Are applications prioritized based on certain criteria?
Applications are accepted on a first come, first complete, first served basis. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Being approved for the program does not guarantee funding. Applicants that meet the definition of "special needs" will be given priority.
Persons with special needs is defined in section 420.0004(13), Florida Statutes, “as an adult person requiring independent living services in order to maintain housing or develop independent living skills and who has a disabling condition; a young adult formerly in foster care who is eligible for services under s. 409.1451(5); a survivor of domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28; or a person receiving benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program or from veterans’ disability benefits.”
Do I have to pay anything out of pocket?
Applicants may be required to contribute funds towards the purchase of their home. Additional funds may be required to close. Also remember, you will want to budget funds for things like a moving truck, utility deposits, and other miscellaneous moving expenses.
Do I have to repay the amount of funds I receive from the program?
Funds are provided in the form of a zero percent interest, deferred payment loan. The loan term depends on the amount of assistance received and may be up to a period of 20 years. No repayment is required unless the home is sold, equity is removed, or the property is no longer the applicants primary residence.
How do I apply?
Applications for the Purchase Assistance Program are not available at this time. Details on how to apply will be published when funding is announced.
In order to submit an application, you must have the following:
A certificate from a Home Buyer Education Workshop. To search for workshop providers, go to www.HUD.gov . Home Buyer Education must be provided by a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency and be a minimum of 6 hours. You will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the education. You must submit a copy of the certificate of completion with your application.
You must have a loan pre-approval from a participating lender for at least $100,000.
For more information about the program, feel free to call the office.
Jennifer Hance, Housing Manager
St. Lucie County Community Services-Housing Division
714 Avenue C, 2nd Floor
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
(772) 462-1777
TDD (772) 462-1428
How long does it take to process my application for the purchase assistance program?
Once a completed application has been submitted processing can take up to 30-45 days. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
Is there a limit on the purchase price of the home I can buy?
Yes. The purchase price is limited by program guidelines. The purchase price limits change annually and will be posted at the time of application.
What are the income requirements?
Household gross yearly incomes must not exceed the limits in the chart below. Income from all sources is considered when determining income eligibility. Income limits change annually.
2023 Income Limits
Household Size
Income Limit
1
$47,450
2
$54,200
3
$61,000
4
$67,750
5
$73,200
6
$78,600
7
$84,050
What is the amount of assistance that can be received?
The amount of assistance will be based on how much funding is needed to make the monthly payment affordable. Affordable is considered to be no more than 30% of the households gross monthly income going towards housing expenses. In the case of homeownership, this would be the principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and in some cases HOA fees.
At the time program funding is announced, details on the maximum amount of assistance per household will be provided.
What is the minimum credit score needed for the program?
The purchase assistance program does not require a minimum credit score. However, in order to obtain a lender pre-approval you must meet the minimum credit score criteria for the lender and loan product. Qualifying criteria varies by lender, so it is recommended that you visit more than one lender.
What type of assistance can I receive?
Assistance for the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home is available for qualified applicants. Assistance is provided in the form of a zero percent interest, deferred payment loan.
Where does the home need to be located?
Homes eligible for purchase through the program must be located in unincorporated St. Lucie County. For more information on whether a property is in an unincorporated area, please consult your real estate agent. You can also use the Know Your Jurisdiction mapping tool.
