Tampa · Brandon · Riverview · Hillsborough County
First-time buyer in Tampa or Hillsborough County? Start here.
Down payment help, first steps and straight answers.
Many first-time buyers in Hillsborough County may be able to buy with less of their own money than they think. Programs change often, so here is what to know and what to ask, in plain English.
- Florida-licensed
- NMLS #2664300
- Smart Home Loans NMLS #1734077
The short answers
- Is there help? There may be. Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the State of Florida have offered programs that help with the down payment and closing costs.
- Who may qualify? Usually first-time buyers (no home owned and lived in for three years), under income and price limits, buying a home to live in.
- What do I do first? Have a quick talk with a mortgage advisor, check your credit, and sign up for a homebuyer class.
- Does the address matter? Yes. Inside Tampa city limits and the rest of Hillsborough County can have different programs.
Where the help may come from
First-time buyers in Hillsborough County may be able to combine a regular home loan with down payment and closing cost help from one or more of these:
- Hillsborough County housing finance programs
- City of Tampa homeownership programs, for homes inside city limits
- Statewide Florida programs for first-time buyers, not limited to health care, education, public safety or military workers.
Each one has its own rules, funding and paperwork, and the amounts change during the year. I check what is open when you are ready to buy, so you are not relying on an old article.
What programs usually ask for
- Income under the program limit for your household size
- A purchase price under the program limit
- A minimum credit score, which may be higher than the loan alone needs
- An approved homebuyer education course
- Living in the home as your main residence
- Some of your own money in the deal, depending on the program
Your first three steps
- Talk it through. A short call about your income, savings, credit and goals, so you know what may be realistic.
- Get pre-approved. A solid pre-approval helps your offer and shows which programs may fit.
- Book the class. Most programs need it, and it is better done before you find the house.
Areas I help in
Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Temple Terrace and across Hillsborough County, plus Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties and buyers statewide. See my Tampa, Brandon and Riverview pages.
Questions people ask me
Straight answers. Programs and guidelines change, and everything depends on the lender, the program and your situation.
Is there down payment help for first-time buyers in Tampa?
There may be. Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have run first-time buyer programs that help with the down payment and closing costs, and Florida has statewide programs too. Funding, limits and rules change, so I check what is open right now for your situation.
Do I have to be a true first-time buyer?
Not always. Many programs use the rule that you have not owned and lived in a home in the last three years. Some make exceptions for veterans. It depends on the program.
What credit score do I need?
It depends on the loan and the program. Local programs often set their own minimum score, and it can be higher than the loan alone requires. I will look at your credit and tell you honestly where you stand.
Is there an income limit?
Usually, yes, for down payment help. Most programs cap household income and the purchase price, and the limits are different for the City of Tampa and the rest of Hillsborough County. I check the current limits for you.
Do I have to pay the help back?
Sometimes. Some help is a second loan with no monthly payment that is paid back when you sell or refinance. Some may be forgiven over time if you keep living in the home. Read the terms before you count on it, and I will walk you through them.
Do I need a homebuyer class?
Most buyers using Florida Housing programs need to complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing. It can usually be done online at your own pace, often in a few hours, and I can send you the link to get started.
Can I use down payment help with an FHA or VA loan?
Often, yes. Many programs pair with FHA, VA, USDA or conventional loans, depending on the program, the lender and your profile.
Does it matter if the home is inside Tampa city limits?
It can. The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County may offer different programs, amounts and rules, so the address matters. Send me the address and I will check.
Let’s talk it through
If you are thinking about buying your first home in the Tampa area, I would be glad to look at your situation and tell you where you stand. No pressure.
Honest answer: if a loan won’t work I’ll tell you. But not without trying.
Smart Home Loans NMLS #1734077 · Darryn Stephen NMLS #2664300 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Not a commitment to lend. Programs, terms and eligibility may vary depending on lender and borrower profile, and government and local programs may change or run out of funds at any time. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Let’s talk it through
No pressure, just clear answers about what may fit you. Call, text or email me.
Ready to apply? Start at smarthomeloans.net.