What is Buyer Assistance?

Buyer Assistance Programs help make home ownership more affordable by offering financial support for down payments, closing costs, and more.

🏡 1. Pinellas County Down Payment Assistance Program 

Best for: Low–moderate income buyers purchasing in most of the county

💰 Up to $75,000 assistance

📉 0% interest, deferred loan (often forgivable after 30 years)

🏠 Can cover down payment + closing costs

📍 Applies to unincorporated areas + many cities (but not all)

Key requirements:

Income limits (example):

~$58,450 single / $83,450 household (varies by AMI)

Must be primary residence

Asset cap: ~$50K

Purchase price cap: ~$544K

Must complete HUD-approved homebuyer class

👉 This is the most powerful program locally—often layered with other financing.

🏦 2. Housing Finance Authority (HFA) – Home Key + Home Key Plus

Best for: First-time buyers (or no ownership in 3 years)

💰 $10,000 down payment assistance (Pinellas version)

🏦 Paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans

📉 0% second mortgage (deferred)

💳 Minimum credit score: ~660

Key features:

3% down conventional option available

Lower mortgage insurance on some programs

Assistance repaid when you sell, refinance, or move

👉 Very commonly used alongside the county DPA or state programs.

🌆 3. City-Specific Down Payment Programs

Some cities run their own programs instead of the county program:

Cities with their own assistance:

Clearwater

Largo

St. Petersburg

Typical features:

💰 $20K–$60K+ assistance (varies by city)

📉 Often forgivable loans (10–20 years)

🎯 Income + first-time buyer restrictions

👉 Important: You cannot stack county + city programs in most cases—you use one or the other.

🌴 4. Florida State Programs (Stackable Options)

These can often be combined with local programs:

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)

💰 Up to ~$10,000 assistance

📉 0% deferred second mortgage

🎯 First-time buyers, income limits

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

💰 Up to 5% of loan (max ~$35,000)

👷 Now open to many full-time workers (not just frontline)

📉 Deferred second mortgage

👉 These are powerful when layered with Pinellas County or HFA programs.