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Hardee County down payment assistance and limits

Buyers in Hardee County can use Florida statewide assistance plus any local funds serving this county. We track 6 programs here. The 2026 FHA one-unit loan limit for Hardee County is $541,287, and most assistance programs cap the purchase price at or below that figure.

Single-family homes typical of Hardee County, Florida, where county income and purchase-price limits apply
Illustrative photo of Florida housing. Hardee County limits and program terms are published by the administering agency.

Quick answer: What down payment assistance is available in Hardee County?

Buyers in Hardee County, Florida can combine statewide assistance with any local funds administered here. The 2026 FHA one-unit limit for this county is $541,287, and HUD records an area median price of $175,000 — both matter because an assistance second has to fit behind a first mortgage that stays under the county limit.

TL;DR

  • 2026 FHA one-unit limit: $541,287.
  • HUD area median price: $175,000 (53% of the Florida county median).
  • Limit is calculated for the NON-METRO area and shared with neighbouring counties in it.
  • Program income and price caps are published separately and usually bind first.

Quick questions

Is Hardee County at the FHA floor?
Yes — it uses the 2026 national baseline one-unit limit of $541,287.
Do city programs apply county-wide?
No. City funds are limited to addresses inside that municipality, while county funds usually cover unincorporated areas and participating cities.

Published Last updated

  • Reviewed October 2026
  • 2026 official data
  • Data verified October 4, 2026
  • Data source: HUD — CHUMS forward limits file
  • Data source: HUD USER
Written and reviewed by the Simply Approved Mortgages Team at Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, NMLS #2620881.Verify on NMLS Consumer Access

Licensed in Hardee County

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Hardee County. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender and loan program, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Figures shown are estimates, not a quote or commitment to lend.

2026 FHA loan limits in Hardee County

These are the published HUD limits for this county. They are the ceiling on the first mortgage, and most assistance programs use them as the purchase-price ceiling too.

2026 FHA loan limits by unit count for Hardee County
Property size2026 FHA limit
One unit$541,287
Two units$693,050
Three units$837,700
Four units$1,041,125
HUD area median price$175,000

Source: HUD CHUMS forward limits (2026) — official dataset. Metro area: NON-METRO.

How Hardee County compares inside Florida

Hardee County uses the 2026 FHA baseline one-unit limit of $541,287 — the same floor applied to the lowest-cost counties in Florida. Hardee County buyers shopping above that price need either a larger down payment or a different loan type, which changes how much assistance actually helps.

HUD records an area median price of $175,000 for Hardee County, about 53% of the Florida county median of $330,000. Purchase-price caps on assistance programs are published separately by the administering agency and are the figure that usually binds first.

The limit is calculated for the NON-METRO area, so neighbouring counties inside the same area share it. Assistance eligibility, however, is decided county by county and sometimes city by city, which is why a program can be open a few miles away and closed here.

Recent updates for Hardee County

Dated changes we recorded from administering agencies and public housing data. Each item links to the source it came from.

  1. Program update

    Florida Housing homebuyer program page: published program page changed

    The official page content changed. Program records sourced from it must be re-verified by a human before any published term is updated.

    Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation · View source

  2. Rates

    15-year fixed mortgage rate (national average): 6.68% as of October 22, 2026

    That is 0.03 points lower than the prior reading. Rate moves change the payment behind any assistance award in Hardee County, and can move the price a program's income cap still supports.

    Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED) · View source

  3. Program update

    Florida Housing down payment assistance page: published program page changed

    The official page content changed. Program records sourced from it must be re-verified by a human before any published term is updated.

    Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation · View source

  4. Program update

    Florida Housing homebuyer program page: published program page changed

    The official page content changed. Program records sourced from it must be re-verified by a human before any published term is updated.

    Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation · View source

  5. Market data

    Florida florida house price index (fhfa, all transactions) up +1.4% year over year

    The latest Federal Housing Finance Agency (via FRED) reading for Florida is 825.7 as of April 1, 2026, +1.4% against a year earlier. Rising prices raise the purchase-price cap pressure on assistance programs in Hardee County; falling prices ease it.

    Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency (via FRED) · View source

  6. Income limits

    HUD published 2026 income limits for Hardee County

    HUD's 2026 area median income for Hardee County is $71,300. Most assistance programs in Hardee County set their household income caps as a percentage of that figure, so a new release can change who qualifies.

    Source: HUD · View source

Taxes and closing charges in Hardee County

Assistance solves the cash-to-close problem. These are the costs that stay with you afterwards, and the one-time state charges that land on your Closing Disclosure. Figures are modelled on the HUD area median price of $175,000 for Hardee County using Florida's published statewide effective property tax rate — an estimate for planning, not a quote for a specific property.

Effective property tax rate
0.86%

Florida statewide, in line with the national effective rate of 0.90%.

Source: Tax Foundation — property taxes by state

Estimated annual property tax
$1,505

At the HUD area median price for Hardee County.

Source: Calculated from Tax Foundation — property taxes by state

Added to the monthly payment
$125

Escrowed monthly, before homeowners insurance and any HOA dues.

Source: Calculated from Tax Foundation — property taxes by state

Why this matters here. At the national effective rate of 0.90%, the same $175,000 home would carry about $1,575 a year. Florida lands close to that, so property tax is unlikely to be what decides your qualifying payment.

Transfer and documentary charges. Florida charges documentary stamp tax on the deed at $0.70 per $100 of price ($0.60 per $100 in Miami-Dade, plus a $0.45 per $100 surtax on non-single-family transfers), documentary stamps on the note at $0.35 per $100, and intangible tax on the mortgage at $0.002 of the amount financed. On a $400,000 purchase with a $386,000 loan that is roughly $2,800 on the deed, about $1,351 on the note and about $772 in intangible tax.

Homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance is a material line item here: wind, hail and named-storm exposure drives premiums well above the national average, and lenders escrow the full annual premium. Get a bindable quote before you commit to a purchase price — an assistance program will not offset an insurance surprise.

Florida Housing bond programs carry a federal recapture provision; Florida Housing has historically reimbursed borrowers who owe it, but the rider in your closing package is what governs. Assistance proceeds do not reduce documentary stamp or intangible tax — those are calculated on the purchase price and the financed amount.

Estimates only. Property tax is assessed locally and millage, exemptions (including homestead), and assessment ratios change the actual bill. Transfer, documentary and recording charges are itemised on your Closing Disclosure. This is not tax advice — confirm with your closing agent and a tax professional. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (property taxes paid) · Tax Foundation — property taxes by state.

Income and purchase-price limits by program

Income and price caps are the most common reason an application is turned down. These are the limits recorded for the programs serving Hardee County. Agencies revise them periodically — verify with the administrator before you write an offer.

Program income and purchase-price limits for Hardee County
ProgramMax household incomeMax purchase priceMin credit score
City of Jacksonville Head Start to Homeownership (HAP)$90,000 / yearNot published640
Florida Assist Second Mortgage (FL Assist)$144,996 / yearNot published640
Florida Hometown Heroes$180,000 / yearNot published640
Homebuyer Loan Program (HLP) — Florida$144,996 / yearNot published640

Assistance programs serving Hardee County

GrantFederal Home Loan Bank

FHLBank Atlanta Homeownership Set-Aside (AHP)

FHLBank Atlanta · fhlbatl.com

Assistance
Amount varies — verify with the administrator
Where
FL
Min credit
Varies
First-time buyer
Not required

Affordable Housing Program set-aside funds for income-eligible Florida buyers, available only through lenders that are FHLBank Atlanta members. Funds may be structured as a grant or as secondary financing layered with an FHA first mortgage; household income generally must be at or below 80% of area median income, and each year's funding allocation is limited.

Repayment: Does not have to be repaid if you meet the program's conditions.

