Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance At A Glance

Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 in assistance through a second mortgage with no interest and no monthly payments. You can pair it with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. The best part? You can use it for your down payment, closing costs, or both.

Highlights

• Up to $35,000. Assistance is based on 5% of your first mortgage loan amount — capped at $35,000 — and can be used toward down payment or closing costs.
• No payments until you move. It's a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments. You only repay it when you sell, refinance, or transfer ownership.
• Not just for first-time buyers. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and this is your primary residence, you’re good to go.
• Plays well with others. Works alongside FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans — and can often be combined with other local grants.

Hometown Heroes Guidelines

• Assistance Type: 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage.
• Max Amount: Up to 5% of the loan amount, capped at $35,000.
• Repayment: Due when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home.
• Forgivable? Not forgivable but fully deferred with no monthly payments.
• Eligible Property Types: Primary residences only (single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and some manufactured homes).
• Loan Pairing: Must be used with an approved first mortgage through Florida Housing.
• PMI: Determined by your first mortgage program.

Hometown Heroes DPA Pros

• Big-Time Assistance: Up to $35,000 toward your down payment or closing costs, depending on your loan amount.
• Use It Where It Counts: Apply funds toward down payment, closing costs, or even reduce your loan amount.
• Flexible Pairings: Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
• Not Just For First-Time Buyers: As long as it’s your primary residence and you meet the job + income criteria, you’re eligible.
• Helps You Stay Local: So you can live where you work.
• Deferred Repayment: You only pay it back if you sell, refinance, or transfer ownership.

Best Candidates

• Teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and more

• Buyers who meet the income limits and looking for a smart way to reduce upfront costs

• Buyers ready to purchase a primary residence in Florida