Although statewide programs can provide advantages in your path to becoming a homeowner, it is important to also explore the various local homebuyer assistance programs available in Florida.
These programs vary in their eligibility criteria. Some are specifically designed for first-time homebuyers or individuals who have not owned a home in the last three years. Meanwhile, others concentrate on assisting homebuyers from lower-income backgrounds. For a comprehensive overview of local programs, continue reading.
Daytona Beach
Are you looking to shop for new homes in Daytona Beach? With its expansive beaches and thrilling high-speed racing, it’s no wonder! The city offers assistance with down payments and closing costs to low-income individuals interested in buying a home.
To qualify, you must contribute a minimum of $500 towards your home purchase and successfully complete a homebuyer’s education course.
This program is open to individuals who have not had a mortgage, filed for bankruptcy, or experienced foreclosure within the past three years. If you have already received assistance, unfortunately, you are not eligible to participate in the program.
Delray Beach
If you have your heart set on purchasing a home in Delray Beach, there is a program offered by the city to assist homebuyers who have faced difficulties in obtaining a private mortgage loan. The City of Delray Beach’s Homeownership Program provides support in securing a mortgage with a below-market interest rate for a 30-year fixed rate loan.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to benefit from assistance with down payment and closing costs through a 0% interest loan of up to $75,000.
However, there are some eligibility requirements to keep in mind. This program is specifically available to first-time homebuyers, displaced homemakers, single parents, or families who have not owned a home within the past three years. You are also expected to contribute a minimum of 2% of the total purchase price of your home at the time of closing and meet certain household income limits.
Fort Lauderdale
Prospective homebuyers in Fort Lauderdale have the opportunity to seek a loan amounting to a maximum of $75,000. This loan can be utilized to cover both the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. The loan is facilitated through Fort Lauderdale’s First-Time Homebuyers Program and applicants must demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible for it.
Hallandale Beach
The First-Time Homebuyer program, offered by the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA), offers eligible homebuyers up to $80,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs.
This financial support is provided as a no-interest loan, and if the homebuyer uses the property as their primary residence for at least 10 years, the loan is completely forgiven.
In addition, first responders, teachers, and nurses can also benefit from an extra incentive of $5,000.
Miami
New homebuyers looking for a property in Miami have the opportunity to utilize the Homeownership Assistance Program offered by the city. This program offers a 0% deferred loan, amounting to a maximum of $7,250, to assist with the down payment.
If you own and live in the property for more than 10 years, the loan is forgiven. To participate in the program, you must attend a homebuyer’s education course and collaborate with a partner lender.
Miramar
Are you searching for a residence in Miramar, which is located in Broward County? The city offers assistance to individuals with very-low and low incomes who are purchasing a home for the first time. They provide a deferred second loan with a 0% interest rate for a period of 15 years. This loan is intended to cover the expenses related to the down payment and closing costs.
If participants meet all the requirements of the program, the second loan will be converted into a grant, meaning it doesn’t have to be repaid. The amount of assistance you can receive is determined based on your income. It’s important to note that the program operates on a first-come, first-qualified basis and will continue until the funds are depleted.
Palm Beach
If you are searching for properties in Palm Beach, you can take advantage of the Own a Home Opportunity grant program offered by the county’s Housing Finance Authority.
This program provides a second mortgage loan, with a maximum amount of $10,000, to assist first-time homebuyers with their down payment. The loan carries 0% interest and is repayable only when you sell or refinance your home.
Panama City
Are you interested in browsing properties in Panama City? The city offers a Gap Finance Program that can cover up to 50% of the necessary down payment and provide up to $3,000 towards closing costs.
Additionally, through the SHIP program, homebuyers may qualify for complete assistance with both the down payment and closing costs.
Eligibility for these programs is based on income and your ability to secure a loan. It is not necessary to be a first-time homebuyer. Please note that mobile homes are not eligible for participation in this program.