Program detailsOfficial source
Tax credit (MCC)Federal

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

IRS · Section 25 MCC

Assistance
Amount varies — verify with the administrator
Where
Nationwide (state exclusions may apply)
Min credit
640
First-time buyer
Required

IRS Mortgage Credit Certificate program administered by state and local HFAs. Converts up to 20–30% of your annual mortgage interest into a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit for the life of the loan. Not DPA cash — a lifetime tax benefit. Must be a first-time buyer (or in a targeted area) and stay in the home as your primary residence.

Repayment: A federal income tax credit, not cash toward your down payment.

Program detailsOfficial source
Forgivable second mortgageCity or county

City of Jacksonville Head Start to Homeownership (HAP)

City of Jacksonville

Assistance
up to $10,000
Where
FL
Min credit
640
First-time buyer
Required

The City of Jacksonville Head Start to Homeownership Program provides up to $10,000 as a 0% forgivable second mortgage over 10 years for first-time buyers purchasing inside Duval County limits.

Repayment: A recorded lien that is forgiven over time while you occupy the home. Sell or refinance early and the unforgiven balance is due.

Program detailsOfficial source
Deferred second mortgageState housing finance agency

Florida Assist Second Mortgage (FL Assist)

Florida Housing · floridahousing.org

Assistance
up to $10,000
Where
FL
Min credit
640
First-time buyer
Required

Florida Housing FL Assist offers up to $10,000 as a 0%, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage that becomes due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or when the first mortgage is satisfied. Pairs with FL Housing first-mortgage programs (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional).

Repayment: A recorded lien with no monthly payment. The full balance comes due on sale, refinance, transfer or payoff of the first mortgage.

Program detailsOfficial source
Deferred second mortgageState housing finance agency

Florida Hometown Heroes

Florida Housing · floridahousing.org

Assistance
up to 5% · up to $35,000
Where
FL
Min credit
640
First-time buyer
Required

Florida Housing program for eligible frontline workers (educators, first responders, healthcare, active military, and other qualifying professions) offering up to 5% of the first-mortgage amount, capped at $35,000, as a 0%, non-amortizing second mortgage. First-time buyer required and buyer must be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.

Repayment: A recorded lien with no monthly payment. The full balance comes due on sale, refinance, transfer or payoff of the first mortgage.

Program detailsOfficial source
Repayable second mortgageState housing finance agency

Homebuyer Loan Program (HLP) — Florida

Florida Housing · floridahousing.org

Assistance
up to $10,000
Where
FL
Min credit
640
First-time buyer
Required

Florida Housing HLP provides up to $10,000 at 3% interest as a fully amortizing 15-year second mortgage layered with a Florida Housing first mortgage. First-time buyer requirement and monthly payment underwritten in DTI.

Repayment: A recorded lien with a monthly payment that is underwritten into your debt-to-income ratio. It is a loan, not a gift.

Program detailsOfficial source

Hardee County questions

How many down payment assistance programs are available in Hardee County?

We track 6 programs a buyer in Hardee County can potentially use, covering grant, tax-credit, forgivable-second-mortgage and deferred-second-mortgage, plus 1 more. They come from FHLBank Atlanta · fhlbatl.com, IRS · Section 25 MCC and City of Jacksonville, plus 1 more. Program rules are set by the administering agency, change without notice and can run out of funding mid-month, so confirm anything you plan to rely on directly with them before you write an offer.

How much down payment help can I get in Hardee County?

The largest recorded award for Hardee County is $35,000, and the most generous percentage-based award we have on file is 5% of the purchase price. Assistance is normally applied to the down payment first and then to allowable closing costs. Figures shown are program maximums, not an offer of credit or a promise that you will receive that amount.

What is the income limit for down payment assistance in Hardee County?

Recorded household-income caps for Hardee County programs run from about $7,500 to $15,000 a month, depending on the program and your household size. Agencies publish the exact figure by county and household size, so verify yours before applying.

Is there a maximum purchase price for assistance in Hardee County?

