There Are Some Excellent Down Payment Assistance Programs Florida Makes Available

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.

There are funds available through a conventional HFA preferred loan for any qualified person in the state. It will pay seven thousand five hundred dollars toward earnest money and closing. You cannot have a co-signer on the loan, and you must complete an education course on home buying. Discounted mortgage insurance is available with this loan. Foreclosure properties and new construction homes fall under the acceptable home loan guidelines.

FHA with Florida Assist is a program designed for first time house buyers. It offers a maximum of seven thousand five hundred dollars as well. You must satisfactorily complete a home buying course and have a decent credit score. There is no option for cash back at the 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.

There are matching grant plans that will match the buyer at a four to one ratio up to five thousand dollars. You must be a first time home buyer and contribute at least one thousand dollars. There are income and purchase price limits to qualify. These grants are available throughout Florida, and it will accept new home, foreclosure, and town home loans.

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.

These are just a few of the plans this state offers its citizens. You can contact state officials for detailed information and application forms. There is no fee required to apply, and applying does not obligate you to the state in any way. Home ownership is possible, if you persevere and take advantage of the opportunities states make available.




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