Get Started

Get Started

Welcome! Let us guide your journey to home ownership. Many of our clients thought this was not possible, but with dedication, hard work and perseverance a brand new home can be in your future.
Let’s see which program works for you.

STEP 1

Which Program Is Right For Me?

Click through the tabs to learn about the different programs we have available.

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  • Intake appointments for the self-help program are paused until future notice

 

Most of our clients go through the USDA Mutual Self–Help housing program, where neighbors contribute “sweat-equity” to build their community together. This program provides an opportunity to purchase a new home with no money down and minimal additional out-of-pocket expenses. Let’s take a closer look.

 

Things to consider: 

  1. The Self-Help Program takes two years to complete. There is a waiting list.  
  2. Participants must contribute a minimum of 600 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of their homes and the homes of their future neighbors. 
  3. In order to qualify, you must be a first-time homeowner, and meet our income requirements.
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Florida Home Partnership currently has seven CHDO Spec homes that will be move-in ready in June 2023! These energy-efficient CHDO Spec homes are income-restricted and funded by Hillsborough County. All prospective homeowners must meet the CHDO Down Payment Assistance (DPA) requirements before seeking financing for their primary mortgage loan.

Things to consider: 

  • There is only a limited number of homes available, but they are available right now.
  • There is no labor requirement for these homes.
  • In order to qualify, you must be a first-time homeowner and meet the income requirements.
  • See the six steps CHDO process & Home Flyer
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If you’re not quite ready for a single-family home, one of our rentals or townhomes might be right for you.  Rental listings coming soon. 

STEP 2

Do I Qualify?

As a nonprofit affordable home builder, we are excited to offer programs to help first-time buyers. There are certain qualifications that must be met in order to be eligible for our home ownership assistance programs. Please click through the tabs below to find out if you qualify. If you do not qualify for either program, you might still be eligible to purchase one of our homes. A limited number of lots have been set aside for clients with incomes over 80% of the median income. These homes have different labor requirements, separate pricing and special financing. Contact the office for details.

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Down Payment Assistance (DPA) funding is available to homebuyer households earning below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for unincorporated Hillsborough County. The basis for ranking cases for funding is first come, first served, based on income level. DPA will be recorded as a 2nd Mortgage: it is a deferred payment loan at 0% interest, and the homeowner must use the home as their primary residence.

DPA Requirements:

  1. Must be a first-time homebuyer (or never owned a home in the last three years)
  2. A minimum total household income of $35,000 (Including asset income), MUST be under 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), per Federal HUD guidelines (Income limits are subject to change annually). See income chart.
  3. Meet the DPA ratio requirements:
  4. Front Ratio (Housing Ratio) must be above 23% and below 33%
  5. Back Ratio (Debt to Income Ratio) must be below 45%
  6. Must have good or repairable credit: No outstanding Lien or Judgments. (Bankruptcy must be discharged over two years ago)
  7. Cannot have liquid assets exceeding $20,000 (does not include retirement accts.).
  8. Have two years of verifiable income.
  9. If Self-Employed: Must provide IRS Transcripts for the last two years, 1099’s, and a Profit and Loss  Statement for the current year.
  10. Have two years of good rental history.
  11. Must be able to take an 8-hour homebuyer education class in Hillsborough County.

*Additional information or documentation may be needed depending on your household situation*

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“Net-Zero” Energy Homes First Time Home Buyer Assistance Program (DPA) Requirements: 

*DPA Funding is available to homebuyer households earning 80% and below the Area Median Income (AMI) for unincorporated Hillsborough County. The basis for ranking cases for funding is  rst-come,  rst-served,  rst eligible, based on income level. DPA will be recorded as a 2nd Mortgage: it is a deferred payment loan, at 0% interest and the homebuyer MUST use the home as their primary residency*

  1. Must be a  First Time Home Buyer (or have not owned a home in the last three years)
  2. Must take at a minimum, an 8-hour Homebuyers Education class (Online Certificates are NOT Acceptable)
  3. Total household income must be at or below 80% AMI, for Hillsborough County, per HUD’s income guidelines (*Subject to change every year)
    1. Example, for a family of 4, per HUD’s Income limit, for 2020: The maximum $56,200 (including assent income, if applicable)
  4. Must have good or repairable credit: (Bankruptcy must have at least 2-years past, from the Discharge Date. Cannot have any outstanding Liens or Judgments)
  5. DPA amount varies, depending on the client/s income level and need.
  6. Ratio requirements:
    a. Front Ratios (Housing Ratio) between 23% and no higher than 33%
    b. Backend Ratio (Debt Income Ratio) Under 45%
  7. Two years of employment history
  8. Two years of rental history

STEP 3

Still Interested? Let's Talk.

Here’s more information:

a) View the list of requirements
b) Learn more about the process
c) Get on the waiting list

Request A Packet:

Here’s more information:

a) View the list of requirements
b) Learn more about the process
c) Get on the waiting list

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Request A Packet:

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Schedule An Appointment:

Hard Work Makes Dreams Come True!

“Having my kids involved in this process has made it that much better. They are learning firsthand how hard work will make dreams come true.”
Connie Savidge