Florida Hometown Hero Housing Program - Explained

[@germ_trdz]

What about refinancing? If I refinance would I have to pay the loan?

[@CrypticCobra]

So If I understand correctly they will pay up to 25k to assist in your home purchase, and they expect you to return that money to them some day, but charge you 0% interest in the mean time. If that is true, what is to stop someone from getting the 25k 0% interest assistance loan, and then completely ignoring it, and never paying it off, just as long as they do not sell or refinance the home?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

That is the whole point. You don't have to repay it until you sell it. It is an AMAZING OPPORTUNITY to get downpayment and closing cost assistance! The entire purpose of this program is to help make homes for affordable for those in the approved employment categories!!

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

Awesome video! Thank you guys for your continued service!

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Thanks for the kind words Dennis

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Thanks from the whole team at Navy to Navy

[@taebandstv3940]

I’m not a nurse but Iam working as a dietary aid could I Still get in this program?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes you can. Feel free to give us a call.

[@yaurelis15]

I just contacted the Homes for Hero’s and they deny that they can provide additional support or “maximize” support with this grant. They said it’s pretty new and they aren’t sure what lenders they would be working with?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Homes for Heroes isn't the approving authority or directly related to the program in any way. What I was discussing in the video is that using a Homes for Heroes Realtor was a way to maximize the program, when it is combined with a lender that supports the Hometown Hero Housing Program. I know it is confusing. We do both at Navy to Navy in our offices in Jacksonville and Pensacola. Feel free to call us directly if you have questions: 904-900-4766

[@aaronp0324]

Great video! I realize $25,000 is the cap, but that only services 4, 000 families with a 100 million budget. Any predictions on when the funds will run out at this point?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

As of Aug 1st they were in the 40million used. There is already talk of additional funding going into the program

[@W.O.G_]

Great video, you explained it so well thank you.

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

You are very welcome. Let me know if you need any help finding a realtor or lender in your area.

[@22quanar]

I’m a nurse in Tampa, looking to buy in Pasco county. Preferably Zephyrhills area. Who can assist me? TIA!!

[@veronicablack1121]

I love in Pensacola Florida and me and my husband are looking to buy using this program as I am a veteran but we dont know who to contact to get started. Can you give any suggestions for our area?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Joanna Bradford is the "go-to" agent in Pensacola! You can Google us: Navy to Navy Homes and will connect you! Or you can call the number or website at the end of the video.

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

You can also register at www.850heroes.com

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

Not all lenders are certified to provide the program...you'll need to ask your if they do or not...

[@victoriaaaron1847]

Hey, Veronica! I’m a local realtor for the FL Panhandle and certified Military Relocation Professional. I would be happy to answer any housing questions you have for our area. Feel free to message me! 😊

[@richannebarrett2475]

What about Orlando/Poinciana area?

[@ivybaez190]

Do you work with home buyers in South Florida or can you recommend someone I can get information from in my part of town. Thank you.

[@jonathannarvaez8378]

Me and my wife are going to be starting our housing hunt soon. Will definitely be reaching out.

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Great. We look forward to helping you maximize all your benefits and savings! 904-900-4766 is our office line. Or you can register at www.904Heroes.com and we will reach out to you.

[@avictoria228]

Is the income limit for the qualify individual or the household income?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Income limits are "less than 150% of median local or state household incomes" Depending on your location and profession. We can connect you with a participating lender for detailed questions.

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

Individual income for the Florida Hometown Heroes program

[@nickijemz1167]

Does this apply to if you sell a home in another state and moving to Florida for the first time?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes it does!

[@greener-garden-tips]

I thought that they waved requirements for "hero" type of job requirements

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes they did. This video was from a year ago, about the original program

[@angelafleming6755]

How do I qualify

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

If you work in one of these front line jobs (military, veteran, first responder, fire, police, educators, medical/healthcare, childcare) then you are potentially eligible and give us a call. We will connect you with the right folks. 904-900-4766

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Give us a call 904-900-4766 or you can register directly at www.904Heroes.com

[@terraGaliciaXXIV]

What happens once a service member has a change of duty station? Does the 25k have to be paid back if the house is rented out at PCS?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

It needs to be paid back at the time of sale.

