Franklin County · Ohio

Mortgages in Columbus.

Nick Grisanti
Nick Grisanti
Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS #2719729FL #LO138662 · OH #MLO-OH.2719729 · TN #2719729 · TX SML licensedC2 Financial Corporation · NMLS #135622

Purchase, refinance, home equity and investment property loans in Columbus and central Ohio, from 100+ wholesale lenders through C2 Financial Corporation.

  • $591,1002026 FHA limit, Franklin County
  • 100+Wholesale lenders
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What can we help you with?
LicensedStatewide in Ohio C2 Financial CorporationLicensed mortgage broker 100+ lendersWholesale network
2026

Columbus by the numbers

Columbus is the only big Ohio metro with an FHA limit above the national floor: $591,100 for a one-unit home in 2026. Conventional loans go up to $832,750 before you need a jumbo.

FHA · 1 unit · Franklin County $591,100 Above the $541,287 national floor because of Franklin County's higher home prices.
Conforming · 1 unit $832,750 Loans above this are jumbo loans.
Median sale price $352,000 Central Ohio median sale price, June 2026 (Columbus REALTORS).
City income tax 2.5% Columbus residents pay 2.5% on earned income, with credit for tax paid to the city where they work. Lenders count it in take-home pay.
Conveyance fee $3 Per $1,000 of the sale price in Franklin County, including the state's $1. Usually paid by the seller.

Check your county's FHA limit with HUD's lookup. Two- to four-unit properties have higher limits. Nick confirms the current figures for your county before every rate lock.

Local rules and costs

What buyers in Columbus should know

Rentals New city rental registry Columbus passed a rental registry in April 2026 that takes effect in January 2027: $15 per unit per year, a common-area safety inspection every three years, and a local operator for larger owners. About the registry → Short-term rentals STR license and lodging tax Short-term rentals need a city license, a 24-hour local contact and a background check, and hosts collect the 5.1% lodging tax. City STR application → First-time buyers City down payment help The city's American Dream Downpayment Initiative offers a forgivable loan of up to 6% of the price (max $14,999) for first-time buyers at or under 120% of area income in city limits. City program → First-time buyers Ohio Housing Finance Agency OHFA's Your Choice! down payment assistance gives 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA, VA, USDA) as a 0% second mortgage, plus a lower rate for Ohio Heroes and help for recent graduates. Income limits apply. OHFA programs → Taxes Rental tax credit is phasing out Under 2025 reform, the 10% credit on rental and investment property drops to 7.5% for tax year 2026 and to zero by 2029, while the owner-occupied credit grows. Budget a rising tax bill on rentals. Ohio tax reform → Investors Rental property in Columbus A DSCR loan qualifies on the property's rent rather than your personal income, which suits investors who own several properties or live outside Columbus. How DSCR works →
About Columbus

Living and buying in Columbus

Columbus is Ohio's capital and largest city, anchored by state government, Ohio State University, healthcare and finance. Intel's planned chip plant in nearby New Albany is now expected to finish its first fab around 2030 to 2031.

Buyers range from historic brick homes in German Village and Victorian Village to established Clintonville and fast-growing suburbs such as Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard and Grove City.

Neighborhoods

Where buyers look

Schools: Columbus City Schools serves most of the city; some parts are in suburban districts. Check the district for any specific address before you buy.

Loans in Columbus

Loan programs

Most common Conventional Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans for primary homes, second homes and investment property. Conventional loans → Flexible credit FHA Low down payment for a Columbus home you'll live in, with local down payment help. FHA in Columbus → Veterans VA For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses. VA loans → Higher prices Jumbo Loan amounts above the conforming limit. Jumbo loans → Investors DSCR Buy or refinance a Columbus rental on the property's rental income. DSCR in Columbus → Self-employed Bank statement For self-employed borrowers whose tax returns understate their income. Bank statement loans → Home equity HELOC and cash-out Borrow against your home's equity with a line of credit or a cash-out refinance. Compare options →

Not every lender offers every program in every state, and all loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Nick compares 100+ wholesale lenders through C2 Financial Corporation to find the programs that fit your scenario.

Questions

Columbus mortgage FAQ

What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Columbus, Ohio?
$591,100 for a one-unit home in Franklin County and the rest of the Columbus metro, above the $541,287 national floor.
Does Columbus have a rental registration requirement?
Yes, starting January 2027. Columbus's new rental registry charges $15 per unit per year and includes periodic safety inspections. Ohio also requires rentals to be registered with the county auditor.
Is there down payment assistance in Columbus?
Yes. The city offers up to $14,999 for eligible first-time buyers, and OHFA's statewide programs give 3% to 3.5% of the price.
Is Nick Grisanti licensed to lend in Columbus?
Yes. Nick is licensed as a Mortgage Loan Originator in Ohio (OH #MLO-OH.2719729), and loans are originated through C2 Financial Corporation, NMLS #135622.
Ohio

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Checked Oct 2026

Sources