Buying a home from a relative at a below-market price is common, and it raises real underwriting questions most buyers don’t anticipate. Here’s how a gift of equity works, whether it can be combined with down payment assistance, and what the appraisal and paperwork need to show.
$50 million opened July 13, 2026, first come first served. Here’s the real-time answer on funding status, the two ways your income gets measured, and exactly how much you could receive.
$50M launched July 13, 2026 — first come, first served. Teachers, nurses, first responders, veterans, and now any income-eligible FL worker: get up to $35,000 at 0% interest, no monthly payment. Income limits by county, eligible jobs, step-by-step process, and 4 blind spots that disqualify buyers — plus a free Eligibility Estimator.
Most first-time buyers take 6 months because they didn’t know the right order of steps. This is the exact 90-day roadmap — Month 1: Prepare. Month 2: Search. Month 3: Close — for Florida buyers ready to stop renting.
Up to $35,000 in down payment help. Zero interest. No monthly payment until you sell or refinance. Florida’s Hometown Heroes program is one of the best DPA programs in the country — but the money runs out fast. Here’s the complete guide for 2026.
Florida Hometown Heroes Program Orlando 2026: Up to $35,000 Down Payment Assistance – Is Funding Still Available? May 2026 Update: If you’re a teacher, nurse, firefighter, police officer, or other essential worker in Central Florida, this could be your best opportunity yet to buy a home. The Florida Hometown Heroes Program offers up to $35,000 …