Hometown Heroes Loan Program - Learn How to Get up to a $35,000 Grant in Hendry County, Florida

What is the Hometown Heroes Loan Program?

Hometown Heroes Loan Program assists income-qualified workers in buying property in Hendry County, Florida without requiring a down payment.

Even if the spouse's income is not listed on the housing application, the program's particular mortgage guidelines allow for the mortgage to be approved regardless of the spouse's income. Program participants can purchase homes in the communities where they work and live.

After serving our country, full-time community workforce can obtain their dream of becoming homeowners again through the Hometown Heroes program.

Community workers looking to buy a home in their hometowns can apply for this program specifically designed for them. Unlike other similar mortgage loan products, there is no origination fee charged.

Eligible Borrowers in Hendry County, Florida

If a borrower is employed full-time (must document 35+ hrs. per week) by a business located in Florida, meets Program requirements, and can credit qualify for a mortgage, many more First Time Homebuyers should be able to qualify for this program.

There will no longer be an occupational requirement. First-time, income-qualified workers can become homeowners through the program.

A down payment assistance grant is part of the program, which you can use to purchase a home. Grants will be awarded based on the household income of the applicants and will not exceed $35,000.

Grant Amounts Hendry County, Florida

Program participants can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000). You can't use it for rental properties or commercial real estate purchases.

Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.

This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence.

Income limits for Hendry County, Florida

This loan program has income restrictions based on the area median income, or AMI, for Hendry County. The Hometown Heroes income limit for Hendry County is $128,250 annually.

To receive this grant, you must make less than and no more than these figures annually.

Eligibility requirements

• Available to first-time homebuyers.

• Potential homeowners, who intend to purchase a home, must be able to afford the monthly payments on their mortgage based on their income level.

• Borrower(s) must be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer and work 35 or more hours per week.

• All applicants must meet the lending criteria of participating lenders in this program.

• All applicants must be living in the county at the time of loan closing.

Hometown Heroes Loan Limits

You will receive the maximum loan amount available to you!

A homeowner can get the most with FHA is $472,030; USDA-RD does not have a Cap on Loan Limit. The maximum loan amount for HFA Preferred / Advantage & VA is $726,200.

How to Apply for the Hometown Heroes Program in Hendry County, Florida

The Hometown Heroes program is available through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), a government agency in Florida.

Applicants eligible for the Hometown Heroes program can apply through a network of approved participating lenders.

All borrowers are restricted to a one-time participation in FL Housing Homebuyer Loan Program. This includes all first and second mortgage programs.

Florida Tax Exemption Benefits

One of the top benefits of using the Hometown Heroes Program is tax exemption, saving you thousands of dollars.

Under Section 420.513(1) of the Florida Statutes, this program provides an exemption from documentary stamp tax and intangible tax for first and second mortgages and notes used to secure loans for housing financed through Florida Housing's Homebuyer Programs.

This means that when you purchase a home through these programs, you won't have to pay the documentary stamp tax and intangible tax on your mortgage, saving you a substantial amount of money.

The Florida documentary stamp tax is a real estate transfer tax levied at a rate of $0.70 per $100 paid for the property in most counties, except Miami Dade, where it is $0.60 per $100.

With the Hometown Heroes Program, you can exclude this tax when you meet the program's criteria. Additionally, the Florida intangible tax, which is calculated at 2 mills per dollar of the note's just value secured by the mortgage, is also exempted.

For each $100,000 of your home purchase price, this exemption can potentially save you approximately $2,000 in documentary stamp tax and intangible tax.

Cost of Living Hendry County, Florida

The cost of living in Hendry County, FL, is 17% lower than the national average. According to realtor.com, the most affordable city in Harlem, with the median home price being $137K, according to realtor.com.

The most expensive city in Hendry County is Clewiston at $41,759/year.

Housing

The cost of housing in Hendry County, Florida, is meager. The median price of homes in the county is $291K, which is lower than the state and national averages.

In addition, the median rent price is $1,100 per month, which is significantly lower than both state and national averages.

Taxes

Hendry, Florida's median property tax rate is 0.98% of assessed value.

Florida has no state income tax. This makes it very affordable to live in Hendry County if you are retired or trying to escape high state taxes.

Food

Food costs are slightly higher than they are across the country as a whole, but not by much - just 1% higher than the national average of $3,600 per year for two people who eat out at restaurants twice per week and buy groceries once per week

Transportation

The transportation costs in Hendry County are low. Commuting to work is easy because of the various public transportation options available.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Hendry County is moderate. There are several ways that you can reduce your utility bills.

For example, you could install solar panels or get a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature based on your daily schedule.

Medicine

The cost of medicine in Hendry County is moderate. You may find it cheaper to buy some medications online than at your local pharmacy or drug store.

You can also find coupons online and save money on prescriptions through insurance plans and prescription discount cards.

Education

The cost of education in Hendry County is moderate as well. Public schools are free, while private schools charge tuition fees depending on your income level, where you live, and what kind of school you want to attend (private or public).

Private schools often have better facilities and resources than public ones, which can help students achieve better grades and test scores.

However, if you want your child to attend a private school, then you will have to pay for it yourself since there are no government subsidies available for private schools.

The Best Public and Private Schools in Hendry County, Florida

LaBelle Elementary School

LaBelle Elementary School is the only elementary school in Hendry County.

It's a public school, and it serves grades K-5. It has a student body of 409 students and 35 teachers, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.

The principal of this school is Mrs. Arolynne Hines. There are no private schools serving pre-K through 5th grade in Hendry County.

Ahfachkee School

Ahfachkee School is an independent school located in Clewiston, FL, that serves grades K-12 with a total of 51 students and 6 teachers on staff at last count. This means that the student-teacher ratio at Ahfachkee is about 9:1.