[@terraGaliciaXXIV]

@@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp thank you for the reply. So if a service member is on deployment and rents out the house while away does that mean that the 25k does not have to be paid unless sold?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

@@terraGaliciaXXIV If the home remains your primary residence (which is completely legal to do in FL, even if you move) it doesn't have to be paid back when you transfer, only when you sell, refinance, etc.

[@durante6500]

Single home credit requirements i was told 660 But mobile home/modulator homes is 680😤

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Credit requirements vary from lender to lender depending on the type of loan you are trying to qualify for.

[@durante6500]

@@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp well I'm three days from closing with my VA loan 0 down and was approved for the hometown heros until they realized the mobile home different requirements so now we have to renegotiate and ask the seller to cover closing costs to cover the difference because my credit is 4 point shy, even was told a state of Florida make exceptions but for 1 point only 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

@@durante6500 So sorry to hear that. That is something your lender should have been able to disclose to you early on. Sorry, you are having to deal with that.

[@darriahlazard]

Recommendations for Tampa area?

[@erikamae9149]

Is it true that it’s fixed rate?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Yes, The Hometown Hero downpayment loan itself is fixed, zero percent. It is paid back in full when you sell the home. We have helped several buyers use it.

[@marilinmartinez2739]

GM. Im an RN. If I choose a house of $300.00 for example and my down payment is 15$ and my closing cost is $10. May I use the money divided like this? $ 15.000 for downpayment & $10.000 for closing cost??

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

It can be used as you deem necessary, within the guidelines of the program

[@marilinmartinez2739]

Some body told me if I m using $15.000 x downpayment I have to give the closing cost of $10.00 from my pocket. Is that true?? I do not know

[@marilinmartinez2739]

Sorry Your answer did not answered my question

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

@@marilinmartinez2739 No, that is not entirely correct. It won't be 25k if you are only buying a 300k house. It is 5% of your primary loan amount. It is much easier to discuss all the ins/outs of the program with us or your lender directly.

[@هدوءالنسمة]

RN in FL. How can you help us utilize these programs

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

We can help you with this program and several others to help anyone in the medical field. Call us at 904-900-4766

[@deefelder4185]

I am a federal emergency response offical..does this

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes. You qualify!

[@elvisaguiar7099]

What if your starting the job say like a firefighters

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes 100%. Give us a call 904-900-4766 or you can register directly at www.904Heroes.com

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

totally! You will need to meet the guidelines for minimum time at new job though.

[@lovelyneworld3495]

Do you have to work for a certain amount of years…just received my license as a CNA would still qualify for the loan.

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

No. There aren't specific time requirement for the program but you may have to meet time requirements for your primary loan with your mortgage lender. That is different than the program itself

[@christirn9187]

Hello, I didn't see any application for it. Should I just contact a real estate agent?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Just call the number at the end of the video or reach out to us on the website. Not all agents or lenders participate.

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Give us a call 904-900-4766 or you can register directly at www.904Heroes.com

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

You apply for it via your loan officer... they plug you into it.

[@yesseniaescobarable]

Can VA Loan and the Hometown Hero Program be used at the same time?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes! 100%. You can also include a Homes for Heroes realtor rebate with it as well. You can register at 904heroes.com or give us a call if you have any questions: 904-900-4766

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

It is the the single BEST combo ! With the Florida Hometown Heroes program you can literally buy a home with almost no money out of pocket! (should be pretty darn close to ZERO!) Especially if you take advantage of working with Navy To Navy homes and Homes To Heroes Program!

[@J.D.Vision]

Are there any programs for retirees or disabled individuals on SSI/SSDI?

[@joetv01]

Hi. Does it apply to full-time college professors? I don't see that profession within the educators' list. No one seems to know from the lenders I've contacted. Thanks!

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Great! Please give us a call directly at 904-900-4766 and we will put you in touch with one of our agents or you can register directly at www.904heroes.com

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes it does. That is an educator.

[@HongBuhmDoh]

I’ve just relocated to Florida and Im in the process of selling my house in DC. Am i qualify as first time buyer in FL?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Yes, you are considered a First Time home buyer.

