Tuesday, September 19, 2017

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

By Carolyn Stewart


Home ownership is a dream and goal for a lot of people. In today's economy it may seem like all available funds go toward paying bills, household expenses, and the needs of your children. Saving towards a down payment may be next to impossible, but several states are aware of the problem and have programs designed for those with limited incomes and decent credit. What follows is a brief description of some of the most popular down payment assistance programs Florida currently has available.

The Hardest Hit Fund, or HHF, is aimed specifically at those who have been most affected by the recent economic downturns. In 2017 this state is offering residents of certain counties help with earnest money in an amount up to fifteen thousand dollars. The types of acceptable housing includes single family, town homes, and condominiums with prior approval. You must get a thirty year mortgage 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.

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.

If you are a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, or healthcare worker, you might quality for one of the matching funds programs that offer a maximum subsidy of seventy-five hundred dollars. Other first responders and current or retired military personnel can also take advantage of the subsidy.

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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