Down Payment Assistance Resources:
04/03/2025
SHIP Purchase Assistance
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
Application Launch Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm
MAXIMUM AWARD: $100,000
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Purchase Assistance Program funding will provide income eligible applicants/households assistance to acquire their first home (including acquisition, new construction, down payment and closing costs) that will be used as their primary place of residence.
Household Size and Eligible Income Categories to be served:
| Number of Persons in Household | Moderate Income (140%) (Less than or Equal to) |
| 1 | $105,000 |
| 2 | $119,980 |
| 3 | $134,960 |
| 4 | $149,940 |
| 5 | $161,980 |
| 6 | $174,020 |
The online application portal will open on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm, and close on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm (or until 100 applications have been submitted). Applications must be submitted online, and will be processed on a first submitted, first qualified, first served basis, subject to funding availability. All financial assistance will be in the form of a deferred loan secured by a recorded Mortgage, Promissory Note and Declaration of Restrictions.
Required Documents - At the time of application submittal, the following documents must be provided:
- Copy of U.S. Birth Certificates or valid U.S. Passport or Naturalization Certificate for ALL household members.
- For all Non-U.S. Citizen household members provide a copy of a valid Permanent Resident Card
NOTE: ALL Applicants are required to have a First Mortgage Loan approval from a lender before applying
Additional Information:
Funds will be awarded as a 0% interest deferred payment loan secured by a recorded Mortgage,
Promissory Note and Declaration of Restriction for 30 years. The loan is forgiven at the end of the 30-year term.
The property's purchase price cannot exceed $568,557
Applicant(s) cannot currently own a home
First Time Homebuyer under the HUD definition: An individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period
ending on the date of purchase of the property. This provision is limited to a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers).
A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married. An individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse.
An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations.
An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and which cannot be brought into compliance for
less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.
Applicant may not currently own or have liquid assets exceeding $200,000, and/or combination of liquid and non-liquid assets
exceeding the current purchase price limit (excluding their primary residence). PRE-APPLICATION ORIENTATION: Before submitting an application, applicants may attend one of the Virtual Pre-Application Orientations listed below:
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:00 am
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3:30 pm
The Virtual Pre-Application Orientation Meeting WebEx link is:
https://pbc-gov.webex.com/pbc-gov/j.php?MTID=m7b96bd0e0e0c448a96ea90d4daee6bd0
Meeting Number: 2318 765 2947
Password: nXfgnuFT663
(OR) Dial (904)-900-2303 or (844) 621-3956 (Toll Free) to join by phone
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 286.26, Florida Statute, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in the business,
community and/or housing programs through our online application portal, may notify the Department of Housing and Economic Development (DHED), Mortgage and Housing Investments Division at (561) 233-3600 or via email at HEDVerify@pbc.gov, five (5) business days prior to the opening of the application portal.
This document may be requested in an alternate format, to help facilitate your process of applying through the online portal. If you are unable to find assistance to
apply through the online portal, we can provide a list of agencies who may be able to help (charges from that agency may apply). Contact DHED for more information and the process.
For additional information, please contact:
Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED)
Mortgage and Housing Investments Division
100 Australian Avenue, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Telephone: (561) 233-3600 Receptionist or Antoinette Prescott (561) 233-3606 or Rommel Sankhi (561) 233-3693
Email: HEDVerify@pbc.gov
Accessibility Statement: https://discover.pbcgov.org/Pages/Accessibility-Statement-Resources.aspx
04/01/2025
03/25/2025
Broward County Homebuyer Purchase Assistance (HPA) program funding is available!
Learn how you may receive up to $90,000 in Down Payment Assistance and Closing Costs depending on the program: https://www.homeapproved.org/upcoming-event
11/22/2024
The City of Boca Raton continues to accept applications for the SHIP First Time Home Buyer Program!
While some applicants may be placed on a wait list depending on available funding, the City currently has funding for very low-income applicants (households with income below 50% of AMI adjusted for household size). Priority review is given to very low-income households, and households with special needs members as defined by Florida Statute. I have attached an informational flier to this email; please feel free to distribute it to persons that may want to apply. Please see the income limits and maximum award amounts for the City below:
10/17/2024
Click Here for additional program information
10/01/2024
City of Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program
PURCHASE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Before submitting your application, please consider the following: program participants are required to income and property qualify, be able to obtain a mortgage loan from a lending institution, must have completed the HUD-approved Eight Hour Homebuyer Education Course, and the mortgage lender must adhere to the City’s underwriting guidelines. Applicants seeking funding with cash value assets exceeding $40,000 after closing are considered ineligible.
AWARD
Very Low - up to $75,000
Low - up to $65,000
Moderate (SHIP Program Only) - up to $40,000
SUMMARY
The purchase assistance program is a deferred second mortgage that assists with down payment and closing costs (refer to underwriting guidelines) for existing and new home purchases. New construction must have received a certificate of occupancy within the last twelve months. Applicants will not receive the maximum award in all cases.
The program is offered on a FIRST QUALIFIED, FIRST CLOSED, FIRST SERVED basis.