Most programs cap the sales price at or below the applicable FHA loan limit. For reference, the 2026 FHA one-unit limit in Hardee County is $541,287 ($693,050 for two units). Program-specific caps are shown in the limits table on this page.

What credit score do I need for assistance in Hardee County?

The lowest minimum credit score recorded across Hardee County programs is 640. Most agency seconds sit in the 620–660 range, and the first mortgage lender can require more than the assistance program does.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify in Hardee County?

5 of the 6 programs we track for Hardee County require first-time buyer status, which almost always means you have not owned a primary residence in the past three years. Some programs waive the rule for targeted areas, veterans or specific occupations.

Do I have to repay down payment assistance in Hardee County?

It depends on the structure. In our Hardee County data there is 1 grant, 0 forgivable seconds, 0 deferred seconds and 0 repayable seconds. Grants are not repaid, forgivable seconds are written off over an occupancy period, deferred seconds come due on sale, refinance or payoff, and repayable seconds carry a monthly payment.

Can I combine county assistance with a Florida state program?

Sometimes. Layering a local award on top of a state housing finance agency second is permitted by some administrators and prohibited by others, and the first mortgage investor also has to allow the second lien. Get written confirmation from both agencies before you write an offer.

Which loan types work with assistance in Hardee County?

Of the 6 programs recorded here, 6 work with FHA, 6 with conventional, 5 with VA and 5 with USDA financing. FHA is the most common pairing because of its 3.5% minimum down payment and flexible credit rules.

Is homebuyer education required in Hardee County?

We do not have an education requirement recorded for the Hardee County programs in our database, but many agencies add one. Taking a HUD-approved course early costs little and never hurts a file.

How much home can I buy in Hardee County with assistance?

The county median sale price in the HUD dataset used for the 2026 limits is $175,000, and the FHA one-unit ceiling is $541,287. With 3.5% down on an FHA loan, a $175,000 purchase needs about $6,125 down before assistance, which is exactly the gap these programs are designed to close. This is an illustration, not a loan commitment.

How long does it take to close with assistance in Hardee County?

Plan for 30–45 days rather than the 21 a plain first mortgage can hit. The extra time comes from reserving program funds, the agency's own file review, the education certificate and recording the second lien. Ask for the agency's current turn time before you agree to a contract date.

What documents will Florida agencies ask for?

Expect 30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s or tax returns, two months of bank statements for every account, photo ID, the fully executed contract, and — because most programs are income-tested at the household level — income documentation for adults in the household who are not on the loan.

Can Simply Approved Mortgages help me use these programs in Hardee County?

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida, so we can take your application and pair an eligible program with the first mortgage.

How down payment assistance helps you buy in Florida

Down payment assistance closes the cash gap between what a lender will lend and what a seller needs at the closing table. For most buyers it is the difference between purchasing this year and saving for another three to five. Terms and availability are set by each administering agency and can change or run out of funding without notice.

You buy years sooner

Saving a 5% down payment on a median-priced home usually takes several years. Assistance covers most or all of that gap now, so your timeline is set by your credit and income rather than by your savings balance.

Your own cash stays intact

Because the assistance funds the down payment and, on many programs, closing costs, your savings can stay where they belong — reserves, moving costs, and the repairs that show up in the first year.

Often no monthly payment added

Grants and forgivable or deferred second mortgages add nothing to your monthly payment. Only a repayable second creates a second monthly obligation, and every program card on this site states which structure applies.

It stacks with normal financing

Assistance attaches to a standard FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgage originated by a lender approved for that program, so you are not trading away loan choice to use it.

