Florida Hometown Heroes applications now open
Share this @internewscast.com

The program provides up to 35,000 to eligible first time homebuyers for their down payment and closing costs.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Hometown Heroes program now has $50 million in funding to assist eligible first-time home buyers with their down payment and closing costs.

This initiative is accessible to most full-time employees in healthcare, education, childcare, legal services, and emergency response sectors who are employed by a Florida-based organization, in addition to military personnel and veterans.

Last year, the state allocated $100 million to this program. Local realtors predict strong demand this year and that the funds will be utilized quickly.

“It’s such a great program that everybody wants to take advantage of it,” said Cindy James, a realtor in Jacksonville. 

James sells homes all over Jacksonville but she loves helping people purchase a home through the Hometown Heroes program. 

“This house was owned by a first responder,” said James. “He purchased it two years ago as a first-time home buyer and absolutely loved it. It had been recently remodeled, so it felt like buying a new home, all made possible by the Hometown Heroes program.”

Eligible participants can receive assistance up to five percent of their first mortgage loan amount to help with down payments and closing costs, with a maximum benefit of $35,000.

“Instead of using your own money for closing costs and down payment, you can allocate it towards your home,” said James. “This increases the property’s value and equity from the start.”

In addition to the being in a qualifying occupation, there are certain income thresholds you must meet as well which vary based upon county. 

“One of the biggest barriers to home ownership is actually the down payment,” said Tim Weisheyer, President of the Florida Realtors Association. “It’s the ability for individuals to save enough money over time to be able to afford to purchase a home and enter the housing market.”

Weisheyer says that unlike other housing assistance that is available, money set aside for Hometown Heroes can be recycled back into the community.

“When a homeowner receives a down payment assistance to the Hometown Heroes Housing program, when they sell the property, the down payment that they actually received from the state, which is basically a zero interest loan of sorts, that’s provided to them to access home ownership,” said Weisheyer. “That money then goes back into the Hometown Heroes housing program to then be used again to help another family another hometown hero.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Parents of 2 US citizens demand return of their sons’ bodies and all deceased hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

Families of Two U.S. Citizens Urge for the Repatriation of Their Sons’ Bodies and All Deceased Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza

Two American citizens remained among the hostages killed by Hamas as of…
New York's Young Republican chapter disbanded after racist and violent messages exposed in group chat

New York’s Young Republican Group Shuts Down Amid Scandal Over Offensive Chat Messages

The New York Young Republican chapter faces ongoing turmoil as a crucial…
Camp Pendleton: I-5 freeway closed due to Marines anniversary event in Southern California

Camp Pendleton: I-5 Freeway Closure Announced for Marines Anniversary Celebration in Southern California

In a significant disruption, a 17-mile portion of the I-5 freeway in…
78-year-old man missing in Oregon may have fallen in hole; police ask for help

Urgent Search: Oregon Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing 78-Year-Old Man Feared Fallen in Hole

In a bid to locate a missing elderly resident, Oregon authorities are…
State Department warns Hamas may violate ceasefire with attack on Palestinian civilians

State Department Alerts: Potential Ceasefire Breach by Hamas Threatens Palestinian Civilians

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning about “credible…
On is sued over running shoe's allegedly "loud, embarrassing" squeak

Running Shoe Company Faces Lawsuit Over Annoying Squeaky Noise

The popular running shoe brand, On, is facing legal action from several…
Israel identifies remains of 10th deceased hostage handed over by Hamas

Israel Confirms Identification of Tenth Deceased Hostage’s Remains Returned by Hamas

In a recent development, Israel confirmed on Saturday that the remains handed…
'No Kings' protests against Pres. Donald Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Against President Trump Emerge as Vibrant Street Gatherings

WASHINGTON — In a spirited show of dissent against the current administration,…
Watch live: 'No Kings' protests held across the country

Join the Movement: ‘No Kings’ Nationwide Protests Streamed Live – What You Need to Know

With over 2,500 events planned across the nation, tune in here for…
GOP, Dems spar over shutdown, violence, ICE arrests in town hall

Fiery Town Hall Showdown: GOP and Democrats Clash Over Government Shutdown, Rising Violence, and ICE Arrests

During a riveting two-hour town hall on Wednesday night, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo…
Matthew Cuadra, April Valencia killed, 3 hurt in car crash near 75th and Vincennes in Greater Grand Crossing, Chicago: officials

Tragic Car Accident in Greater Grand Crossing: Two Dead, Three Injured Near 75th and Vincennes, Chicago Officials Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — A tragic accident on Chicago’s South Side claimed two…
'No Kings' protest Chicago today: Thousands to gather in Grant Park to oppose Donald Trump administration, Chicago ICE arrests

Chicago Unites: Thousands Rally in Grant Park to Protest Trump’s Policies and ICE Actions

CHICAGO (WLS) — Organizers behind the “No Kings” movement anticipate a large…