🚔 Law Enforcement
🚒 Fire Service
🚑 EMS & Paramedics
📻 Dispatch
Programs & Savings · First Responders

You Protect
Your Community.
We Protect Your Wallet.

First responders across the country may qualify for up to $4,500 in homebuyer rebates and incentives, preferred mortgage rates, and exclusive savings through the OwningYourHouse.com trusted partner network.

See Who Qualifies
$4,500
Max rebates & incentives
6+
First responder categories
50
States served

Which Best Describes You?

Select your role and we'll confirm what benefits you may qualify for.

🚔 Police Officer / Deputy / Agent
🚒 Firefighter / Fire Inspector
🚑 EMT / Paramedic
📻 911 Dispatcher / Operator
⚖️ Corrections Officer
🛡️ Federal Agent / Border Patrol
All First Responder Types Welcome
Up to $4,500 in Rebates Available
Preferred Rates with Direct Rate
Available Nationwide
Free — No Obligation

If you run toward danger, you qualify.

OwningYourHouse.com recognizes all categories of first responders — not just police and fire. If your work puts you in service of public safety, we want to help you get home.

🚔

Law Enforcement

  • Local police officers
  • Sheriff's deputies
  • State troopers
  • Transit police
  • School resource officers
🚒

Fire Service

  • Career firefighters
  • Volunteer firefighters
  • Fire inspectors
  • Fire investigators
  • Hazmat responders
🚑

Emergency Medical

  • EMTs (Basic & Advanced)
  • Paramedics
  • Flight medics
  • Search & rescue
  • Disaster response teams
📻

Dispatch & Communications

  • 911 dispatchers
  • Emergency call operators
  • Public safety communications
  • Emergency management
⚖️

Corrections & Detention

  • Corrections officers
  • Detention officers
  • Probation officers
  • Parole officers
  • Juvenile justice officers
🛡️

Federal & Special Agencies

  • FBI / DEA / ATF agents
  • Border Patrol agents
  • US Marshals
  • ICE officers
  • Secret Service agents
Not sure if you qualify?

If you serve in any public safety or emergency services capacity, we'll confirm eligibility as part of a free review. No cost, no obligation.

First responder homebuying benefits — all in one place.

OYH consolidates multiple programs and incentives so eligible first responders get every dollar they've earned without having to hunt it down themselves.

💰

Buyer Rebates & Incentives

Up to $4,500

Eligible first responders working within the OYH trusted partner network may qualify for up to $4,500 in rebates and incentives at closing. Availability and amounts vary by program and location.

📉

Preferred Mortgage Rates

Direct Rate

OYH connects eligible first responders with our featured mortgage partner, Direct Rate, for preferred rates and reduced fees — exclusive to buyers within the OYH trusted partner network.

🏠

Down Payment Assistance

Available

First responders may qualify for state and local down payment assistance programs on top of OYH incentives. Our team identifies all stacking opportunities available in your area.

🤝

Trusted Agent Matching

Nationwide

Get matched with a vetted real estate agent in our network who understands first responder schedules, relocation needs, and shift-work timelines. No pressure, no obligation.

📦

Relocation Support

Full Service

Relocating for a new position or post? Our relocation assistance program helps first responders navigate the sale of an existing home, new purchase, and moving support nationwide.

💳

Credit Repair Support

In-House

If your credit score needs work before you qualify, our in-house credit repair team builds a personalized plan. We work with first responders at every credit level — no one is turned away.

Two paths — buy or sell — both built for your service.

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or selling and relocating, OYH has a program path built around your schedule and your service.

Buying a Home

First Responder Buyer Program

Get matched with a trusted agent and preferred mortgage partner, access rebates and incentives, and move through the buying process with a team that respects your schedule.

Rebates AvailableUp to $4,500
Mortgage PartnerDirect Rate (preferred rates)
Agent MatchingVetted, nationwide
Down Payment HelpAvailable in many areas
Credit RequirementsAll credit levels — repair available
Selling & Relocating

First Responder Relocation Program

Selling your home due to a new post, transfer, or career move? Our relocation program provides reduced listing support, buyer matching, and cross-state transition guidance.

Listing SupportReduced commission options
Relocation FundsAvailable for qualifying moves
Cross-State SupportNationwide network
Home Value ReviewFree — no obligation
TimelineFlexible to your transfer date

Simple. Fast. Built around your schedule.

We know first responders don't have 9-to-5 availability. Our process is designed to work around shift work, overtime, and irregular hours.

1

Confirm Your Eligibility

Fill out the form or call us. We confirm your first responder status and identify every benefit program available in your area.

2

Get Matched

We match you with a vetted agent and mortgage advisor who understand your schedule, timeline, and specific situation.

