Down Payment Assistance

Down Payment Assistance
Photo by Tierra Mallorca / Unsplash

National Programs (Available in Florida)

1. The Chenoa Fund

  • Up to 5% of loan amount
  • Credit scores as low as 600
  • Options: forgivable after 3 years or 30-year repayable
  • www.chenoafund.org

2. Bank of America America's Home Grant

3. National Homebuyers Fund

  • Up to 5% as forgivable second mortgage
  • Income limits apply (typically 80% AMI)
  • Homebuyer education required
  • nationalhomebuyersfund.com

4. Chase Homebuyer Grant

  • $2,500–$7,500 grant
  • Available for Chase conventional, FHA, or VA loans
  • No repayment required
  • Chase Homebuyer Grant

5. FHA Within Reach

  • Combines FHA loans with DPA
  • Credit scores as low as 580
  • 3.5% down (can be covered by DPA)
  • HUD.gov Loans

Florida State Programs

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

  • HFA Advantage: 30-year fixed + up to $15,000 DPA
  • HFA Preferred: For higher-income buyers
  • Florida Assist: 0% interest, deferred repayment second mortgage
  • FloridaHousing.org

Local Programs

St. Johns County

Next Steps

  1. Review the programs above and note which ones interest you.
  2. Contact your lender and ask if they participate in these programs.
  3. Complete homebuyer education if required (many programs require this).
  4. Let me know which programs you want to pursue.
Important Notes:
  • Funding is limited: Some programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Income limits apply: Most programs have maximum household income caps (typically 80–120% of area median income).
  • Credit score minimums: Usually 620–680, depending on the program.
  • Primary residence only: These programs do not apply to investment properties or second homes.

If you have questions or need help connecting with a lender who works with these programs, let me know.

Michael Ruff
New Construction Specialist
Florida and Coastal Georgia
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