First-Time Homebuyers
Your First Home Starts Here
You may be closer to homeownership than you think.
Before You Rule Yourself Out
Three myths that keep renters renting
Myth
You need 20% down
The truth
FHA loans start at 3.5% down. Some conventional loans start at 3%. VA and USDA loans allow $0 down for eligible buyers.
Myth
You need perfect credit
The truth
FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580 score. Many lenders look for 620. If you're below that, a plan can close the gap.
Myth
You need years of savings
The truth
State and city programs help with down payment and closing costs for buyers who qualify. Sellers can pay some costs too.
Programs Worth Knowing
Help that exists today
These are the main loan types and assistance programs for buyers in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. The Assistance Finder below points you to the ones worth asking about.
Low and no down payment loans
3.5% down
FHA Loan
Flexible credit rules. Monthly mortgage insurance applies for most buyers.
3% down
Conventional First-Time
For first-time buyers who qualify. Mortgage insurance can drop off as your equity grows.
$0 down
VA Loan
For eligible service members, veterans and some surviving spouses. No monthly mortgage insurance.
$0 down
USDA Loan
For eligible homes outside the urban core, including parts of Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Income limits apply.
Florida Housing, statewide
Up to $10,000
FL Assist
A 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment. Repaid when you sell, refinance or move out.
Through approved lendersUp to $10,000
FL HLP
A low-rate second mortgage for down payment and closing costs, with a small monthly payment.
Through approved lendersUp to $35,000
Hometown Heroes
For full-time workers in many fields, not only first responders. A 0% second mortgage repaid when you sell or refinance.
Funding opens in rounds. Ask for today's statusCity of Jacksonville
Up to $25,000
Head Start to Homeownership
For income-eligible buyers at or below 80% of area median income, buying inside Jacksonville city limits. Includes an 8-hour homebuyer class.
Funded each year. Confirm availabilityNew in 2026
Proposed City Program
In July 2026 the city proposed a new locally funded program of up to $15,000 for first-time buyers. Ask me whether it has opened.
PendingBuilders and sellers
Rate buydowns
Builder Incentives
New-construction builders often pay for a lower rate or closing costs, usually tied to their preferred lender. Bring your own agent to the sales office.
3% to 6% of price
Seller Concessions
Sellers can pay part of your costs. FHA allows up to 6% and VA allows 4%. Conventional allows 3% with under 10% down.
Good to know: Most assistance programs are loans, not gifts. They are usually repaid when you sell or refinance. Programs depend on eligibility, location, lender guidelines, funding availability and current program rules. Some can't be combined.
Find What You May Qualify ForFirst-Time Buyer Assistance Finder
Which programs fit you?
Six quick questions. You'll get a short list of loan types and assistance programs worth asking about, with the reason for each.
No sign-up needed. Your answers stay on this page and aren't sent anywhere.
Programs worth asking about
This is a starting point, not an approval. Final eligibility depends on the lender, the property, current income and purchase price limits, and whether a program has funding. 2026 income figures use the Jacksonville-area median family income of $108,700.
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$345,000
Duval County
$355,000
Clay County
$496,500
Nassau County
$568,750
St. Johns County
Median single-family sale prices, September 2026. Source: Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS®.
The Process
Eight steps to your keys
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1
Check credit and budget
Know your score and the monthly payment you're comfortable with.
-
2
Get preapproved
A lender confirms what you can borrow and which loans fit.
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3
Apply for assistance
Your lender reserves program funds before you shop.
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4
Take a homebuyer class
Many assistance programs require one. Some take a single day.
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5
Tour and make an offer
I negotiate the price and ask for seller credits toward your costs.
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6
Inspection and appraisal
Learn the home's condition and confirm its value.
-
7
Final approval
You get your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing.
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8
Close and get your keys
Sign, fund and move in. Welcome home.
Know the Numbers
What goes into a monthly payment
Your payment is more than the loan. Taxes, insurance and sometimes mortgage insurance and HOA dues are part of it.
Closing costs often run 2% to 5% of the price. Seller credits and assistance programs can cover part of them.
Principal & interest. Pays back the loan.Property tax. Set by the county. Florida's homestead exemption lowers it.Home insurance. Get quotes early. Florida rates vary widely.Mortgage insurance. On FHA and low-down conventional loans. Not on VA.HOA dues. Only in communities that have them.
The bar shows a typical mix, not your exact numbers. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real breakdown.
Free Guide
Download the First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Everything on this page, in one guide you can keep and share with your family.
- Every assistance program in plain terms, with who qualifies
- A credit and savings checklist for the next 90 days
- What to expect at each step, from preapproval to keys
- Questions to ask lenders so you compare offers fairly
Tell me where to send it
Your Guide will be in your inbox shortly
Questions
First-time buyer questions
Who counts as a first-time buyer?
Most programs count anyone who has not owned a primary home in the last 3 years. Your lender confirms how each program defines it.
Is down payment help free money?
Usually not. Most Florida programs are 0% second mortgages with no monthly payment. You repay them when you sell, refinance or stop living in the home.
Can I combine programs?
Sometimes. Hometown Heroes generally can't be paired with FL Assist. Some city and state programs can be paired. Your lender confirms which combinations work.
Do I need a homebuyer class?
Many assistance programs require one. The City of Jacksonville program requires an 8-hour class. Online options exist for some state programs.
How much cash do I need to close?
It depends on the loan, the price and the help you use. Plan for a deposit when you make an offer, the inspection and appraisal, and any closing costs that assistance or seller credits don't cover.
How long does buying take?
Most purchases close 30 to 45 days after an accepted offer. Assistance programs can add a week or two, so start early.
Vanessa Godwin is a licensed real estate sales associate with Bold City Realty Group. She is not a mortgage lender. Program amounts, income limits and availability come from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the City of Jacksonville and federal loan programs as of October 2026 and can change without notice. Assistance programs depend on eligibility, location, lender guidelines, funding availability and current program rules. Talk with an approved lender before you rely on any program.
Let's Find Your Light
More Than Houses. We Build Futures. Pick the conversation that fits where you are today.