DC Open Doors program facts - DPAL by first mortgage type
DC Open Doors
Program facts from the DCHFA DC Open Doors lender manual, November 2025. All figures are program-level facts, not borrower projections. Eligibility depends on income, credit, and program fund availability. The DC Housing Finance Agency is not affiliated with CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC.
| Factor | FHA First (203(b) or 203(k) Streamline) | Conventional First (HFA Preferred/Advantage) | VA First (AUS approve only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPAL amount | 3.5% of the purchase price | 3% of the purchase price | 3% of the loan amount |
| Monthly payment on DPAL | None | None | None |
| DPAL repayment trigger | Sale, refi, move-out, transfer, or 30-yr maturity | Sale, refi, move-out, transfer, or 30-yr maturity | Sale, refi, move-out, transfer, or 30-yr maturity |
| DPAL forgiven? | NO - repayable in full at trigger. Not forgiven. | NO - repayable in full at trigger. Not forgiven. | NO - repayable in full at trigger. Not forgiven. |
| Can DPAL be subordinated at refi? | No - must be paid off in full to refinance | No - must be paid off in full to refinance | No - must be paid off in full to refinance |
| DTI limit | 45% at 640-679; 50% at 680+ | 50% | AUS approve required |
| High Balance eligible? | FHA High Balance is INELIGIBLE | Standard conforming limits; High Balance OK per AUS | AUS approve required; no FHA High Balance issue (VA product) |
| Education required? | Not required for FHA | First-time buyers using conventional: yes. Repeat buyers: not required. | Not required |
| Best for... | Buyers with credit at 640+ who prefer FHA flexibility; note High Balance ineligibility | Buyers with 640+ credit and income for conventional; first-timers who complete education | VA-eligible buyers who want to stack DC assistance with VA benefits (AUS approve required) |
Two separate wins - never mix these up
Four questions to evaluate your DC Open Doors fit
Does your qualifying income stay under $275,400?
Only your borrower qualifying income counts. Your spouse's or household's income beyond the borrower is not included in the limit. Source: DCHFA Nov 2025 manual.
Is your lower-middle credit score 640 or above?
The 640 minimum applies to all borrowers on the loan. A score dip below 640 before closing can disqualify - keep all borrower scores stable from reservation to closing.
Which first mortgage type fits your profile?
FHA, conventional, or VA all pair with DC Open Doors. FHA High Balance is ineligible. VA requires AUS approval. We match you to the right first mortgage in the eligibility conversation.
Do you plan to refinance in the near term?
The DPAL must be paid off in full to refinance - it cannot be subordinated. If you plan to refinance within a few years, we model whether DC Open Doors still makes sense for your situation.
See if DC Open Doors fits your situation - free
Scan the code or reach out. We review your qualifying income, credit score, and first mortgage type to confirm eligibility and map your path to closing - including the refinance planning conversation.
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