(Jun 7, 2023)
Unfortunately, these critical workers have been lagging behind in homeownership for the longest time since the modest incomes they earn usually aren't sufficient to keep up with the rising cost of housing in Florida.
However, with the introduction of the FL Hometown Heroes Housing Program, community workers in Florida have a reason to smile. This new program promises to make homeownership more affordable by providing eligible applicants with attractive zero-interest mortgage loans and down payment and closing cost assistance totaling up to $25,000.
With that being said, let's dive in. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program has currently been rolled out in all counties in Florida and is set to benefit community workers in more than 50 professions. This post breaks down everything you need to know about this revolutionary housing program and how to qualify in Leon County.
Types Of Mortgages Offered By The Hometown Heroes Loan Program
The Hometown Heroes Loan Program is a groundbreaking housing project specifically designed to empower frontline workers to purchase residences in the communities they work in and serve. The pilot program currently offers three different types of first mortgage loans and down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a second mortgage.
Here is a general overview of the various types of home loans that you can qualify for under this program:
First Mortgage Program
There are three government mortgage loans and two conventional loans that you can qualify for in the FL Housing's Hometown Heroes Loan Program. These are:
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Florida First Heroes Mortgage Loan (FL First) - As a critical worker, you may be qualified for 30-year fixed-rate USDA-RD, FHA, or VA mortgage loans. If you qualify for this first loan, you will be immediately considered for a second mortgage to assist with the down payment.
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FL HFA Preferred Heroes for TBA (Fannie Mae) - Through this program, you can qualify for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Likewise, qualifying for this loan automatically makes you eligible for down payment and closing cost assistance through a second mortgage. You also get to save money on private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your income is less than or equal to 80% of the average median income.
- FL HFA Advantage Heroes for TBA (Freddie Mac) - This mortgage program offers a 30-year fixed-rate home loan with reduced PMI for borrowers whose incomes are equal to or less than 80 percent of the county's AMI. If you qualify for this first loan, you are automatically eligible for a second mortgage's down payment and closing cost assistance.
Second Mortgage Program
If you qualify for one of the Hometown Heroes First Mortgage loans, you'll be eligible for a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year, repayable second mortgage to help with down payment and closing fees. This second mortgage has a limit of $25,000 and is equal to 5% of the original loan amount.
It's important to remember that this second mortgage is non-forgivable. You'll have to pay it out in full whenever the first mortgage is paid off, the mortgage is refinanced, the property deed is transferred, or you no longer reside in the property.
What Occupations Are Eligible For The Hometown Heroes Loan Program?
More than 50 occupations across various departments and boards are eligible for the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program. Here is a breakdown of all the currently admissible occupations in the program.
Department Of Juvenile Justice and Corrections
- Sworn Law Enforcement Officer
- Certified Correction Officer
- Correctional Probation Officer
- Juvenile Probation Officer
- Juvenile Detention Officer
Department Of Health
- Certified Paramedic
- Certified Emergency Medical Technician
- 911 Public Safety Communicator
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Electrologist
- Licensed Medical Physicist
- Certified Basic X-Ray Machine Operator
- Certified Radiologic Technologist
- Certified Radiology Assistant
- Certified General Radiographer
- Specialty Technologist
Department Of Education
- Career Specialist
- Librarian (Media Specialist)
- Classroom Teacher
- Social Worker
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
Department Of Children and Families
- Childcare Instructor
- Certified Childcare Operator
Boards Of Nursing and Medicine
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Acupuncturist
- Osteopathic Physician
- Chiropractic Physician
- Podiatric Physician
Board Of Dentistry
- Dentist
- Dental Hygienist
Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist
- Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant or Audiologist Assistant
Board Of Nursing Home Administrator
- Nursing Home Administrator
Board Of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Occupation Therapist
- Occupational Therapist Assistant
Board Of Respiratory Care
- Respiratory Therapist
Department of Health, Commission on Dietetic Registration
- A nutritionist or Licensed Dietician
Department of Health, Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Licensed Nutrition Counselor
Board of Athletic Training
- Athletic Trainer
Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Prosthetist
- Prosthetist Orthotist
- Orthotic Fitter
- Orthotic Fitter Assistant
Board of Massage Therapy
- Massage Therapist
Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel
- Clinical Laboratory Personel
- Phlebotomist
Department of Opticianry
- Optician
Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
- Hearing Aid Specialist
Board of Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Board of Psychology
- Psychologist
Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Clinical Social Worker
- Mental Health Counselor
Board of Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinarian
- Veterinarian Assistant or Technician
Veterans and Active Military Personnel
Veterans or active military members are also eligible for the Hometown Heroes program loan. However, if you serve in these occupations, you'll be required to provide a copy of your military ID. While you don't have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for the program as a veteran, you'll need to file DD-214 paperwork indicating that your discharge was honorable rather than dishonorable.