What you have to meet

Income limit
Household or qualifying income must fall at or below a published cap, set by county and usually adjusted for household size. This is the most common disqualifier, so check it first.
Purchase-price cap
Most programs limit the acquisition cost of the home, and the cap can differ between new construction, existing homes and federally targeted areas.
First-time buyer status
Commonly defined as no ownership interest in a primary residence for the past three years. Veterans and targeted-area purchases are frequently exempt.
Credit score
Program minimums typically sit in the low-to-mid 600s, and the first mortgage carries its own minimum. The higher of the two governs your file.
Owner occupancy
The home must be your primary residence. Investment and second-home purchases are not eligible, and moving out during a forgiveness period usually accelerates repayment.
Homebuyer education
Most programs require an approved course certificate before closing. It takes a few hours online — take it early, because it is a hard closing condition.
Participating lender and reservation
Funds are delivered through the first mortgage and reserved by an approved lender, normally once you are under contract. Eligibility alone does not hold money; the reservation does.

A realistic timeline

  1. Week 1Check the county income and price limits, pull your own credit report, and start the homebuyer education course.
  2. Week 1–2Work with a lender approved for the specific assistance program you want to use to confirm your financing.
  3. Week 2–8Shop inside the program's eligible area and price cap, then write an offer that allows time for the assistance paperwork.
  4. At contractYour lender reserves the assistance funds while the file moves through underwriting.
  5. At closingFunds are wired to the closing agent and applied to your down payment and permitted closing costs — they are never paid to you as cash.

Timelines are illustrative and vary by program, lender and market. Nothing here is an offer of credit, an approval, or a guarantee of assistance eligibility, funding availability or any particular term.

See which Hardee County programs fit you

Ten questions, results in about ninety seconds.

Find my assistanceCall 877-813-7219
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Monthly review

October 2026 Hardee County Down Payment Assistance Review

We reviewed Florida housing finance agency notices affecting Hardee County, county and municipal assistance funding announcements, published HUD loan limits for Hardee County and program income and purchase-price limit tables relevant to this page. No material changes requiring substantive revisions were identified this month. The information and sources shown here remain current as of our latest review.

  • Checked: Florida housing finance agency notices affecting Hardee County
  • Checked: county and municipal assistance funding announcements
  • Checked: published HUD loan limits for Hardee County
  • Checked: program income and purchase-price limit tables
Sources:
HUD — CHUMS forward limits file, HUD USER, U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Federal Housing Finance Agency (via FRED)
Data last verified:
2026-10-04
Data year:
2026

This page's scheduled monthly review is overdue. The section above reflects our latest completed review, not a new one for the current month.

Current data & page updates

Page last reviewed
October 26, 2026
Page last substantively updated
October 26, 2026
Data last verified
October 4, 2026
Current data year
2026
Primary sources
HUD — CHUMS forward limits file, HUD USER, U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Next scheduled review
November 25, 2026
Current monthly review
October 2026
Live data feed
Yes

Licensing & Disclosures

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881

Florida Branch Office (Miami, FL) | Branch NMLS #2688012

Florida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685 | Colorado Mortgage Company Registration

Business Phone: (877) 813-7219

Equal Housing Opportunity

Broker identification. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a mortgage broker and is not a direct lender. We arrange residential mortgage loans with third-party lenders and do not make the lender's final credit decision or fund the loan. We arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado.

Down payment assistance programs. Down payment and closing-cost assistance programs listed or referenced on this site may be administered by third parties, including state housing finance agencies, cities, counties, Federal Home Loan Banks, nonprofit organizations, lenders, and other program sponsors. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC does not administer, control, fund, or guarantee third-party assistance unless expressly stated otherwise.

Listing or displaying a program does not constitute an offer of that program, a representation that funding is currently available, or a determination that a borrower or property qualifies. Program availability, funding, assistance amounts, income limits, purchase-price limits, credit requirements, occupancy requirements, geographic restrictions, homebuyer education requirements, participating-lender requirements, repayment terms, and other eligibility criteria vary by program and may change or become unavailable without notice. Eligibility and current program terms must be confirmed for the particular transaction.

Types of assistance. Down payment or closing-cost assistance may be structured as a grant, forgivable loan, deferred-payment loan, repayable second mortgage or other form of assistance. Assistance structured as a lien or secondary financing may be subject to repayment, forgiveness, occupancy, resale, refinance, or other conditions. Assistance should not be considered "free money" unless the applicable program documents expressly provide that the assistance is a grant with no repayment obligation.

