All cities and counties in Central Florida offer initiatives promoting or marketing funds to targeted population groups or have initiatives that address Workforce Housing needs. Eligible Workforce Housing initiatives must involve one or more of these options:
- New construction in Target Counties: (Orange, Osceola, Lake, and Seminole Counties)
- New construction in approved developments
- Homes sold by government or non-profit agencies
- Homes with long-term affordability including Community Land Trust and deed restricted homes
- Approved employer-based initiatives
- Neighborhood/Community revitalization efforts
You are not required to be a member of a targeted population group to be eligible for these programs.
HOMES is here to assist you in improving your credit, maintain a budget and help you qualify for an affordable home loan. HOMES provides comprehensive, private housing counseling sessions and homeownership education seminars necessary to receive down payment assistance (like NSP and SHIP) from Central Florida cities and counties. We also help families avoid mortgage foreclosure and predatory loans. Foreclosure prevention counseling is always FREE regardless of household income.
First time homebuyers interested in using Down Payment Assistance should contact a participating lender prior to signing a purchase agreement. Participating lenders can determine the level of eligibility to maximize your purchasing power. Click Here for a list participating lenders.
Real Estate trends and economic fluctuations play a critical role in our communities and neighborhoods. Housing Outreach Management and Education Services (H.O.M.E.S.) wants to empower local communities and neighborhoods to make a positive impact in their communities and neighborhoods. We work hand in hand with other local affiliates and organizations such as NACA, HANDS and a host of other national organizations that empower local communities and neighborhoods and help stabilize our local economies.
N.S.P
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), was created by the US Congress as result of the Mortgage Foreclosure crisis faced by our nation. This program provides funding to local, and state governments to reduce the amount of foreclosed and abandoned homes in our communities. The program also provides Down Payment Assistance and Closing Cost assistance for families that meet the very low, low and moderate income level qualification. The program is initiated differently, depending on the county you live in, so check with our office or your local Housing Development office for more specific details pertaining to the county you live in or are thinking of purchasing in. HOMES has partners with local counties and cities to help educate families about the processes and procedures used to qualify for this program. We have on site counselors and have one-on-one workshops and Seminars to promote community awareness of this specific program. You can reach us at 407-513-2718 or Click Here for more specific details of the NSP Program designed by State, County or City.
FLORIDA FIRST BOND PROGRAM
The Bond Program is another excellent option available for Buyers who live in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola Counties. The program is designed for First-Time Homebuyers (can't have owned a home within the last 3 years). Assistance amount is up to $7,500.00 which can be used for Down Payment and/or Closing Costs. There is a maximum household income limit, but it is quite generous. You must have a minimum credit score of 640 and can only use the funds for Existing Homes, New Construction Homes, Townhomes, and Condo purchases. Please Click Here to download the Orange County Bond Program guidelines or call us at 407-513-2718 with specific questions about this program and find out if you might qualify.
FLORIDA HARDEST HIT PROGRAM
The federal government has allocated funding to help pay the mortgages of qualified homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. Troubled homeowners in all 67 counties who want to apply for HHF financial assistance will be able to do so via their website.
Homeowners who qualify for financial assistance may receive up to six (6) months of monthly mortgage payments (including escrowed mortgage-related payments) and/or funds to pay past due mortgage payments to bring the mortgage current; these funds are paid directly to the loan servicer/lender. To see if you are eligible, Click Here.