[@AbiSax]

If Two teachers are buying a house will the money they qualify for double or just still the 25k maximum?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

It's will NOT double. It is a set percentage of the purchase price

[@lindseylynch2368]

RN who lives currently in Alabama but have worked/commuted to Florida to work for 5 years now. Wanting to move there. How long do I have to be a resident of Florida to participate in this program?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

There is no set time, you just have to be able to prove you are or will become a resident. If you are purchasing the home as your primary residence in FL, the paperwork will follow accordingly.

[@orangeismedia]

Don’t you have to pay the money back?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes. When you sell the home. Think of it as a zero interest loan for the duration of the time you own the house.

[@roxannewilliams4762]

Hi What if I’m a teacher assistant?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Yes Roxanne. Give us a call 904-900-4766

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes, you still qualify. Give us a call and we are happy to get you connected: 904-900-4766

[@jeremywasson4618]

I work at a private school in the Tampa area as a private security school resource Officer. Also currently a month away from Closing on a home. Would I qualify? Ty

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

If you have already started with the loan process, it would depend if your mortgage company / loan officer provide the program. It is much easier to start the process and pick lenders/realtors who are familiar with the program

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

Qualifying occupations require a license / certification from the state, and be employed in that occupation...as an SRO, you are also a sworn law enforcement officer yes?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes, you qualify. Here are a list of all the currently approved occupations: www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/homebuyers/hometown-heroes/eligible-occupations.pdf?sfvrsn=238ff57b_2

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

@@NavytoNavyHomes SRO ? For HTH DPA? I don't think they are. Not a sworm Officer. Please let me know what you find. I have one here in SFL and I didn't think he was.

[@terraGaliciaXXIV]

Do you happen to know if the Helper Act will be able to be used by military/veterans?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

The Helper Act, is being modeled after the VA loan...so NO, military and vets will use the VA loan. The other years will be able to use the helper act.

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Exactly what Mario said below. The Helper Act (if it goes through) will be an amazing opportunity for police, firefighters (first responders), medical professionals, teachers, etc. to buy a home with "no money down" much like a VA loan.

[@Angryelf34]

Is this only in Florida?

[@NavytoNavy]

Yes Travis. This is a special program the State of Florida is doing. However, at the end of the video I mention how you can also connect with local Realtors in your area that are willing to give about 25% of their commission to you when you buy or sell a home. That is a different program. www.homesforheroes.com

[@jackielovesrealestate684]

Do you know a lender who works with them?

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Jackie we partner with SEVERAL lenders that offer this program. Please give us a call directly at 904-900-4766 and we will put you in touch with one of our agents or you can register directly at www.904heroes.com

[@yariyara10]

Where can I get a list of the home heroes realtors

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

I happen to be one and can happily connect you to any other

[@yariyara10]

@@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp awesome! Also, how do I know which lenders are certified to work with Hometown Heroes program?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

@@yariyara10 whichever realtor you choose should be able to help connect you to lenders in your area that are approved and familiar with the program.

[@prettylittleslaystyles2187]

Hello can this program be combined with with Ed grants. Currently receiving grant funds through the city with HUD

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

That will most likely be determined by your lender. I would ask them directly.

[@FloridaRealEstate411]

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program does support "stacking" of programs... If the Ed grant requires to file a lien, the Hometown Heroes program MUST be in second position, so Ed grant would need to accept 3rd position... not many progrmas will accept 3rd position... that's the stacking challenge..

[@TonyaNicole7]

This is awesome

[@nicolewatts4509]

I work as a nanny for 20 years, do I qualify for this program?

[@robinakers2768]

I am a cafeteria manager in Florida. I would be buying my first home. I had cosigned on a car for my daughter & I'm filing bankruptcy due to her nonpayment. Could I qualify for a loan afterwards?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Your bankruptcy status will most likely affect you in many ways. I would recommend speaking directly with your lender to get the specifics.

[@write2bheard51]

I know someone who works at a group home for autistic adults. These adults are sex offenders who have to be kept in a secure facility but are not stable enough for jail. His second job is with a therapist that provides daycare and training for autistic children. He works directly with autistic kids helping them learn skills. He was told by a loan officer he does not qualify for this program. How is that possible?

