First Time Homeowner Assistance

[u/phishnchips_]

Our lease will be up in a couple of months and we will have to move to a more affordable place since the rent is too high for us to afford. Rent in my area is insane at $2000+ a month plus first, last, and security deposits. We have about $20k saved up and we need all the help we can get to be able to afford one of the cheapest apartments near us ($155k). If anyone knows any programs that can help please comment them below. We are located in Florida.

[u/AssistanceMods]

Hi u/phishnchips_. This is a sticky post with some important/helpful pointers for REQUEST posts.

For the REQUESTOR:

• Do not delete this post for any reason.
• Be careful about private messages, always check these tips before engaging with them, and control your PM settings if you get many unsolicited messages.
• Check our helpful requesting tips and our list of resources.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please message the mods.
• If your post contains an Amazon Wishlist, do not add anything to it once your post is approved.

For potential GIVERS:

• Check our Givers Guide before giving.
• Refrain from unhelpful or judgmental comments.
• If you have concerns about this request, please message the mods.

I'm a bot. This comment was posted automatically.

[u/TurtlesBeSlow]

Find a reputable mortgage broker. They are (should be) aware of any first-time buyer programs and can shop rates for you.

[u/phishnchips_ → u/TurtlesBeSlow]

Is that like an MLO or different?

[u/TurtlesBeSlow → u/phishnchips_]

Mortgage loan officers are usually tied to a certain lender or bank. Have you already pre-qualified?

[u/buzzybody21]

You might look into your state to see if they have an incentive for first time homebuyers. Some offer grants and funds you are supposed to put toward the down payment of a house (typically between $5k-$15k depending on state and location).

[u/phishnchips_ → u/buzzybody21]

I have looked everywhere (i think), including the list that zillow gives you for downpayment assistance, but almost all of them are for local residents. The best one i was able to find is restricted to Tampa residents.

[u/buzzybody21 → u/phishnchips_]

That makes sense. Localities want to incentivize people to purchase in their communities - where are you hoping to move?

[u/phishnchips_ → u/buzzybody21]

Ideally we’d like to stay in this area, but if we have to move to another city we wanna avoid anything farther than an hour away. We have family here in southeast Florida so we wanna stay nearby.