TL;DR

Think down payment help is only for people with ultra-low incomes? Think again. In 2025, programs like Hometown Heroes and Orange County’s DPA initiative are putting tens of thousands of dollars back into the hands of buyers across Central Florida—including many who never thought they’d qualify. If you’ve got decent credit, steady income, and a desire to own in Orlando, you may be eligible for more help than you realize.

Think You Make Too Much for Down Payment Help? Think Again.

Debunking the Myth: Down Payment Help Is Just for the Struggling

Let’s get this out of the way: You do not have to be broke to get help buying a home in Orlando.
Yes, some programs are income-based—but the bar is higher than you’d think. And others, like Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program, are built around your profession, not your paycheck.

In 2025, with over $350 million in new state funding and multiple local programs active in the Orlando area, down payment assistance is alive, well, and ready to help real buyers.

Who Actually Qualifies?

You might qualify if you:

• Make under $100K (or more, depending on household size and area limits)

• Are a teacher, nurse, police officer, firefighter, or veteran

• Are buying your first home—or haven’t owned in the past 3 years

• Want to live in the home (no flippers or Airbnb landlords)

Don’t count yourself out before running the numbers. Even dual-income households may qualify.

The Money: How Much Are We Talking?

Depending on the program, you could receive $20,000 to $45,000 in assistance for:

• Down payment funds

• Closing costs

• Prepaid expenses like taxes and insurance

Some of these are forgivable loans—others are fully deferred with 0% interest. That means:

• No payments while you live in the home

• Repayment only when you sell, refinance, or move

Program Snapshot: What’s Available in Central Florida

🏙️ City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance

• Up to $45,000 in 0% interest deferred loans

• For buyers inside city limits

• Requires homebuyer education and income eligibility

🏡 Orange County DPA Program

• Up to $35,000 in assistance

• Must contribute at least $1,000 personally

• Applies to areas outside City of Orlando

🌟 Hometown Heroes Program (Statewide)

• Up to $35,000 in forgivable assistance

• Open to frontline workers, military, healthcare, educators, and more

• Available even for repeat buyers

• Funded again in 2025 with $350M allocated

And You Probably Haven’t Heard About These

Some counties, like Seminole and Lake, also offer local programs. They tend to fly under the radar, but they’re real—and they can be stacked with other incentives in some cases.

You just need the right guidance (hi, that’s me).

Why This Matters in a Market Like Orlando

Home prices have risen steadily across Central Florida, and interest rates are still weighing on monthly affordability. But a lower down payment can change the math:

• Keep more money in reserves

• Avoid costly PMI faster

• Qualify sooner, rather than waiting years to save 20%

And the truth is, a lot of this assistance goes unused simply because buyers assume they don’t qualify.

Next Steps: Let’s Explore Your Eligibility

Want to find out what you might qualify for—without committing to anything?

Let’s talk. I’ll guide you through:

• The programs that match your profile

• What paperwork you’ll need

• How to apply (and when funding opens up)

The sooner you understand your options, the sooner we can move you from renter to homeowner—without draining your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use down payment assistance if I’m not a first-time buyer?

Yes. Programs like Hometown Heroes are open to repeat buyers. Some city/county programs require that you haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years—but that still qualifies you as a "first-time buyer" under HUD rules.

What credit score do I need?

Most programs require a minimum credit score of 640–660. However, some lenders may accept alternative credit history with manual underwriting.

Are these grants or loans?

It depends:

• City/County programs are typically 0% deferred-payment loans

• Hometown Heroes assistance is forgivable over time
  All are designed to reduce your upfront costs without increasing your monthly burden.

What areas are covered?

• City of Orlando: Properties within city limits

• Orange County: Everywhere else in the county

• State programs: All of Florida, including Orlando, Lake Nona, Winter Garden, and beyond

Can I stack multiple programs?

Sometimes! It depends on your lender and the funding source. Let’s have that conversation early to get it right.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

There’s no downside to checking your eligibility—but there is a downside to assuming you don’t qualify.

Let’s talk through the numbers and build your plan. Whether you're a first-time buyer in College Park, a teacher in Winter Park, or a military family moving to Lake Nona, the support is real—and I can help you access it.

📞 Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

Ted Moseley
Realtor® | Orlando Nest – Real Broker, LLC
📍 Serving Orlando, Lake Nona, Winter Park, Winter Garden, and all of Central Florida
📩 Email: ted@orlandonest.com
📱 Call or Text: (321) 321-2025 (Update this once your new 10DLC number is finalized)
🌐 Website: https://OrlandoNest.com

Whether you're buying your first home or exploring down payment assistance options, I'm here to help you move with confidence.