Surviving spouses of veterans and service members can also qualify for a VA-backed mortgage provided they submit a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Hometown Heroes Income Limits For Leon County
You must meet FL Housing's income requirements to be eligible for the Hometown Heroes Loan Program. The income restriction limits how much money a person can earn before getting a mortgage. This ensures that only borrowers with low to moderate incomes are eligible for the loan.
The Hometown Heroes Loan Program's income restrictions are usually adjusted based on the size of the household and the county in which the property is being acquired. So, if you live in Leon County, your income must not exceed $121,800 to be eligible for the Hometown Heroes Loan Program. Furthermore, the loan limit for FHA and USDA-RD loans is set at $420,680, while the limits for VA loans, HFA Advantage, and HFA Preferred are capped at $647,200.
How To Get The $25,000 Hometown Heroes Grant In Leon County
Qualifying for the Hometown Heroes Loan Program's $25,000 in Leon County is easy as long as you meet the occupational and income requirements set by FL Housing and have already qualified for one of the first mortgage products. The only documents that your prospective lender will require from you are:
- A completed Hometown Heroes Program Attestation form
- A copy of your occupational license or certification
- A copy of your VOE (verification of employment)
- A copy of DD214 (if you're a veteran)
- A copy of your military ID (if you're an active military member)
Reserving your first mortgage funds automatically reserves 5% (capped at $25,000) of the amount as down payment assistance. Once you've done so, your lender will underwrite your loan within 45 days from the date of loan reservation then the forms will be printed out for closing.
Cost Of Living in Leon County
Nestled in the Panhandle of Florida, Leon County has an estimated population of 293 582 as per the 2019 census. Leon County is considered part of the Tallahassee Metropolitan Area and has the city of Tallahassee as its county seat.
The overall cost of living in Leon County is 8% lower than the Florida average and 6% lower than the U.S average. The median price of a home in this county is only about $219,700, which is significantly low compared to the state average of $294,900 and the national average of $291,700.
The low cost of housing in Leon County is reflected in the prices of homes and rental costs. The average rental cost for a three-bedroom home is only about $1,470, whereas the average price of the same property in the state is $1,790.
Grocery prices and transport costs in Leon County are also much lower compared to the state and national average. However, utilities and health are some expenses that the average resident in Leon County can expect to spend more on.
The average household in Leon County has an income of $54,929, lower than the national median of $65,712. Most Leon County residents travel alone to work, with an average commute duration of 19.1 minutes, and the average household has two cars.
Best Places To Buy A Home In Leon County
Compared to most counties in Florida, Leon County has a desirable real estate market with many neighborhoods listing affordable properties for sale. It's no surprise that many residents here choose to purchase their homes rather than rent. If you're looking to move to Leon County, here are some of the neighborhoods where you might consider buying a home:
Levy Park
Levy Park, adjacent to the city's famed Lake Ella, provides a gorgeous setting for those who have no qualms about being at the center of Tallahassee's center of activity. Living here allows you to enjoy easy access to a variety of pubs and restaurants and all of the other areas of town.
Although property prices in Levy Park are generally higher than in other neighborhoods in Leon County, they are not too steep to be exclusionary. The median property listing price in this neighborhood is only about $225,000, which is slightly higher than the county's median.
The neighborhood of Levy Park is also near the city's downtown area, where most businesses and local government offices are located. This strategic location makes it easy to move around various parts of the city for your work, family, and social obligations.