The tuition rate for Ahfachkee is $11,550 per year for students living within the school district and $15,000 for those living outside the district limits but within the same state (F.L.).

Students with special needs will be offered an appropriate education with supplementary aids and services to ensure their success in school.

LaBelle High School

LaBelle High School is a public school. It has a total of 318 students in grades 9 to 12.

The school offers several extracurricular activities such as Drama Club, Choir, Band, and Student Government Association. The school started in 1884 at 3400 West Main Street, LaBelle, FL 33935.

LaBelle Middle School

The LaBelle Middle School is a public school. It was established in 1993 and is situated at 1004 South Church Street, La Belle, FL 33935. It has a total of 269 students in grades 6 to 8.

The school offers extracurricular activities such as the Academic Challenge Team, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Key Club, and Student Council/Spirit Club.

Advent Lutheran School

Advent Lutheran School is a private school located in LaBelle, FL.

The school serves grades PK-8 and has an enrollment of 134 students. Advent Lutheran School has a 1:8 teacher-to-student ratio and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.

Boca Raton School

Boca Raton School is a private school located in Boca Raton, FL.

The school serves grades KG-8 and has an enrollment of 141 students. Boca Raton School has a 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

International Christian Academy Of Labelle

International Christian Academy of Labelle is a private school in LaBelle, Florida. The school served students in grades K-12 and started in 1999.

The school has an enrolment of 30 students and 6 teachers, for a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1. The International Christian Academy of Labelle has 30 students and 6 teachers on staff.

Clewiston Christian School

Clewiston Christian School is a private school located in Clewiston, Florida. The school served students in grades K-12 and started in 1995.

Clewiston Christian School has an enrolment of 134 students and 9 teachers, for a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. The Clewiston Christian School has 134 students and 9 teachers on staff.

The King's Academy

The King's Academy is a private school that focuses on creating a well-rounded education for students. It has been operating since 1992 and provides an early college experience for high school students taking college courses.

This allows them to graduate with an associate degree or certificate before starting their senior year. The school also offers an online learning program for students who may want to attend but cannot be physically present for classes.

The Best Towns and Cities to Settle in Hendry County, Florida

LaBelle

LaBelle is a small town in Hendry County with a population of around 3,000. This town has a rich history and is known for being the birthplace of actor Danny Trejo. This is your place if you want to live near the Gulf of Mexico.

There are many things to do here, including fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and more! The people here are amicable and welcoming, so if you're looking to settle in Hendry County, this would be a great place to start.

Clewiston

Clewiston is another small town in Hendry County with around 2,000 people. Although this town has a small population, it's still home to several businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and even an outlet mall!

This would be an excellent place for someone who wants to live in an area with lots of shopping options nearby but doesn't want to settle down in larger cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, where traffic can be very congested most days.

Montura Ranches

The city of Montura is in the central part of Hendry County. It's the county seat and has a population of about 16,000 people.

This town has many things to do, including hiking, fishing, and golfing. The city offers many parks for its residents to enjoy as well.

Montura Ranches is a gated community located just outside of Montura City limits. This community has been around since 1990 and offers golf course homes ranging from 1,800 to 6,000 square feet.

Why Hendry County, Florida is the Best Place to Live for Families and Young Professionals

Hendry County, FL, is an affordable area to live with a small-town vibe.

The community has a lot of amenities, including restaurants, shopping centers, parks, and recreation areas, making it a great place to live.

The county is also diverse, with residents from all walks of life. Hendry County, FL, is known for its low crime rate and excellent education system.

Affordable Housing

If you're looking for a place with affordable housing options for young families, then Hendry County, FL is the place for you.

The median home price in Hendry County is $157,900, which is an absolute steal compared to other areas of Florida. You'll also find many affordable rental properties if you're looking to rent instead of buy right now.

Diverse Community

Many different cultures are represented throughout Hendry County, FL, making it an incredibly diverse community.

People from all over the world live here and represent different religions and races, including African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.

This diversity gives the county an eclectic feel that makes it unique from other areas within Florida and other parts of the country.

Low Crime Rates

Hendry County has some of the lowest crime rates in Florida.

The county is located in the heart of the Everglades, and it is not an area well known for violent crime or drug activity. Most people who live here will tell you that they feel safer than they did anywhere else they have lived.

A Great Education System

The Hendry County School System has been ranked one of the best in the nation.

This means that not only will you be able to send your kids to a great school, but you'll also get to live in a safe environment while they are doing so.

Epicurean Delights

If you are looking for an area with plenty of things to do with friends and family, then Hendry County is the place for you.

Many restaurants, bars, shops, and other local businesses cater to young professionals and families! If you love food (who doesn't?), this is definitely where you'll want to make your home!

Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family

Living in Hendry County, FL, you'll have access to some of Florida's best outdoor activities. There are plenty of parks and trails where you can go hiking, biking, and even kayaking.

One of the most popular parks is Everglades National Park. Several other national parks are nearby, including Big Cypress National Preserve and Biscayne National Park.

Community Ties

Many community events occur throughout the year in Hendry County, FL, bringing people together for a good cause or just for fun! One example is the annual Chico Fest, which takes every March in Immokalee, FL.

The event includes live music performances and vendors selling food worldwide! Other community events include art festivals and parades during holidays such as Christmas or Independence Day.

In Summary

Hendry County is one of the best places to live in Florida, not just because of the beautiful scenery and weather. It's also because there are so many things to do in Hendry County.

If you are in a first-time, income-qualified worker and desire to buy a home in this county, the Hometown Heroes program can slash your home buying costs with a special $35K grant.

Find out if you qualify for this free money!