05/31/2024
Hometown Heroes Housing Program is back and is starting July 1st. Get in before it’s all gone!
See requirements below.
Buying or Selling?
Michele Wallace
CENTURY21 Tenace Realty
561-632-7901
Start your property search here:
Soldbymichele.com
Who is eligible for Florida Hometown Heroes DPA?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program was initially designed with Florida’s frontline heroes in mind—law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare staff, active military members, and veterans. Now, Florida Housing and Governor DeSantis recognize that all full-time workers in Florida play a role in shaping our communities and making Florida a fantastic place to live and work.
Starting July 1, eligibility is broadening. Now, if you work full-time (35+ hours per week) for any business in Florida and meet income eligibility and program requirements, you could qualify for this incredible opportunity. That’s right, the program is moving away from career-specific eligibility to focus on income, making more first-time homebuyers than ever eligible for down payment assistance. Any income-eligible first-time homebuyer in Florida who meets the program requirements is invited to apply.
How do I qualify for Florida Hometown Heroes DPA?
Are you concerned about whether your employment qualifies? You are eligible if you’re employed by a business with a physical presence in Florida—like Mortgage Equity Partners, which has offices here but is headquartered out of state.
Program Highlights:
Eligibility for lower-than-market rates on FHA, VA, USDA/RD, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac First Mortgages.
Down payment and closing cost assistance up to 5% of your first mortgage loan amount, maxing out at $35,000.
Assistance is provided as a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage, which is repayable upon selling the property, refinancing the first mortgage, transferring the deed, or if the property is no longer your primary residence. Note that this loan is not forgivable.
To be eligible for Florida Hometown Heroes DPA:
You must be a first-time homebuyer, which means no homeownership in the previous three years.
Your income must not exceed 150% of your county’s Area Median Income (AMI), and your loan must meet your county’s loan limit requirements.
Refinance transactions are not eligible for the FL Hometown Heroes Program.
Borrowers must take an approved HUD homebuyer education course.
Single-family residences, townhomes, and FHA-approved condo purchase transactions are eligible.
Lot and land loans are not eligible for this program.
For general informational purposes only. Actual rates available to you will depend on many factors including lender, income, credit, location, and property value. Contact a mortgage broker to find out what programs are available to you.