Receiving or potentially qualifying for down payment assistance does not guarantee mortgage approval, guarantee receipt of assistance, or necessarily eliminate all funds that a borrower may be required to contribute to a transaction.

Credit and program terms. All loans are subject to lender credit approval, underwriting, acceptable appraisal, title review, insurance, and supporting documentation. Eligibility, programs, rates, APRs, points, fees, payments, terms, loan amounts, down-payment requirements, and availability may vary based on borrower, property, occupancy, credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, lender, assistance program, and location and may change without notice. Not all borrowers, properties, products, or programs will qualify or be available in every location. Nothing on this site constitutes a loan approval, rate lock, offer, commitment to lend, guarantee of assistance, or guarantee of closing.

Rates, payments and calculators. Rates, APRs, payments, down payments, estimated assistance amounts, affordability, home prices, closing costs, savings, and other calculator or scenario results displayed on this site are estimates or illustrations unless expressly stated otherwise. Actual eligibility, assistance, and loan terms may differ. Taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, association dues, lender charges, broker compensation, discount points, third-party charges, and other costs may apply. Advertised rates, payments, APRs, down payments, and other credit terms are subject to the assumptions and disclosures presented with the applicable advertisement.

Government affiliation. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not a government agency and is not affiliated with, acting on behalf of, sponsored by, or endorsed by HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, any housing finance agency, or any other federal, state, or local government agency. References to government agencies, housing authorities, assistance programs, data, forms, or resources are provided for informational purposes and do not imply sponsorship or endorsement of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

Fair lending. Equal Housing Opportunity. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC conducts business in accordance with applicable federal and state fair-housing and equal-credit-opportunity laws and does not discriminate on any prohibited basis.

No professional advice. Content on this site is educational and general in nature and is not legal, tax, accounting, financial, or investment advice. Borrowers should review the applicable program documents and consult qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

Florida advertising disclosure (Chapter 494, Florida Statutes): Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, Florida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685, NMLS #2620881, is a licensed Florida mortgage broker regulated by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and is not a lender. Any rate, payment, down payment or down payment assistance figure shown on this page is an illustrative estimate for educational purposes only — it is not a quote, rate lock, offer or commitment to lend, and it is not an advertisement of specific credit terms available to any particular borrower. Down payment assistance is a third-party program subject to its own eligibility, income, property and availability requirements. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not affiliated with, approved by or endorsed by HUD, FHA or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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DPA amount calculator and eligibility checker

Estimate your assistance amount, the second-lien payment and where you stand against the program rules. Illustrative only — not a quote, offer or commitment to lend.

Simply Approved Mortgages DPA

DPA amount calculator & eligibility checker

Estimate 3.5% assistance on the lesser of price or appraisal, layered over a 30-year fixed FHA first mortgage.

Estimated DPA
$14,000
3.5% of $400,000
2nd-lien P&I
$174
10-yr · 8.500%

Amount calculator

Assistance tier
Lesser of price or appraisal
$400,000
DPA at 3.5%
$14,000
2nd-lien term
10-year fixed, repayable
2nd-lien rate
8.500%
Monthly P&I
$174/mo

Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear only on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.

Want a copy of these numbers? We'll email them to you, with the assistance programs in our database for your state.

Eligibility checker

Documentable qualifying income?

Willing to complete homebuyer education before closing?

Property in NY, WA, USVI, Guam, MP, or AS?

Answer each question above to see your preliminary result.

Talk to a Loan Officer →

Preliminary self-check only. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, FHFA, or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS# 2620881.

For informational and illustrative purposes only.

The figures produced here are estimates generated from the numbers you entered. They are not a loan offer, pre-approval, approval, commitment to lend, rate quote or rate lock, and they do not guarantee any loan term, payment or amount of assistance. Your actual figures depend on lender underwriting, program rules, property, credit profile and the pricing available on the day you lock.