For additional information, please visit https://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/departments/city-manager-administration/housing-grants/purchase-assistance-program
10/01/2024
The Hallandale Beach CRA (HBCRA) is now accepting applications for the new CRA and Citywide residential program. Applications must be submitted by appointment only, and no walk-ins will be accepted. We are currently experiencing higher-than-usual call volumes, and we appreciate your patience as our team diligently returns calls.
https://cohbcra.org/programs/residential-programs/
08/29/2024
The Condominium Special Assessment Program is designed to provide funding assistance to help condominium owners in Miami-Dade County pay for special assessment requirements that arise from rehabilitation and repairs due to applicable building integrity recertification requirements.
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Qualifying owners making less than 140% of the area median income (AMI) can get up to $50,000 in assistance to pay for these assessments. Individuals earning less than $95,620; couples making less than $109,200; three-person households earning less than $122,920; and households of four making less than $136,500 may be eligible.
Surtax funds will be in the form of a loan and the annual household median income may not exceed the maximum limit of 140% as indicated in the Miami-Dade County income limit chart.
Loan terms will be structured to mitigate the financial burden on families while recognizing the need to ensure compliance with the Surtax program.
Program overview:
- The program will address physical damage to the condominium
- The homeowner must reside in the unit and it must be their primary residence and homestead; Investment owners are not eligible for program assistance
- The program will provide loans up to $50,000.00 with a repayment term of 40 years
- The monthly payment will be $50.00 for low-income families with the remaining balance due at Maturity Date
- The monthly payment for moderate income families will be calculated at 0.00% interest rate for 40 years
- Any cash assets exceeding $50,000.00 must be used for down payment up to 10% of the loan amount
- If the owner sells the property, cash out refinance or ceases to use the home as primary residence, the balance of the loan becomes due and payable
- Upon the death of the owner, the loan shall become due and payable in full unless ownership of the property passes to the heirs of owner and those heirs meet the following criteria:
- Live in the property
- Earn no more than the maximum percentage AMI funding activity at time of transfer
- Execute appropriate documents as required by Miami-Dade County
- One-time assessment per unit owner
- The rehabilitation funds will be payable to the Condominium Association
- The Condominium Budget and Condo Questioner will be required and reviewed
- Mortgage payments and HOA/Maintenance fees must be current
- A description of the work to be done and or the Scope of Work will be required to determine the loans assistance
- Semi-annual reports from the Condominium Association will be required
Complete the Condominium Special Assessment Application and return it by mail or in person. Email applications will not be accepted.
Required documentation:
- Valid Florida driver’s licenses or State ID card for adults
- Warranty Deed, Quit Claim Deed or other evidence of ownership of the property
- Last four paystubs, unemployment compensation, valid social security award letter and evidence of pensions, child support/alimony payments; if applicable
- Copy of social security cards for applicant and co-applicant only
- Proof of US citizenship or current permanent legal residency
- Most current 3 months bank statements for all accounts; must reflect monthly balances
- Mortgage payment must be current and provide copy of current mortgage statement. No coupons accepted
- Copy of current HOA Fees
- Birth certificates for all household members regardless of age. No birth cards accepted
- Last 2 years Federal Income Tax Returns including W-2s, all pages and schedules
- Current SSA-1099 form
- Proof of hazard insurance, flood insurance; if applicable.
- Copy of last utility bills (electric and water bill)
- Copy of Discharged Bankruptcy including all schedules and pages; if applicable
- Divorce Decree and/or Death Certificate; if applicable
08/15/2024
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Open Enrollment Starts Now
| We are excited to announce that the open enrollment period for our Homeownership Program is approaching late summer 2024! This is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers in Broward County to achieve their dream of homeownership. Please view the homeownership program overview video above and review the following steps below to ensure you are prepared to apply: Step 1: Review Our Program Qualifications General Requirements: - Must be a first-time homebuyer
- Must live and/or work in Broward County for at least a year
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)
- Show a stable employment history
- Have sufficient credit history with health financial management, no unsatisfied public records, and no bankruptcies within the last three years
- Establish a monthly savings account
- Total debt-to-income ratio that fall within the Habitat guidelines.
Step 2: Determine if You’re Ready If you meet the qualifications and are ready to proceed, you have two options: - Review the homeownership program overview video to learn more about Habitat’s program requirements and next steps for applying.
- Complete the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire During Open Enrollment Opening August 12, 2024: Fill out our Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to see if you meet all program requirements. Once submitted, you will receive a notification within two weeks, either inviting you to the next stages in the process or providing reasons why you do not qualify at this time.