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

Brenda, I don't know "who told" your friend, or "what exaclty" they said, nor do I know the specifics about your friend or the name of their profession and unfortunately I don't make the rules. I will say however that the state of FL has continued to update the list of eligibe professions...it is 12 pages long! Here is a link, if your friend's profession is listed in here, then they qualify...regardless of what someone may have told them. Here is the list: www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/homebuyers/hometown-heroes/eligible-occupations.pdf?sfvrsn=238ff57b_6

[@write2bheard51]

@@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp thank you. Can you recommend a realtor and or mortgage provider in Palm Beach county who is familiar with this program? He and his partner have pre-qualified for $320,000. So we would like someone with a good track record for that price range.

[@TonyaNicole7]

For my county it says available fha loan amount goes up to 547,000 who determines how much you’re qualified for?

[@maine0073]

Do you have people in Orlando to refer that knows how to get me as well as help to maximize all the benefits, including the homes for heroes?

[@stephonoliveros]

We are local here in orlando

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Yes, we have referral partners in the Orlando area. Feel free to reach out to us directly or drop your contact info at 904heroes.com and we will connect you.

[@elchamoslife]

@@stephonoliveros can you provide your contact info please

[@beingmeperfectly4560]

Hi! Are licensed therapists considered for this program?

[@beingmeperfectly4560]

@@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp Thank you Mario!

[@tinnelledwards6895]

They should include truck drivers because we supply service to the public as well!!!

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

They have a ton of approved occupations. The list keeps growing. Here is a link to the list of ALL the approved occupations: www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/homebuyers/hometown-heroes/eligible-occupations.pdf?sfvrsn=238ff57b_2

[@Udy2020]

Hi,this program can work for credit union bankers employments?.. Thanks in advance..

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

@@Udy2020 here is the ENTIRE list of eligible professions: www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/homebuyers/hometown-heroes/eligible-occupations.pdf?sfvrsn=238ff57b_2

[@joeb.8625]

If you make too much you don’t qualify, shame on you for doing well!

[@kennyrnd9081]

The part that no one told us is that the interest rate for a va loan is 5.5 which is not below the market rate. We had two lenders look into this program for us. Apparently it's financed through the Florida Finance Corporation, so basically Florida makes money off the program by charging egregious interest rates. You can get a VA loan for under 4.5 right now with no points. The only real upside is if you don't want to pay closing and you're working with a company like Veterans United who already has crappy rates. It would be better to use this program in that scenario. Another point to look into though is how does this affect a refinance on the property, or when you sell. It sounded better than it actually was unfortunately, at least for our situation.

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

Kenny, you have been given inaccurate information!! Really bad info. This is NOT CONNECTED to your primary mortgage. We just closed our first Hometown Heroes recipient with a VA loan and it was under 5%. This is why it is CRITICAL that you work with the right people who truly know and understand the program properly. They are essentially giving away 100 million at 0% interest as a second loan to help with closing costs and downpayment. You don't make money of 0%!! Unfortunately, MANY lenders and realtors that don't understand this program misguide people to avoid it. Just like Realtors who don't understand the VA loan tell their customers to avoid it. Both sets of folks inadvertently hurt their customers! This program is an INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY but the money will most likely run out before the end of 2023 because lots of folks are learning about it.

[@1walkwithJesus]

I’m actually in the processing of closing with a lender who helps with this hometown hero program, just found out today the interest is 6.1% while on this program. In the meantime the the new mortgage rates is below 5% now. I don’t see the point. My lender advised that the rate is determined by the Florida housing. They advised my household income exceeds 80% of the area median income in broward county. The only thing this program does is give you closing cost. I would rather get a lower rate I believe I will opt out

[@NavytoNavyHomes]

We have been seeing rates around 5.3% with the program.

[@krobfit7340]

My rate is 5.1% I’m so thankful for this program I close tomorrow my credit score is 650 🙂

[@MarioGonzalez-oq9bp]

@@krobfit7340 AWESOME! Super glad to hear it. Thanks for the two data points!!

[@هدوءالنسمة]

RN in FL. How can you help us utilize these programs