Down payment assistance programs can cover some or all of your down payment and closing costs in Orlando — including Florida's statewide Hometown Heroes program for eligible workforce buyers.
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs provide grants, forgivable second mortgages, or low-interest deferred loans to help cover a buyer's down payment and/or closing costs. Programs are typically funded by state or local housing agencies and layered on top of an FHA, conventional, or VA first mortgage, with eligibility based on income, occupation, or first-time buyer status.
Florida's Hometown Heroes program, run through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, offers down payment and closing cost assistance — structured as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage, generally up to 5% of the first mortgage amount with a minimum and maximum assistance amount — to eligible workforce buyers including healthcare workers, teachers and school staff, first responders, active-duty military, and veterans. The program is funded in rounds and can pause when a round's funding is fully reserved, so current availability should always be confirmed before you count on it. There is never a fee to apply for Hometown Heroes assistance. Other state, county, and employer-based DPA programs may also apply depending on your situation — we check what you qualify for as part of your pre-approval.
Areas commonly served: Orlando and all of Florida (Hometown Heroes is a statewide program). Down payment, rate, and documentation requirements vary by program and borrower — talk to a loan officer for current terms on your scenario.
It's a Florida Housing Finance Corporation program offering down payment and closing cost assistance, structured as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage, to eligible workforce buyers such as healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, and military/veterans. Funding is released in rounds and can run out before a round ends, so current availability should be confirmed with a loan officer.
It depends on the program — some require first-time buyer status, while others (including some Hometown Heroes eligibility categories) do not. We'll check your specific eligibility.
No, there should never be an upfront fee to apply for a legitimate program like Hometown Heroes. Be cautious of anyone charging a fee for 'access' to a DPA program.
Yes, DPA programs are typically layered on top of a first mortgage — commonly FHA, conventional, or VA — rather than used on their own.
No obligation, no hard credit pull required for an initial conversation.
Talk to a Loan OfficerIcon Mortgage Group, powered by Mpire Financial Group LLC · NMLS# 2108504. Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Programs and terms vary by state and property.