After I Buy.

Homeownership isn't a destination, it's a journey. And that journey doesn't end when you get the keys to your new home. To unlock the full power of homeownership, it must be accessible, sustainable, and transferable to the next generation.

repair cards

When To Refinance

When to Refinance

Studies show that Black and Latinx mortgage borrowers pay .5% higher interest rates because of less aggressive refinancing activity. Knowing when to take advantage of better lending rates and how to get the best deal is an important part of being an empowered homeowner. Plan your refinancing journey with the Freddie Mac My Home toolkit.

Power of Home

Power of Home is partnership between the Ohio State University, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, and Huntington Bank to manage, maintain, and build equity in your home. Create an account to search over 250 vetted programs for home repair grants and loans, free financial coaching, and counseling services. Access borrower education and self-assessment tools and stay ahead of maintenance needs with an exclusive affordable home repair loan. Click here to learn more.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning

More than 70% of Black Americans do not have a will, which included Chadwick Boseman, Aretha Franklin, and Prince. Having an estate plan ready gives the next generation peace of mind, ensures they have easy access to your home and wealth, and avoids costly legal fees. You can learn more about your estate planning essentials from Ohio Legal Help or find an attorney to get you started from the Columbus Bar Association.

Foreclosure Prevention

If you or someone you know is worried about making their mortgage payments, help is available. Nonprofit foreclosure prevention coaches can help you identify support programs, develop a crisis budget, craft a repayment plan, modify your loan terms to better fit your needs, or negotiate a transition that makes sense for you. But it is important to start asap… the longer you wait, the fewer options you will have. Find the coach that’s right for you and Build Your Team.

Getting Tax Help

Rising home values are great for building wealth, but they can also result in rising real estate taxes. Thankfully, Franklin County has resources to help owners stay in their homes and manage their property tax responsibilities. Visit the Franklin County Auditor’s website to learn more about the owner-occupied reduction and homestead exemption. And check out the Franklin County Treasurer’s STAR Program to help overcome financial hardships. Or get ready for the 2023 countywide reappraisal process by vising Franklin County’s Know Your Home Value website.

Recognize & Prevent Scams

There are a variety of scams that target homeowners and try to separate them from their wealth. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re experiencing a high-pressure or unsolicited sale, get help. The best ways to protect yourself from scams are to talk to your friends and family before making major decisions, monitoring your credit, and working with certified professionals in all home transactions.

Repair and Maintenance Resources

Ready to make renovations to your home? Are you a senior in need of a safer space to help you age in place? Bloom compiled the local resources Columbus offers for home renovations, accessibility modifications, and energy upgrades to help you preserve the home you've built a life in.

View PDF Icon

Ohio Home Repair Resource Lookup

Find assistance to pay for home repairs, maintenance, and energy costs.

Ohio Home Repair Resource Lookup link: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e5HF4Cs778Hx8SW

Renew Homes Ohio

Renew Homes Ohio’s mission is to help offset home repair costs for homeowners to maintain a safe and healthy home. They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeowners stay in their homes, with a focus on homes that have common code violations in the City of Columbus or those that are owned by veterans and individuals with low-income.

Renew Homes Ohio link: https://renewhomesohio.com/?page_id=17

Getting Tax Help

Rising home values are great for building wealth, but they can also result in rising real estate taxes. Thankfully, Franklin County has resources to help owners stay in their homes and manage their property tax responsibilities. Visit the Franklin County Auditor’s website to learn more about the owner-occupied reduction and homestead exemption. And check out the Franklin County Treasurer’s STAR Program to help overcome financial hardships. Or get ready for the 2023 countywide reappraisal process by vising Franklin County’s Know Your Home Value website.

City of Columbus

The City of Columbus offers a variety of programs to support home repair and preservation for low-to-moderate income households and for seniors.

Critical Home Repair Program
Citywide Roof Replacement Program
Emergency Rental Repair Program
Chores Program
Lead Safe Columbus
Healthy Homes

Franklin County Office of Aging

The Franklin County Office on Aging is primarily responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing centralized access to diverse services and programs that assist older adults, dependent adults, and their families in the maintenance of independent living. Minor Home Repair strives to minimize the danger of falls and other accidents, enabling older adults to live at home in safety and independence. This might mean adding a wheelchair or walker ramp, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or making other minor property repairs.

Minor Home Repair Program

AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

House and Mobility Resources

Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission

MORPC works to help low- and moderate-income homeowners maintain and improve their homes through several home repair programs

Home Repair Services
Home Energy Efficiency
Warm Choice

Ohio Department of Development

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) provides eligible Ohioans with assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs. Ohioans participating in the HWAP will receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Services are provided through local agencies in each county.

HWAP

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio is committed to providing opportunities for central Ohio families to live in homes that are safe, decent, and affordable. Through the Neighborhood Revitalization efforts and partnership with donors, volunteers, and the community they offer our home repair program for current homeowners.

Home Repair Program

IMPACT Community Action

IMPACT Community Action’s mission is “to fight poverty by providing hope-inspiring help and real opportunities for self-sufficiency.” In an effort to fulfill its mission statement, IMPACT provides services for Ohioans to stay safely housed.

Housing Stability and Crisis Programs
Supportive Services
Home Energy Assistance Program
Home Relief Grant
Home Weatherization Assistance Program

Apprisen

Apprisen provides clients with access to a suite of services to make the most of their money, help build credit, and feel secure in your homeownership journey through Debt Management, Credit Counseling, and Foreclosure Prevention Program.

Power of Home

The Breathing Association

Aids central-Ohio residents with their energy needs during the blustery cold and sweltering hot seasons.

Home Energy Assistance Program

Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae provides several home renovation programs to help preserve your home and age in place.

Homestyle Renovation
Homestyle Energy Mortgage

Freddie Mac

Provides several home renovation programs to help preserve your home and age in place.

ChoiceReno eXpress
Choice Renovations