There Are Some Great Down Payment Assistance Programs Florida Residents Can Take Advantage Of

By Carolyn Stewart


Every day the dream of home ownership seems to get more elusive for those who have never experienced it. Groceries, utilities, school supplies and tuition are among the monthly expenses that are always on the rise. A number of state governments are addressing this issue in an effort to help. Qualified home buyers can take advantage of any one of the numerous down payment assistance programs Florida has available for instance.

In certain counties, residents can take advantage of HHF, or the Hardest Hit Fund. This fund is designed to assist the citizens who have been most affected by recent economic downturns. This year Florida has a maximum allowance of fifteen thousand dollars for qualified buyers to use toward a down payment on a single family home, pre-approved condo, or town house. The qualifying loans are for thirty years at a fixed rate.

If you are interested in a conventional HFA preferred loan, the state will assist with seventy-five hundred dollars toward a down payment or closing costs. They will not accept any co-signers, and you must complete a buyer education course. This assistance is offered throughout the state. Those who qualify can also get discounted mortgage insurance. It is available only to owner occupants. New homes and foreclosed property fall under the state's guidelines.

There is a program called FHA with Florida Assist available for first time home buyers. The maximum assistance for this is also seventy-five hundred dollars. You have to attend and complete a home buyer course and must have a credit score of at least six hundred forty. You cannot get cash back at closing.

For those with higher incomes, there are funds available through a Conventional HFA Preferred Plus Loan. The state waives the first time home buyer requirement for veterans with this program. Instead of the flat rate amount, Florida will assist with three percent of the total cost. Purchasers must complete an educational home buying class to qualify for this money as well.

The state offers several matching grants. One of them will match the buyer at a one to four ratio up to a maximum of five thousand dollars. The buyers must contribute a minimum of a thousand dollars. Income limitations apply, and there are maximum purchase price stipulations as well. New homes, town homes, and foreclosures are included in the matching grant guidelines.

Law enforcement officers, military personnel, firefighters, and teachers can apply for special matching funds programs that will assist with as much as seven thousand five hundred dollars. Healthcare workers, other first responders, and veterans can also qualify. The property must be owner occupied, and the homer buyer must attend home counseling.

There are a number of other plans available. You can go online to find out more or contact the state directly. There is no charge for applying for the programs, and you are under no obligation to enter into any agreement with Florida.




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