- Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services
OVERVIEW
Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services works with various local and state programs to connect home buyers with Down Payment Assistance to help them buy their home. We also have access for home buyers to additional private Down Payment Assistance funds with our partnership with various lenders.
These funds can be used to assist with the Down Payment, and in most cases can also assist with paying for the Closing Costs of your new home.
- Most of the Down Payment Assistance programs funds are provided to the home buyer in the form of a no Interest rate loan, and some of the loans are forgiven after you live in the home for a period of time.
Each program has different requirements to qualify.
– To determine if you are eligible you will need to meet with a Housing Counselor at Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Most of the programs are for First Time Home Buyers
– This means that you have not owned a home in three years.
– Some programs do allow for homebuyers that have recently owned a home.
- Each program has its own unique set of income limitations.
– Our Housing Counselors will assist in determining which programs you may qualify for.
- All the programs require that you attend the Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services Home Buyer Education class.
– This class is currently offered two times a month.
Area We Serve
Pinellas County, FL
Pasco County, FL
Hillsborough County, FL
Different counties in Florida outside of these three counties have their own rules and regulations for receiving down payment assistance. You will need to check with the county, other than Pinellas and Pasco, to see what requirements they have for their programs.
ASSISTANCE AMOUNTS
Each community determines how much funding they make available to home buyers. These programs change from time to time, and it is important that you work with the Housing Counselors at Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services for the most up to date information.
Where the home you choose to buy is located determines how much funding is available. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis from each community. Check with your Housing Counselor to determine available funding opportunities.
Household Income
Income limits vary by family size. When determining household income, all household members are counted, regardless of who is determined eligible/qualified for the first mortgage loan. All household income of persons 18 years and older, who will reside in the property, must be included.
Eligible Property Types
- New construction homes
- Previously built homes
- Single-family residences
- Condominiums or townhouses
An inspection is required to verify that the housing meets applicable safety and code requirements on existing properties.
Ineligible Property Types
- Rental properties
- Manufactured and mobile homes
- Adjustable-rate mortgages, balloon mortgages, mortgage assumptions, and mortgages that include prepayment penalties are not allowed
- If the property being purchased is occupied by a tenant who will be displaced so the loan can close, the community is unable to provide assistance.
Your First Step
The first step to gain access to Down Payment Assistance is to sign up and attend the FREE Home Buyer Education Class that is offered by Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services.
To register for an upcoming class, complete the form on the following link and we will contact you and get you enrolled in an upcoming class. Click here to sign up for our next Home Buyer Education Class.
