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How to Qualify for Down Payment Assistance in Florida

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In recent years, securing a home in Florida has been a significant milestone for many. However, accumulating enough funds for a down payment can be a challenging feat.

Thankfully, various down payment assistance programs are available in Florida to help prospective homeowners.

This blog aims to guide you on how to qualify for such programs, making the path to homeownership less burdensome.

We will delve into all the Florida down payment assistance programs, the types of assistance available, and the steps to qualify for each.

Remember, you can use MakeFloridaYourHome to verify your eligibility for any of these programs.




Florida Hometown Heroes Program

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is an initiative designed specifically to recognize and support the working individuals of Florida who are integral to the functioning and well-being of their communities.

While many might assume from its title that the program is exclusively for frontline workers, such as firefighters, police officers, and healthcare professionals, it extends beyond these roles to encompass all gainfully employed Floridians.

The primary objective of this program is to facilitate home ownership by providing much-needed financial assistance for down payments.

In light of the program's success and the growing demand, the state has generously allocated an additional $100 million for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This boost has raised the maximum assistance for down payments from the initial $25,000 to an impressive $35,000.

Furthermore, a salient feature of the program is its community-centric approach, emphasizing that applicants purchase homes within the same community they work in. This not only enhances local community bonds but also reduces daily commuting stress for the beneficiaries.


How to Qualify for Hometown Heroes

To be deemed eligible for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program, there are several criteria that applicants must meet.

Firstly, the program targets first-time homebuyers, which means that applicants should not have been homeowners for at least the past three years.

Financial readiness is also assessed through the applicant's credit score, with a minimum score of 640 being a prerequisite for qualification.

Given the program's aim to be inclusive and cater to a broader segment of the population, there are income restrictions in place.

Applicants' income should not exceed 150% of the median income for their respective county, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Employment, understandably, is a key component of the eligibility criteria. To qualify, applicants must be actively employed within Florida-based entities.

Additionally, and central to the program's ethos of fostering stronger community ties, is the requirement that the home being purchased be situated in the same community where the applicant is employed.

While meeting these qualifications provides a solid foundation for eligibility, potential applicants should be aware that due to funding constraints and the popularity of the program, meeting the criteria does not automatically guarantee acceptance.


Down Payment Assistance phrase written on notebook


Chenoa Fund Program

The Chenoa Fund Program operates as a nationally recognized initiative aimed at facilitating homeownership for individuals facing financial constraints, specifically concerning down payments.

This program, backed by the Chenoa Fund, offers secondary financing in the form of a down payment assistance to help buyers bridge the financial gap and realize their dream of owning a home.

Recognizing the diverse needs of its target demographic, the Chenoa Program offers multiple products under its umbrella, each tailored to specific borrower needs.

These include down payment assistance in the form of forgivable loans, repayable loans, and a few at zero interest rates.

An outstanding feature of the program is its versatility—it works in tandem with FHA loans to provide comprehensive solutions for potential homeowners, making homeownership attainable even when upfront capital is limited.


How to Qualify for the Chenoa Fund

Qualifying for the Chenoa Program involves a set of specific criteria designed to ensure that the aid reaches its intended beneficiaries—those genuinely in need of down payment assistance.

To start, prospective homebuyers must have a minimum credit score, often set at 620, to be eligible. Financial readiness and responsibility are gauged through the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which typically should not exceed 50%.

Importantly, the program does require borrowers to undergo a homeownership counseling session, either online or in-person, before availing the assistance. This is to ensure that they are well-informed about the responsibilities and intricacies of homeownership.

Income restrictions apply, where the applicant's income should not surpass 115% of the median income for the region in which they are looking to purchase.

As with many down payment assistance programs, the purchased property should be the primary residence of the buyer.

Lastly, while the Chenoa Program does cater primarily to first-time homebuyers, there are specific products within its suite that are also accessible to repeat buyers.

However, it's always advised for potential applicants to thoroughly review the program's specific requirements and guidelines as they can vary depending on the specific Chenoa product they are interested in.


Rocket Mortgage ONE+ Program

The ONE+ by Rocket Mortgage is a notable program that presents a novel solution for potential homeowners, especially when the hurdle of a sizable down payment is considered.

With ONE+, a mere 1% down payment is required from the buyer. Furthermore, Rocket Mortgage supplements this with a 2% grant. This means that a buyer can start their homeownership journey with an immediate 3% equity.