This estimate excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, closing costs unless the tool states otherwise, so your real monthly cost and cash to close will be higher.

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881 | Florida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685 | Colorado Mortgage Company Registration | Equal Housing Opportunity. Residential mortgage loans are arranged in Florida and Colorado only.

Keep reading

Related pages on down payment assistance, local markets and the numbers behind each program.

Simply Approved Mortgages In-House DPA

Our own down payment assistance program — up to 5% toward your primary home

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS# 2620881

In addition to matching you with agency programs, we offer our own assistance program, provided through our wholesale lender partner and arranged by Simply Approved Mortgages: up to 5% of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value, structured as a repayable 10-year fixed second mortgage on a qualifying primary residence. It layers with FHA 203(b) or FHA 203(k) purchase first mortgages only, and the second lien is priced at the first-mortgage rate plus 2.00%. It is fully amortizing — not a grant and not forgivable — so your Loan Officer will show a side-by-side comparison before you commit.

Offered through our wholesale lender partner
Up to 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
Repayable 10-year fixed second mortgage
Layers with FHA 203(b) or FHA 203(k) purchase first mortgages
Second-lien rate = first-mortgage rate + 2.00%
Fully amortizing — not a grant and not forgivable
Qualifying primary residence only
See if you qualifyTalk to a Loan Officer

Program at a glance

Assistance
Up to 5%
Where
FL & CO*
Min credit
580
First-time buyer
Not required

*Our wholesale lender partner offers this product nationwide, but Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado only, so we can originate it in those two states only. Outside Florida and Colorado this is educational information and you should work with a lender licensed in your state.

How it works

1. Find the assistance you qualify for

Answer ten short questions and our DPA matching tool screens your location, income, price range, credit band and first-time buyer status against every state, county and city program we track.

2. A licensed loan officer reviews it with you

A Simply Approved loan officer confirms which programs your file can actually use, how each one is structured, and what it means for your monthly payment and closing costs.

3. Pair assistance with your first mortgage

Assistance is delivered through an approved first mortgage. We arrange the FHA, conventional, VA or USDA loan underneath it and reserve the assistance funds once you are under contract.

4. Funds arrive at closing

The assistance is wired to the closing agent and applied to your down payment and, where the program permits, closing costs — so your own savings stay where they belong.

Repayment: The second lien is a recorded lien with a monthly payment that is underwritten into your debt-to-income ratio. Layered DPA affects your final rate and mortgage insurance; your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will disclose the side-by-side comparison before you commit. Program terms, income limits, funding availability and eligibility requirements are subject to change without notice and must be confirmed in writing. Nothing here is an offer of credit, an approval, or a guarantee of eligibility, funding or any particular term. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Free weekly briefing

Down payment assistance changes fast. Stay ahead of it.

Published guidance for Florida and Colorado buyers in a weekly email when eligible articles are available.

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado only. This educational briefing is not an offer or commitment to lend.

Expert Insight

Simply Approved Mortgages Team

Entity-level review

The published rate is usually less important than whether the loan is built for Florida's real costs

In Hardee County, Florida, the published interest rate is usually less important than whether the loan is built for Florida's real costs: homeowners and wind insurance on a coastal property, flood-zone requirements, condo project approval after the Surfside reforms, and county-by-county millage that can swing your escrow by hundreds of dollars a month. A buyer in a Tampa Bay suburb may qualify very differently than a buyer in a Miami-Dade condo or a Panhandle flood zone, even at the same price.

Takeaway:Walk through the real numbers with a Simply Approved Loan Officer before you shop.

The only way to know which program, down-payment structure, and insurance strategy actually fits you in Florida is to walk through it with a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer who can compare the real numbers side-by-side on a Florida Loan Estimate.

Reviewed by Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS #2620881Verify NMLS record

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a private mortgage brokerage. It is not a government agency and is not affiliated with, approved by, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency, the federal government, your current lender or your mortgage servicer. Program rules described here are published by the administering agency and are summarized for education only.

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