MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—With National Homeownership Month approaching in June, state regulatory agencies are advising Ohioans to avoid common financial and procedural pitfalls that can delay or disrupt the home-buying process.
The warning from the Ohio Department of Commerce comes as the state’s homeownership rate hit an 18-year high of 72.1% in the final quarter of 2025. This surge in buyer activity has prompted both the Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (REPL) and the Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) to heavily emphasize the necessity of consumer education and the utilization of licensed industry professionals.
State officials noted that providing incorrect or incomplete data on mortgage applications represents a primary bottleneck for prospective buyers, often triggering extended approval delays or heightened legal and financial risks.
“Homeownership is the largest single investment most Ohio families will ever make, so this is a process that should be taken seriously and with a great deal of planning and care,” REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk said. Hawk noted that ensuring transparency throughout the application process remains a crucial component to maintaining an equitable and efficient path to securing a home loan.
To assist consumers navigating the fast-moving market, the state has released an updated “Homebuyers Guide,” available at com.ohio.gov/Homebuyersguide. The resource outlines financing options, budgeting protocols, and strategies for selecting qualified, ethical real estate professionals.
Officials also warned buyers to budget aggressively for secondary homeownership expenses that extend beyond the initial purchase price, including fluctuating utility structures, property taxes, insurance, and routine maintenance reserves.
For lower- and moderate-income buyers seeking affordability solutions, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency continues to offer competitive 30-year fixed-rate conventional and government loans (FHA, VA, and USDA-RD) paired with down payment assistance programs. Information on regional participating lenders can be accessed at myohiohome.org.
The state’s lending landscape comprises 2,923 mortgage companies employing more than 22,000 licensed mortgage loan originators.
“Families deserve confidence that the lender they’re working with meets Ohio’s standards and is operating with their best interests in mind,” said Ingrid White, Interim Superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions. White reminded residents that lender credentials can be verified at any time using the DFI online lookup tool, and consumers can report predatory or suspicious lending activities directly to the DFI Office of Consumer Affairs.