The program is laudable for its inclusivity—it's open to both first-time and repeat home buyers. Geographically, there's no restriction; it's accessible to interested buyers across the nation.

Moreover, a distinctive advantage is the waiver of mortgage insurance, translating to a reduced monthly payment and enhancing overall affordability.

A hypothetical scenario showcases the benefit - On a $250,000 property, a buyer would contribute $2,500, with Rocket Mortgage providing an additional $5,000, thereby decreasing out-of-pocket costs for the buyer.

When compared to traditional loans that include mortgage insurance, which typically remains until 20% equity is achieved, users can save a significant amount over several years.


How to Qualify for Rocket Mortgage ONE+

For those interested in the ONE+ program, several specific criteria have to be met.

First, one's income must not exceed 80% of the median income for the area they intend to purchase in.

As an example, if the median income of a given county is $90,800, the maximum income for eligibility would be capped at $72,640. Fannie Mae provides a handy tool to determine area median incomes.

Further, a minimum FICO® Score of 620 is essential for qualification. The property in question must be a single-unit primary residence.

In terms of the down payment specifics, when combining the buyer's initial down payment with Rocket Mortgage's 2% grant, the total down payment should not surpass 5% of the home's value.

It's pivotal to understand the distinction between total income and qualifying income.

If applicants can meet the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) without considering bonus income or without adding an additional borrower to the loan, such incomes don't need to be factored into the qualifying income, potentially allowing more flexibility in the qualification process.


FHA Loan Program

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program, established in 1934, has been a cornerstone for many prospective homeowners, especially those who might find the terms of conventional loans less accommodating.

One of the standout features of FHA loans is the minimal down payment requirement, which can be considerably lower than that of conventional loans.

Furthermore, these loans are insured by the federal government, which reduces the risk for lenders, enabling them to offer more lenient qualifying criteria to borrowers.

The primary goal of the FHA loan program is to encourage homeownership across diverse income brackets, particularly catering to first-time homebuyers and those who might not have an extensive credit history or a sizable down payment saved up.


How to Qualify for an FHA Loan


Down Payment Advantage

One of the most significant draws of the FHA loan is its down payment requirement.

Borrowers can put down as little as 3.5% of the home's purchase price if their credit score is 580 or higher. For those with credit scores between 500 and 579, a 10% down payment is required.

This reduced down payment is especially beneficial for individuals who might struggle to save a large lump sum but are otherwise financially capable of handling a mortgage.


Credit Flexibility

FHA loans tend to be more forgiving when it comes to credit history.

While a credit score of 580 or higher is ideal for the 3.5% down payment, potential homeowners with scores between 500-579 can still qualify with a higher down payment.


Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Generally, the FHA prefers a DTI ratio of 43% or lower, meaning your monthly debt payments should not exceed 43% of your gross monthly income.

However, in certain circumstances, lenders might approve borrowers with a higher DTI.


Primary Residence Requirement

FHA loans are only available for primary residences, meaning you must intend to live in the purchased property. Investment properties or second homes are not eligible.


Mortgage Insurance

Since FHA loans cater to those with lower down payments and potentially riskier financial profiles, they require two types of mortgage insurance - upfront and annual.

The upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) is typically 1.75% of the loan amount and can be rolled into the mortgage.

The annual premium varies based on the loan's length, amount, and loan-to-value ratio, but it's usually between 0.45% and 1.05% of the loan amount per year.


VA Loan Program

The VA loan program is a unique home mortgage option available to U.S. veterans, service members, and select military spouses.

The program, established in 1944 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was designed to provide long-term financing to eligible veterans.

One of the key features of VA loans is the no down payment requirement, making it an attractive choice for those who have served in the military.

The federal government backs these loans, thereby reducing the risk for lenders and allowing them to offer favorable terms to borrowers.

The overarching aim of the VA loan program is to offer affordable and feasible homeownership opportunities to those who have served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces.


How to Qualify for a VA Loan


No Down Payment

A defining characteristic of VA loans is the absence of a down payment requirement. Eligible borrowers can finance 100% of the home's value without needing to make a down payment.

This feature removes a significant financial barrier to homeownership for many veterans and active-duty service members.


No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Unlike FHA and conventional loans, VA loans do not require borrowers to purchase private mortgage insurance. This absence of PMI can result in significant monthly savings.


Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

To be eligible for a VA loan, borrowers must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate verifies to lenders that the applicant meets the necessary service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs.


Credit Requirements

While the VA does not set a minimum credit score requirement, individual lenders might have their criteria. Often, a credit score of 620 or higher is preferred, but scores below this might still be accepted depending on the lender's discretion.


Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

While the VA does not have a maximum DTI ratio, a ratio of 41% is commonly seen as a benchmark. However, this can be flexible, especially if the borrower has other compensating factors.


Funding Fee

VA loans typically come with a funding fee, which varies based on factors such as the type of service, whether the borrower has used the VA loan benefit before, and the size of the down payment (if any).

This fee goes directly to the VA to keep the program running for future generations of military homebuyers. However, some veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities, might be exempt from this fee.


Property Standards

Homes purchased with a VA loan must meet the VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), which ensure the property is safe, sound, and sanitary. A VA appraiser evaluates the property to ascertain it meets these standards.


Conventional 97 Loan Program by Fannie Mae

The Conventional 97 loan program is a mortgage option offered by Fannie Mae, one of the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that buys and guarantees mortgages in the United States.

The primary feature of the Conventional 97 program is that it allows borrowers to make a down payment of just 3% of the purchase price, making it a feasible choice for first-time homebuyers or those without substantial savings.

The loan is geared towards standard conventional loans, but with a lower down payment requirement, thus facilitating more individuals to enter the homeownership realm.


How to Qualify for a Conventional 97 Loan


3% Down Payment

The Conventional 97 loan requires a minimal down payment of just 3% of the home's purchase price. This reduced requirement aids borrowers who might have difficulty amassing a larger down payment.


Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Given the low down payment, borrowers will need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, unlike some loan types, the PMI on a Conventional 97 loan can be removed once the borrower has 20% equity in the property.


First-time Homebuyers

The program is mainly geared towards first-time homebuyers, but it's also available to repeat buyers in some cases. Some definitions of "first-time homebuyer" include individuals who haven't owned a home in the past three years.


Credit Requirements

Borrowers typically need a minimum credit score of 620 to qualify for the Conventional 97 program, but individual lender requirements can vary.


Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Lenders will assess a borrower's debt-to-income ratio to ensure they can manage the monthly mortgage payments. While specific DTI requirements can vary, many lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 43% or less.


Loan Limit

The Conventional 97 loan program has loan limits, which may vary based on the region and housing market. These limits are set by Fannie Mae and can change annually.


Property Standards

Homes financed under the Conventional 97 program must be the borrower's primary residence. Additionally, there are certain property type restrictions; for instance, manufactured homes are not eligible.


Bottom Line - Which Program is Best for You?

Navigating the array of home loan programs can be daunting. Here’s a brief rundown tailored to specific homebuyer profiles based on the programs discussed:


Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Best suited for:

  • First-time homebuyers in Florida.

  • Working individuals who contribute significantly to their community.

  • Those with a credit score of 640 or higher and who wish to buy within their community of employment.

Chenoa Fund Program

Best suited for:

  • Buyers who might struggle with the initial down payment.

  • Those with a credit score of 620 or higher.

  • Both first-time and repeat homebuyers, depending on the specific Chenoa product.

Rocket Mortgage ONE+ Program

Best suited for:

  • Buyers wanting to start with a low down payment.

  • Those who would benefit from the absence of mortgage insurance.

  • Both first-time and repeat homebuyers across the nation.

FHA Loan Program

Best suited for:

  • First-time homebuyers.

  • Individuals without an extensive credit history or a substantial down payment.

  • Buyers with a credit score of 580 (for a 3.5% down payment) or between 500-579 (for a 10% down payment).

VA Loan Program

Best suited for:

  • U.S. veterans, service members, and select military spouses.

  • Buyers seeking no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

  • Those with a credit score of 620 or higher, although criteria might vary by lender.

Conventional 97 Loan Program by Fannie Mae

Best suited for:

  • First-time homebuyers or those returning to the market.

  • Buyers with a credit score of 620 or higher.

  • Those who can manage a 3% down payment and are okay with PMI until they reach 20% equity.

Considering the unique features and requirements of each program, prospective homeowners should analyze their financial situation, long-term goals, and specific needs before deciding.

Always consult with a financial advisor or mortgage specialist like MakeFloridaYourHome to ensure the best fit.

With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

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