3

Stack Your Benefits

We identify every stackable incentive — OYH rebates, down payment assistance programs, and preferred mortgage rates — so you get the maximum benefit available.

4

Close With Confidence

Your team guides you from offer to close. Rebates and incentives are applied at closing — you see real dollars back in your pocket.

First Responders Get Preferred Rates Through Direct Rate.

OwningYourHouse.com connects eligible first responders with our featured trusted partner, Direct Rate, for preferred mortgage rates and reduced fees. You are always free to work with the lender of your choice — but OYH network members may qualify for preferred rates when financing through Direct Rate.

Preferred rates available through Direct Rate, LLC, NMLS #2320473, when financing within the OYH trusted partner network. You are not required to use any specific lender. Subject to eligibility, underwriting, and approval.

What's Available Through Direct Rate

$0
Lender Fees
No lender fees on eligible loans
VA
VA Loans
$0 down for eligible veterans in service
FHA
FHA Loans
3.5% down, flexible credit requirements
USDA
USDA Loans
$0 down for eligible rural/suburban areas
CONV
Conventional
Competitive rates for qualified buyers
OYH Member Benefit

Up to $4,500 in Rebates & Incentives

Eligible first responders who work within the OYH trusted partner network may qualify for up to $4,500 in rebates and incentives at closing. Programs may stack with other savings — including down payment assistance, preferred mortgage rates, and profession-based incentives.

Up to $4,500 available to eligible consumers through participating partners. Availability and eligibility vary by program, location, and transaction.

Free to check. No obligation.

New York City First Responders

NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority & NYC EMS

We have a dedicated program page for New York City first responders — covering NYPD, FDNY, NYC paramedics, Port Authority officers, and more. If you serve in the five boroughs or surrounding areas, visit our NYC-specific page for tailored programs and local resources.

NYC First Responder Programs →

NYPD · FDNY · Port Authority · NYC EMS

Featured Trusted Partner

Mortgage Guidance Built
for First Responders

OYH connects first responders with our featured trusted mortgage partner, Direct Rate, for preferred rates and expert guidance. Whether you're buying, refinancing, or exploring your options, our team understands the financial realities of public safety careers — irregular income, shift differentials, overtime, and pension planning.

Preferred rates available through Direct Rate, LLC, NMLS #2320473, when financing within the OYH trusted partner network. Subject to eligibility and approval.

Military Programs

More OYH savings programs you may qualify for.

First responder benefits can often be combined with other OYH programs. Check each to see what you qualify for.

First Responder Program FAQ

Clear answers to the questions we hear most from first responder homebuyers.

Do I need to be buying my first home to qualify? +
No. First responder programs through OYH are available to all eligible first responders — whether you're buying for the first time, upgrading to a larger home, downsizing, or relocating. The benefit is tied to your profession, not your purchase history.
Do volunteer firefighters and EMTs qualify? +
Yes. Volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMTs are recognized as first responders and may qualify for the same programs as career first responders. Some program eligibility may vary by state or jurisdiction — our team confirms your specific eligibility during the free review.
How does overtime and shift differential income affect my mortgage qualification? +
Overtime and shift differential income can typically be counted toward your qualifying income if it has been consistent for at least 2 years and is documented on your W-2s and tax returns. This is one of the most common issues for first responders applying for mortgages — and one of the most important reasons to work with a mortgage advisor familiar with public safety income structures. Our team at Direct Rate understands how to properly document and present this income to underwriters.
Can first responder benefits stack with other programs like down payment assistance? +
In many cases, yes. OYH rebates and incentives can often be combined with local and state down payment assistance programs, employer assistance programs, and certain loan-specific benefits. Our team identifies all available stacking opportunities in your specific area during the eligibility review — which is why doing the review first, before choosing a loan or agent, is so important.
I'm a first responder relocating to Florida from another state. Do I still qualify? +
Yes. First responder programs through OYH are available nationally — not limited to Florida residents. If you're relocating from another state to begin a new position, our relocation program can help you coordinate the sale of your current home, identify first responder and relocation incentives in your new location, and connect you with agents and lenders in both markets.
My credit isn't great due to financial hardship. Can I still get help? +
Absolutely. Our in-house credit repair team works specifically with buyers who aren't yet at the qualifying threshold. We'll review your credit report, identify what's affecting your score, and build a plan to get you to where you need to be. No first responder should be locked out of homeownership because of a credit score — and we're here to make sure that doesn't happen. Learn more about credit repair →

You've Earned These Benefits.
Let's Make Sure You Get Them.

A free eligibility check takes minutes. We'll confirm your status, identify every program available in your area, and connect you with the right team to move forward.

See All Incentive Programs