YOUNGSTOWN - The dream of owning a home might now become a reality for some Ohioans. On Monday, the Ohio Treasurer's Office launched the Ohio Home Buyer Plus Savings account which will help people build their money faster to close on a house. 

Any deposits made into the accounts will get the regular interest rates from their provider. Then, the state will put an additional 2.5% of interest on top. 

“It's the best investment that you can make not just in the state of Ohio but it’s the best investment you can make in your future and for your family,” Robert Sprague, Ohio’s Treasure said. 

Anyone 18 or older in Ohio can open up one of the savings accounts and the money can only be used towards down payments or closing costs. Account holders will also be eligible for certain state income tax deductions. It will give people who want to save a leg up on the spiking real estate market.

“Over the last three years home prices have skyrocketed and then also the mortgage rates went up almost more than doubled and so for anybody to try to afford a house now in the state of Ohio or across the United States is very, very difficult,” Sprague said.

The accounts can hold up to $100,000 and have to be used within 5 years. The state hopes this incentive will keep people in the valley to work at local jobs that aren't being filled.

“We know that when people buy a home in Ohio they invest in Ohio,” Sprague said.

Accounts can be opened now at any of the 8 participating banks and credit unions:

• The Community Bank
• Farmer & Merchants Bank
• KEMBA Financial Credit Union 
• Pathways Financial Credit Union, Inc.
• Quest Federal Credit Union 
• The Savings Bank
• Superior Credit Union
• Telhio Credit Union