Step 3: Attend Habitat Homebuyer Program Pre-Application Session Eligible applicants who pass the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire will be invited to attend a Homebuyer Program meeting. This session includes: - Step-by-step guidance on completing your submission packet
- Receiving your homeownership program application packet and documents request list
- Answer any questions applicants may have
Submission packets will be reviewed to verify income, employment, credit, financial history, and background. If the information meets all criteria and guidelines, applicants will move to the final step in the process. Step 4: Home Visit Applicants who pass the homeownership program application review phase will be invited to schedule a Home Visit. This is an important step to assess an applicant's housing needs. After the Home Visits, an independent Home Selection Committee will make recommendations for final selections into the Homeownership Program. We'd like to encourage you to start preparing your documents and review our qualifications carefully. Open enrollment is your chance to take a significant step toward owning your own home! View the homeownership program informational video here. |
Helpful Links
Bank of America’s Community Homeownership Commitment®
Bank of America Down Payment Center
Low Down Payment Loans
Bank of America Real Estate Center®
Bank of America First-Time Homebuyer Online Edu-Series™
Better Money Habits®
Helpful Information
Our Resources can help you understand the home buying process and your rights, provide you with information about the available down payment grants, help you locate resources in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, and much more.
Also check out our glossary to understand unfamiliar terms.
Select a County above to get started. Knowledge is Power!
Required Documents - At the time of application submittal, the following documents must be provided:
- Copy of Pre-Approval Letter from a First Mortgage Lender (Mandatory)
- Copy of valid Drivers' License or State Identification for ALL adult household members
- Copy of U.S. Birth Certificates or valid U.S. Passport or Naturalization Certificate for ALL household members. For all Non-U.S. Citizen household members provide a copy of a valid Permanent Resident Card
- Copy of current Verification of Employment (VOE) completed and signed by employer within 30 days of submission of application (Preferred) (OR) copy of most recent 30 days paycheck stubs (one month) for ALL working adult household members
- Copy of most recent Social Security, Retirement and/or Disability Award Letter for ALL household members
- If an adult student is employed – copy of student enrollment or current class schedule
- If unemployed, a copy of unemployment benefits statement (OR) a completed Unemployment Affidavit for ALL household members
- Wage Earner Statement from Social Security Administration for ALL unemployed adult household members
- If self-employed provide a completed YTD Profit and Loss (P & L) Statement for ALL adult household members AND most recent three (3) years of tax returns –all pages- (signed and dated) as submitted to the IRS (OR) current 1099 Income earner AND most recent three (3) years of tax returns –all pages-(signed and dated) as submitted to the IRS
- Proof of child support documentation
- Legal documentation for adoption, divorce, battered spouse & restraining order
- Completed Verification of Deposit (VOD) (Preferred) for ALL current accounts (checking and savings) for ALL adult household members (OR) copy of most recent bank statement for all accounts – all pages
- Most Recent Statement Account for: CD, Investment account, Whole life insurance, stocks and bonds) for ALL adult household members
- Most recent tax returns – all pages-(signed and dated) as submitted to the IRS and corresponding W2s/1099s- look for “other income" Schedule “C" (Mark out the first five digits of your social security number before submitting)
- Certificate of Completion for Homebuyer Education from a HUD Certified Counseling Agency or Neighborworks America (OR) Documentation of an upcoming scheduled appointment (Search for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or contact one of our Housing Partners)
- County's Eight (8) Hour Homebuyer Education Counseling Certification form completed by the Counseling Agency's Instructor
NOTE: ALL Applicants are required to have a First Mortgage Loan approval from a lender before applying
Additional Information:
- Funds will be awarded as a 0% interest deferred payment loan secured by a recorded Mortgage, Promissory Note and Declaration of Restriction for 30 years. The loan is forgiven at the end of the 30-year term.
- The property's purchase price cannot exceed $568,557
- Applicant(s) cannot currently own a home
- First Time Homebuyer under the HUD definition: An individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of purchase of the property. This provision is limited to a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers). A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married. An individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse. An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations. An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.
- Applicant may not currently own or have liquid assets exceeding $200,000, and/or combination of liquid and non-liquid assets exceeding the current purchase price limit (excluding their primary residence).
PRE-APPLICATION ORIENTATION: Before submitting an application, applicants may attend one of the Virtual Pre-Application Orientations listed below:
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:00 am
- Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 12:30 pm
- Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 2:00 pm
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 4:00 pm
- Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3:30 pm
The Virtual Pre-Application Orientation Meeting WebEx link is:
Meeting Number: 2318 765 2947
Password: nXfgnuFT663
(OR) Dial (904)-900-2303 or (844) 621-3956 (Toll Free) to join by phone
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 286.26, Florida Statute, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in the business, community and/or housing programs through our online application portal, may notify the Department of Housing and Economic Development (DHED), Mortgage and Housing Investments Division at (561) 233-3600 or via email at HEDVerify@pbc.gov, five (5) business days prior to the opening of the application portal. This document may be requested in an alternate format, to help facilitate your process of applying through the online portal. If you are unable to find assistance to apply through the online portal, we can provide a list of agencies who may be able to help (charges from that agency may apply). Contact DHED for more information and the process.
For additional information, please contact:
Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED)
Mortgage and Housing Investments Division
100 Australian Avenue, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Telephone: (561) 233-3600 Receptionist or Antoinette Prescott (561) 233-3606 or Rommel Sankhi (561) 233-3693
Email: HEDVerify@pbc.gov
Accessibility Statement: https://discover.pbcgov.org/Pages/Accessibility-Statement-Resources.aspx