Your Most Trusted Partner in Home Purchase Loans & Refinance Loans
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Based in Tampa and serving all of Florida, Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions connects you with the best down payment assistance programs—plus expert, personalized support every step of the way. These programs are part of Florida’s commitment to expanding affordable housing and improving accessibility to homeownership for more families.
| Program Name | Max Assistance | Forgivable? | Eligibility Highlights | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DARE (City of Tampa) | Up to $50,000 | ✅ Yes (after 10 years) | Up to 140% AMI, 600+ credit score, 8-hour homebuyer course | City of Tampa limits |
| Hillsborough SHIP | Up to $15,000 | ✅ Yes | Income-based, first-time buyer preferred | Hillsborough County (excludes City of Tampa) |
| Hometown Heroes | Up to $35,000 | ✅ Yes | Must be a frontline worker (nurse, teacher, etc.) | All of Florida |
| Florida Assist | $10,000 | ❌ No (deferred loan) | First-time buyers, credit score 640+, must repay upon sale/refi | Statewide |
| Home Sweet Home | $10,000–$25,000 | ✅ Yes | Varies by county; income + occupancy rules apply | Hillsborough + surrounding counties |
| Requirement | Typical Guidelines | Tampa/Florida Example |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ First-time buyer status | Haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years | Required for most programs |
| ✅ Income limits | Based on family size & median income | Florida Hometown Heroes: $130,350 max household income |
| ✅ Minimum credit score | Usually 600–640+ | Some Tampa lenders may require 640+ |
| ✅ Buying a primary residence | No investment or vacation homes | Applies to all local programs |
| ✅ Completion of homebuyer education | Online or in-person HUD-approved course | Required for SHIP & Florida Housing programs |
| ✅ Past foreclosure allowed | Allowed after waiting period | Most programs accept after 3+ years |
| ✅ Working with an approved lender | Must be an eligible lender | Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions is an approved Tampa mortgage broker |
| 💰 Typical assistance amount | $10,000–$35,000 | Covers most or all of a 3–5% down payment on a $275K Tampa home |
Applying for down payment assistance can feel complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions, we simplify the process and guide you every step of the way.
Here’s how we help:
Have questions about credit, FHA vs Conventional, or refinances? Start with our FHA loan page or mortgage refinance guide.
At Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions, we help homebuyers across Florida — from Miami to Jacksonville — secure the right down payment assistance program. But our roots are right here in Tampa, and we’re proud to serve our neighbors in Hillsborough County and the surrounding communities.
Our local expertise means we understand the unique requirements of Tampa-based programs like Dare to Own the Dream (DARE), as well as statewide options such as Hometown Heroes and Florida Assist. Whether you’re buying your first home in Carrollwood, upgrading in Brandon, or moving to Sarasota, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Located at 3638 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607
Buying a home is a long, complicated process that usually comes with terms and concepts you don't use regularly. To help you with this, we have created a list of questions that VA loan Tampa clients usually ask us.
The $35,000 down payment assistance program in Florida is called Hometown Heroes. It offers forgivable home loans to eligible frontline workers to cover down payment and closing costs on a primary residence. It applies statewide and is available through approved lenders.
You may qualify for Hillsborough County down payment assistance if you are a first-time homebuyer, meet income limits, have a credit score of 600–640+, and complete a homebuyer education course. Program rules vary based on city or county boundaries.
To apply for the Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) program, work with an approved lender, complete a homebuyer education course, and provide required income and credit documentation. The lender submits your application to the City of Tampa for review.
Yes, but some assistance programs require repayment if you're refinancing before a set period. If the loan is forgivable, you may need to wait until it’s forgiven. Always check your program’s terms before starting a mortgage refinance.
You can start with our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments, then connect with our mortgage broker to see how down payment assistance could lower your upfront costs.
