can be combined for even more assistance)

👉 Yes, these programs can be layered together.

📲 Step 2 Action:
Message me (TianaMyRealtor@gmail.com or text/call 202-643-3425) so I can estimate how much total assistance you may qualify for and your realistic budget.

3️⃣ Connect With a Lender (Pre-Approval)

Before applying for programs, you need to know:

• How much home you qualify for

• Your estimated monthly payment

• Your buying power

📄 You’ll need:

• Income documents

• Credit review

• Employment verification

📲 Step 3 Action:
I’ll connect you with trusted lenders who specialize in EAHP + HPAP programs. Just send me a text saying, "Tiana, how I can get approved to buy a house in DC or Maryland).

4️⃣ Start the EAHP / HPAP Application Process

To apply, you’ll go through a Community-Based Organization (CBO).

Steps include:

• Attend an orientation session

• Complete your application

• Attend an 8-hour homebuyer course

📲 Step 4 Action:
Contact me and I’ll direct you to the fastest CBOs and help you avoid delays.

5️⃣ Get Your Notice of Eligibility (NOE)

After applying:

• Your file is reviewed by:

  • Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) OR

  • DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA)

• If approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Eligibility (NOE)

📌 This tells you:

• How much assistance you qualify for

• Your next steps

⚠️ Important:
The NOE does NOT reserve funds—that happens AFTER you’re under contract.

📲 Step 5 Action:
Send me your NOE as soon as you receive it so we can move quickly.

• If you DON'T GET A APPROVED for an NOE, DON'T WORRY. 

  • I can still get you into a home. 

  • There are other loan programs out there that you can take advantage of. 

  • Me and my team have a list of strategies that we can work with you on in order to get you into a home!

6️⃣ Start House Hunting With Me 🏡

Now the fun part begins.

We will:

• Identify homes in your budget

• Tour properties

• Evaluate condition and value

• Discuss commute, neighborhoods, and investment potential

📲 Step 6 Action:
Work with me directly so I can help you find the right home AND negotiate the best deal.

7️⃣ Write a Strong Offer

Once you find the right home:

We’ll:

• Structure your offer

• Include EAHP/HPAP correctly

• Negotiate price and seller concessions

• Protect your interests

📲 Step 7 Action:
This is where having me, Tiana Ottley, as your realtor, matters most. I’ll guide you through every detail and negotiation.

8️⃣ Get Your Contract Ratified (THIS IS KEY)

Once your offer is accepted:

✅ Your contract is ratified
✅ Your NOE is submitted

👉 This is when your funds are officially reserved

9️⃣ Complete Loan & Grant Processing

Now we move into:

• Home inspection

• Appraisal

• Final loan approval

• Grant verification

For First Responders:

• Provide employment verification

• Sign a 5-year service agreement

📲 Step 9 Action:
Stay in close contact with me. I’ll coordinate with your lender, title company, and program administrators.

🔟 Prepare for Closing Day

Before closing:

• Final walkthrough

• Wire your funds

• Review closing disclosures

Then…

🔑 You get the keys to your new home

⏱ Timeline: How Fast Can This Happen?

With the right preparation:

👉 You can be in a home in as little as 45–60 days

💡 Final Thoughts

This program is powerful because:

✔ You can receive tens of thousands in assistance
✔ You can combine programs
✔ You can buy with significantly less out-of-pocket

But…

⚠️ The process can be complex without the right guidance.

📲 (Most Important Step)

If you’re a:
👩‍🚒 Firefighter
👮 Police Officer
👩‍🏫 Teacher
🚑 EMT / Paramedic

👉 Reach out to me directly — Tiana Ottley aka Tiana My Realtor (TianaMyRealtor@gmail.com or text/call 202-643-3425)

I’ll help you:

• Confirm eligibility

• Connect you with lenders

• Navigate EAHP + HPAP

• Find and negotiate your home

• Get you to closing smoothly

🏡 Let’s get you into your new home within the next 60 days.

Link to more information: https://dhcd.dc.gov/page/eahp-%E2%80%93-eligibility-how-apply-and-program-details

DC firefighters, police officers, and teachers can qualify for EAHP, HPAP, and First Responder homebuyer grants. Work with Tiana Ottley, a DC realtor and DC real estate expert, to navigate the process and purchase your home with down payment assistance.