Betton Hills
Betton Hills is one of the nicest areas in northeastern Tallahassee for families due to recent construction. The suburb has grown exponentially in recent decades as the city has expanded northward. The landscape here is punctuated by mature oaks that are as much a defining feature of the city as this quaint community. With that being said, property prices in Betton Hills tend to be on the high end, with the median price of a home sitting at $599,000.
It's also worth noting that Betton Hills and similar neighborhoods in Tallahassee charge homeowners fees, which go to a community association that helps maintain the neighborhood. Homeowners' associations also charge fees to organize parties and other community activities that are only open to residents.
The neighborhood is home to five beautiful parks where families can take strolls, have picnics, or engage in light-hearted play.
Southwood
Southwood is a serene neighborhood in Tallahassee that attracts established families, particularly those with children. It's close to numerous good public and private schools, yet far enough away from the city core that you won't have to worry about the hustle and bustle that comes with city life. Another advantage is that many state agencies and departments are located in Southwood. This means you'll only have to make quick commutes if you're fortunate enough to land a job working for the state of Florida in its capital city.
The median home price currently sits at about $400,000, which is on the high end. However, if you have the financial means, Southwood features some of the greatest home options in the city.
Best Public and Private Schools In Leon County
Leon County Schools (LCS) is the school district that serves Leon County, Florida. It is headquartered at LCS Admin Complex in Tallahassee, Florida, and has a student population of 32,000 served by 2,400 teachers (student-teacher ratio of 17:1).
In total, there are 54 schools in Leon County's School District. Of these, 44% are rated below average in terms of school quality, while 26% are rated average, and only 30% are above average. Even so, the top-performing schools in the county are good enough to compete with some of the best in other Florida counties.
Some of the best public schools in Leon County include:
- Killearn Lakes Elementary School
- Hawks Rise Elementary School
- Gilchrist Elementary School
- Desoto Trail Elementary School
- Leon High School
- Lawton Chiles High School
- Lincoln High School
- Leon County Virtual School
Apart from these high-performing public schools, Leon County School District is also home to some of the most prestigious private schools in the state, most of which are religiously affiliated. Among the best private schools in Leon Country are:
- Maclay School
- John Paul II Catholic High School
- Holy Family Catholic School
- North Florida Christian School
- Holy Comforter Episcopal School
- Community Leadership Academy
- Trinity Catholic School
- Cornerstone Learning Community
- Christ Classical Academy
The city of Tallahassee in Leon County is also home to two of Florida's foremost universities, namely:
- Florida A&M University
- Florida State University
Is Leon County A Great Place To Live For Families or Young Professionals?
Leon County has a laid-back and suburban feel which many families find attractive. Compared to other Floridian counties, property prices in Leon are pretty affordable, which explains why most residents prefer to purchase homes rather than rent.
With an above-average school district and several excellent schools, families who settle here can be sure that their kids will have a solid foundation for their academic lives. Most neighborhoods also have family-friendly parks and other recreational facilities where families can unwind.
Most of the neighborhoods in Leon County are well-connected with public transportation. Most households have at least 2 cars to help facilitate their commutes.
If you're a young single professional looking to move to Leon County, you will probably find the costs of home ownership and renting equally attractive. The employment market has also grown by 2% during the past year and is projected to grow by 38.4% over the next decade. So, if you're starting in your career, now would be the opportune time to lay down roots in Leon County.
Overall, Leon County is a great place to live, whether raising a family or a young single just venturing out into the professional world.
Hometown Heroes Loan Program: Eligible Towns and Cities In Leon County
As mentioned at the outset, the Hometown Heroes Loan Program has been rolled out to all counties in Florida, and Leon County is no exception. Here is a list of the cities and census-designated areas in Leon County:
- Tallahassee (city)
- Bradfordville
- Chaires
- Capitola
- Miccosukee
- Woodville
- Fort Braden
A Final Word
The introduction of the Hometown Heroes Housing Program in Florida has undoubtedly put a smile on the face of many frontline workers in Leon County. Thanks to the $25,000 grant offered by the program to eligible applicants, many critical workers in the county will subsequently be able to afford homes in the communities they serve and live in.
(Jun 7, 2023)
