Sarasota county first time home buyer program

The health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and the community-at-large are very important to us. To ensure our social obligation and do our part to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), our operations will continue electronically until further notice. Please be advised that our administrative office remains closed to the public and all documents requested for our homeownership program will be accepted electronically. Please email our Homeowner Services Department and request a secure web link to upload confidential documents. Do not send documents via email.

If you have questions about your application, please contact our Homeowner Services Department at (941) 487-5520 or via email.

Homeownership Program Orientation

Habitat Sarasota’s program orientation outlines the process to qualify for the homeownership program. The orientation provides an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the process and qualifications to purchase a Habitat for Humanity Sarasota home. Funding for the homeownership program orientation is provided through a grant by the Harold & Jacqueline Bladel Charitable Trust.

Register to attend our next virtual orientation scheduled on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 beginning at 12:00 noon.

Do You Qualify for the Homeownership Program?

a. IS THERE A NEED FOR IMPROVED HOUSING?

• Our program is income based. Please refer to the 2022 HUD income limits.
• Overcrowded conditions
• Unsafe, unsanitary conditions
• Substandard housing – leaky roof, poor heating or lacks proper plumbing
• Paying a very high percentage of your income for rent (more than 30%)

b. DO YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO PAY AN AFFORDABLE MORTGAGE?

• Be a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Have two years of steady, verifiable income earning at least $35,450 per year.
• Have reasonably good credit. (There is no minimum credit score requirement. We consider families who demonstrate consistent payments on their bills.)
• Foreclosure or bankruptcy must be at least 4 years old.

c. AGREE TO PARTNER WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SARASOTA

• Live or work in Sarasota County.
• Agree to contribute a minimum of 300 hours (sweat equity) toward your home and the home of other Habitat homeowners.

You also can find more affordable housing information by visiting www.floridahousingsearch.org.

Download Application

Click here to download the Homeownership Program Application package.

Bajar Solicidud en español

Haga clic aquí para bajar el paquete de Solicitud del Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda.

Homeownership FAQ

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about owning a Habitat Sarasota home.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Home buyer grant programs are a great choice for borrowers looking to buy but lack the down payment.  When Sarasota County, FL home buyers need assistance we have options.  Conventional and FHA grant programs are available in Sarasota County, FL.  Grants are available for first time buyers and those who have bought in the past. Find out if you are eligible for the grant program by calling the Sarasota County, FL down payment assistance line (888)416-0920. Down payment assistance experts are standing by and ready to help.  Connect with a licensed Grant specialist, ask questions, see what cities qualify, and get free quotes.

Thousands of consumers across Sarasota County, FL  are ready for home ownership.  Securing the right home loan doesn’t have to be hard, we have solutions for less than perfect credit and even those with little savings or down payment. To help home buyers in Sarasota County overcome challenges we offer more programs and the extra benefit of wholesale rates.  We simplify the home buying and refinancing challenges presented by 2022 Sarasota County mortgage guidelines. Our mission is to get you approved for a home buyer grant in Sarasota County and into your home with payments you can afford. Even if you think you won’t qualify, our highly trained specialists will work with you closely on an individual basis to:

• Review your finances to see what you can afford.
• Improve your credit score if needed to qualify.
• Obtain pre-approval to shop for your dream home.
• Secure a loan and purchase your new home!

Our home buyer grant team is celebrating its 25th year in business.  Our experience allows for consumer mortgage confidence especially with Sarasota County, FL first time home buyers.  We navigate consumers through the mortgage process,  explain options and find what choice works best for you. We specialize in more than just home buyer grants.  Check out consumer USDA options, FHA loans and our Bad credit home loan options.

My wife and I had the pleasure of being assigned to Ryan Sr. Loan Officer. He was polite, patient, professional and most importantly prepared throughout whole process. Ryan crunched numbers with impressive accuracy, explained documents line by line when we had questions and let us know what to expect so there wouldn’t be any surprises. Ryan is very knowledgeable and had no problem answering questions and sharing very important details which made us feel good about picking Smart Mortgage. Thank you Ryan for all your help and advice.

Frank & Anna

We applied with other lenders but had been turned down, but Smart mortgage worked with us so we can have our dream home! Our lender Jon, walked us through the process and was very helpful in answering questions promptly. He made the process easy for us. Jon always kept in daily communication with us, so there were no surprises! He made himself available anytime…..even when he was on vacation! The online submission of documents was very easy. Overall we think Smart Mortgage is an excellent company willing to work with people with blemished credit and give them the opportunity to live their dream of home ownership.

Wesley C

We worked with Brian who picked up our loan after our original broker quit working with us. I’ve never seen a more determined, hard working, and dedicated broker in action! Brian was amazing! We could write a book about our experience, bottom line… I wouldn’t work with anyone else or refer to anyone else. He gets it done!

Desi M

I highly recommend working with Jon for a home loan product. He handled our jumbo loan with the highest integrity and detail. In particular, he helped navigate the legal details associated with our land trust. Our experience was exceptional and will work with Jon in the future.

Erik H

I highly recommend choosing Brian as your Mortgage guy to make sure you get the house you want. He will make sure everything is done and not only in a timely manner but it gets done correctly. Your closing will go so smooth and there are no surprises with Him! He will be with you from beginning till the End! You will not be disappointed with his service!

Annie P

Anthony exceeded our expectations in all aspects,going above and beyond he kept us in the loop throughout the whole process and in finding us ways to keep our final expenses as low as possible I feel we got the best deal we could have. We are very happy with our choice.

Debbie S

Anthony was great to work with and was very thorough with explaining the whole process. He was a huge help with any questions we had. Will definitely recommend to friends and family.

Sergio V

Worked with Jon on a refi and it was terrific. My situation was a little bit complicated based on a few moving parts, however, the process went very smooth and all my options were clearly explained as we went along. I’m very pleased with the outcome.

John C

Very impressed. Jon walked me thru a difficult refi of 2 properties simultaneously. Always a quick response to any of my concerns. Would definitely recommend working with them.

Sue S

The very first time I spoke with Patty on the phone, I knew I would work with her to find my mortgage. Patty has a calm and confident approach to her work that illustrates her knowledge of the industry, The counsel she provided helped position me in a favorable position to buy my dream home. I would definitely recommend Patty to family and friends, and look to work with her again in the future.

Chris C

• 580 Credit Score Required
•  Grant is completely forgiven – no repayment required!
•  Grant can be used for down payment
•  Seller Credit of 6% is allowed
•  Gift funds are allowed!
•  Borrower(s) not required to be First Time Homebuyers.
•  Income limit is based on qualifying income used for transaction, not household income.

Find your Home Buyer Grant in Sarasota County, FL Now (888)416-0920.

Sarasota County is located in Southwest Florida on the Gulf Coast. As of the 2010 US Census, the population was 379,448.[1] Its county seat is Sarasota (with an estimated 2016 population of 56,610)[2] and its largest city is North Port with an estimated 2016 population of 64,274. Sarasota County is part of the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

How do I qualify for first time home buyer grant in Florida?

What programs are available for first time homebuyers in Florida?

What is the income limit for first time home buyers in Florida?

What benefits do first time home buyers get in Florida?