Buy your first home in Hardee County with up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The 0% deferred loan is forgiven after ten years if you meet the program requirements.
Eligibility, an approved purchase, and program funding are required.
Hardee County's SHIP-funded purchase assistance helps income-qualified first-time buyers purchase a site-built single-family home.
Very-Low & Low Income
Up to $25,000 toward eligible purchase costs.
Moderate Income
Up to $20,000 toward eligible purchase costs.
Minor Home Repairs
Up to $5,000 within your assistance award may cover eligible minor repairs. This is not an additional award.
Get your financing, household documents, and home purchase ready for Hardee County purchase assistance.
Get preapproved by a certified lender and obtain a prequalification letter for your purchase.
Take HUD-approved homebuyer education and the program's credit and budget counseling.
Gather income records, purchase details, and documentation of your $1,500 contribution.
The county must approve your eligibility, property, and assistance before funds are used.
Down payment and closing costs are part of the cost of buying a home. Hardee County purchase assistance can help cover eligible costs while you establish your primary residence.
Apply an approved assistance award toward eligible down payment and closing costs.
The assistance loan has deferred payments. Your primary mortgage still requires its regular payments.
The assistance is a 0% deferred loan secured by a mortgage. It is forgiven after ten years if you comply with all requirements. Selling, moving out, or defaulting on obligations such as taxes or insurance can require repayment before forgiveness.
Common questions about the Hardee County purchase assistance.
Hardee County's SHIP-funded purchase assistance helps income-qualified first-time buyers purchase a site-built single-family home. Eligible buyers may receive up to $25,000 toward approved purchase costs.
Qualify as a first-time homebuyer and meet household income limits through 120% of area median income. Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education and the program's credit and budget counseling. Contribute at least $1,500 toward the purchase; qualifying gift funds may count. Purchase an eligible site-built single-family home in Hardee County as your primary residence.
For a four-person household in 2026, Hardee County's limits are $39,150 for very low income, $62,600 for low income, and $93,960 for moderate income. Different household sizes have different limits, and the county verifies income for the award.
Very-Low & Low Income: Up to $25,000 toward eligible purchase costs. Moderate Income: Up to $20,000 toward eligible purchase costs. Minor Home Repairs: Up to $5,000 within your assistance award may cover eligible minor repairs. This is not an additional award. The final award depends on your eligibility, eligible costs, and program funding.
The assistance is a 0% deferred loan secured by a mortgage. It is forgiven after ten years if you comply with all requirements. Selling, moving out, or defaulting on obligations such as taxes or insurance can require repayment before forgiveness.
The purchase strategy covers eligible site-built single-family homes in Hardee County. Mobile homes are excluded under these terms. Up to $5,000 of the total award may be used for approved minor repairs.
Get preapproved by a certified lender and obtain a prequalification letter. Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education and the required credit and budget counseling, then submit a purchase-assistance application to Hardee County. The county approves the household, property, and assistance before closing.
You must contribute at least $1,500 toward the purchase. Qualifying gift funds may be used under the program's contribution rules. Your mortgage and closing costs may require additional funds.
Purchase assistance is subject to household eligibility, an approved property, and funding. An eligibility inquiry does not reserve a county award.
No. This is a private mortgage inquiry with Next Wave Mortgage, LLC, not a county assistance application. A mortgage professional can help you review financing options; the county or its administrator makes the assistance decision.
Purchase assistance is subject to household eligibility, an approved property, and funding. An eligibility inquiry does not reserve a county award.
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