First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Florida
Having a home of your own gives you peace of mind, and that’s why people are after buying homes rather than going the renting route.
However, buying a home in Florida might be challenging for some. Supply is tight, and demand and prices rise yearly.
People with high incomes can buy homes in Florida, but what about those with limited incomes?
Buying a home with a low income will require you to save money for many years, meaning you must wait many years for your own home. Even in Florida, you may have to save money to have your own home.
So, is there another solution? Yes, the solution is to look for first-time home-buying programs in Florida.
These programs aim to provide people without homes with monetary help so they can buy a home for themselves.
Why First Time Home Buying Help Required to Buy a Home in Florida
Many people dream of buying a home in Florida, but fulfilling this dream is not as easy as it sounds. The prices of homes in Florida are rising with the passing of each day.
Higher home prices mean larger mortgages and higher monthly payments. The median home price is around $404,000 in most parts of Florida.
However, when you talk about some counties in the Miami area, the prices go up to $675,000.
An average Florida resident doesn’t have this much money, so they look for first-time homebuyer programs to get financial help.
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Florida – Available Options
1. Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), commonly known as Florida Housing, can be a good option for first-time homebuyers looking for monetary help to buy a home in Florida.
Qualified applicants have the chance to obtain financial assistance, but specific amounts and percentages can vary based on program details and applicant eligibility.
FHFC offers different loan programs to help first-time homebuyers in Florida buy a home for themselves and enjoy peace of mind. Let’s discuss FHFC’s homebuyer loan programs.
2. Homebuyer Loan Program
FHFC offers a home buying program that offers first-time homebuyers 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage loans. The program is named the Homebuyer Loan Program.
Eligibility Requirements for FHFC’s Homebuyer Loan Program
For FHFC’s homebuyer loan program, you must:
- Be a first-time homebuyer
- Have a minimum credit score of 640
- The purchase price of your home must be below the limits for the county in which you purchase
- Work with an approved, participating program lender
- Have an income below the limits for the county in which you purchase
For more information, visit floridahousing.org.
3. Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program provides affordable homeownership for frontline community workers.
The list of community workers includes firefighters, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, active military personnel or veterans, educators, and childcare employees.
Under this program, frontline community workers are provided with down payment and closing cost assistance to buy a home in the community where they work and serve.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing program offers a lower first mortgage rate and other unique benefits.
For more information, visit floridahousing.org.
4. Dare to Own the Dream (DARE)
The Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) is a city-specific first-time homebuyer program. The City of Tampa provides
Tampa’s income-eligible homebuyers with down payment assistance loans.
The loan is another loan that remains behind your primary financing from a mortgage lender.
The program provides first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance of up to $40,000.
For more information on Dare to Own the Dream program, visit tampa.gov.
5. HOME Program
The City of North Miami offers help to first-time homebuyers through its HOME program. The funding for the program is provided by Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Under the HOME program, eligible first-time homebuyers can receive monetary assistance.
6. Eligibility Requirements for HOME Program
If you want to secure a loan under this program, you must:
Have sufficient income to book a private loan, repay debt, and maintain housing,
You have not owned a home in the last three years; your current housing is inaccessible.
For more information on this program, visit northmiamifl.gov.
Bottom Line
Buying a home for yourself in Florida or anywhere is difficult, especially when you don’t have much savings. You can get help from first-time home-buying programs to make the job easier.
The post provides information on first-time homebuyer programs in Florida to help you fulfill your dream of owning a home in this great state.
See Also
First-Time Home Buyer Grant in Ohio
Home Improvement Grants in Minnesota
Home Care and Family Support Grants
Home Improvement Grants in Florida
Follow us