​It's Back! Get Ahead with the 2024 Florida Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program

Exciting news for prospective homebuyers in Florida! The Florida Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program is making it's triumphant return in July 2024. This program has been a game-changer for many, providing crucial financial support for first-time homebuyers, veterans, and active-duty service members. Here's everything you need to know to take advantage of this opportunity before the funds run out.

What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is designed to help first-time homebuyers, veterans, and active-duty members purchase homes in the state of Florida. Eligible applicants can receive between $10,000 and $35,000 to use towards down payment and closing costs. 

With the 2024 relaunch, the program will be funded with $100 million, but don't be fooled – this money goes fast! Last year, a similar amount was depleted within the first two months.

Why You Need to Act Fast

Time is of the essence with the Hometown Heroes Program. To secure your funds, you must be preapproved in June 2024 and get under contract by July. This ensures we can reserve your down payment assistance funds with Florida Housing before they run out. The funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early action is crucial.

How to Qualify

First-Time Buyers

• You must not have owned a home in the past three years.
• You need some of your own money, or support from a family member or a motivated home seller.

Employment Requirements

• At least one applicant occupying the new home must be employed full-time by a Florida-based business.
• Work-from-home employees must report to a specific Florida location confirmed in writing by the employer.
• Self-employed applicants need third-party confirmation of full-time work status from a CPA, bookkeeper, or tax preparer.

Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members

• Automatically eligible if the total applicant income stays under the maximum income limits for your area.
• Can use the assistance money with a VA home loan, Conventional, FHA, or USDA loan.
• No need to be a first-time homebuyer or work for a Florida-based business.

Income Limits and Credit Scores

• Applicants must qualify for a traditional mortgage loan, such as a Conventional Home loan, FHA home loan, VA home loan, or USDA home loan. Income must be below the maximum limits for your county (up to $132,900 in most counties).  Click here to check your county »
• A middle credit score of 640 or higher is required for all applicants.  (or 660 if you are financing a manufactured home.)

What You Can Expect

Eligible applicants can receive up to 5% of the new loan amount in down payment assistance, ranging from $10,000 to $35,000. In many cases, this covers the entire required down payment and provides additional funds for closing costs.

Steps to Get Ahead

Apply Early: Start your application process in June 2024 to ensure you're ready when the program relaunches on July 1.  

Preapproval: Get preapproved with an authorized participating lender (that’s us).Get Under Contract: Begin house hunting and get under contract as soon as possible.

Reserve Your Funds: To reserve your down payment assistance funds, you must be preapproved for your new home loan with a participating Hometown Heroes lender (like us), AND be under contract on a home.  Remember, the funds are limited, and once they are gone, the Hometown Heroes program shuts down until additional funds have been added into the program.  

Resources and Support

As an authorized participating lender with Florida Housing for the Hometown Heroes program, our site offers a wealth of resources to help you navigate the Hometown Heroes Program.  Be sure to check out these helpful links:

• ➕  Hometown Heroes Calculators: Estimate your assistance amount.  https://tinyurl.com/5k6x7dtc 
  
• 💵   Income Limit Charts: Stay organized and prepared. https://tinyurl.com/48ux3j2e 
  
• ❓    Frequently Asked Questions: https://tinyurl.com/3fhw3c6d 
• 👋  LEARN MORE TODAY! 
•  👉 Call Us Today: (click to call) 
• 👉  Visit Our Hometown Heroes Program Page: 

Take Action Now

The Florida Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program is a fantastic opportunity to achieve your dream of homeownership, but keep in mind that with funds running out quickly, early action is essential! 

If you can see yourself settling into your new home by July, August, or September of this year-- don't wait! 

You can also drop us a line HERE »

Yours in successful homeownership,

Derek Bissen
Loan Originator
NMLS#365627
Unconventional Lending Program Director

Derek Bissen is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Derek is a self-employed lending expert who is known for his ability to work with borrowers who have substantial wealth and non-traditional lending needs. He is a creative loan structurer and specializes in portfolio lending, asset-based lending, bank statement lending, as well as traditional loans such as Conventional, FHA, VA, and first-time homebuyers. Derek's expertise in the mortgage industry is unparalleled. He is a trusted advisor to his clients, providing them with customized loan solutions that meet their unique financial goals and needs. His vast experience and knowledge make him a valuable asset to anyone looking to purchase a home or refinance their existing mortgage. As a highly-experienced loan originator and author, Derek is committed to sharing his knowledge with others. He regularly provides valuable insights and advice to readers looking to navigate the complex world of mortgage lending. His articles are informative, engaging, and backed by years of hands-on experience. With his wealth of knowledge and dedication to his clients, he is the go-to source for all your mortgage lending needs. If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy mortgage expert, contact Derek today to learn more about how he can help you achieve your financial goals.