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Homebuyer Assistance 2026

Hendry County First-Time Homebuyer Program

Put up to $30,000 toward the purchase of your first home in Hendry County. Eligible buyers receive a 0% deferred loan that is forgiven after five years when program requirements are met.

Eligibility, an approved purchase, and program funding are required.

Up to $30k Maximum Purchase Assistance
0% Interest Deferred Assistance Loan
5 Years Assistance Loan Term

Program Guidelines & Assistance Levels

Hendry County purchase assistance uses State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding to help first-time buyers purchase new or existing single-family homes.

Available Assistance

  • Very-Low-Income Buyers

    Up to $30,000 toward eligible purchase costs.

  • Low-Income Buyers

    Up to $20,000 toward eligible purchase costs.

  • Moderate-Income Buyers

    Up to $10,000 toward eligible purchase costs.

Core Requirements

  • Qualify as a first-time homebuyer and meet the program's household income limits.
  • Purchase an eligible new or existing single-family home in Hendry County.
  • Meet the current purchase-price and property requirements; manufactured-home purchases are excluded.
  • Occupy the home as your primary residence and comply with the five-year assistance terms.

Path to Homeownership: 4 Key Steps

Get your financing, household documents, and home purchase ready for Hendry County purchase assistance.

1

Review Your Budget

Check your mortgage options and the amount needed for a down payment and closing costs.

2

Gather Income Records

Prepare household and income documents for the county's eligibility review.

3

Apply During Intake

Submit your purchase-assistance application during the county's advertised application period.

4

Complete Your Purchase

Obtain approval of your home, financing, and assistance before moving forward with closing.

Why Utilize Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment and closing costs are part of the cost of buying a home. Hendry County purchase assistance can help cover eligible costs while you establish your primary residence.

  • Reduce Cash to Close

    Apply an approved assistance award toward eligible down payment and closing costs.

  • No Monthly Assistance Payment

    The assistance loan has deferred payments. Your primary mortgage still requires its regular payments.

  • Understand Your Loan Terms

    The assistance is a 0% deferred loan with a five-year term. The balance is forgiven at the end of five years if you meet the requirements. Selling, leaving the home as your primary residence, or another default can trigger repayment before forgiveness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Hendry County purchase assistance.

What is the Hendry County First-Time Homebuyer Program?

Hendry County purchase assistance uses State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding to help first-time buyers purchase new or existing single-family homes. Eligible buyers may receive up to $30,000 toward approved purchase costs.

Who qualifies for Hendry County purchase assistance?

Qualify as a first-time homebuyer and meet the program's household income limits. Purchase an eligible new or existing single-family home in Hendry County. Meet the current purchase-price and property requirements; manufactured-home purchases are excluded. Occupy the home as your primary residence and comply with the five-year assistance terms.

What are the 2026 income limits in Hendry County?

Income limits are adjusted for household size. For a four-person household in 2026, the limits are $39,150 for very low income, $62,600 for low income, and $93,960 for moderate income. The county verifies your income category and assistance amount.

How much assistance can I receive?

Very-Low-Income Buyers: Up to $30,000 toward eligible purchase costs. Low-Income Buyers: Up to $20,000 toward eligible purchase costs. Moderate-Income Buyers: Up to $10,000 toward eligible purchase costs. The final award depends on your eligibility, eligible costs, and program funding.

Do I have to repay the assistance?

The assistance is a 0% deferred loan with a five-year term. The balance is forgiven at the end of five years if you meet the requirements. Selling, leaving the home as your primary residence, or another default can trigger repayment before forgiveness.

What homes are eligible?

Eligible purchases are new or existing single-family homes in Hendry County that meet the program's price and property requirements. Manufactured-home purchases do not qualify under this purchase strategy.

How do I apply for purchase assistance?

Review your financing and household eligibility, then submit the required purchase-assistance documents during the county's application period. After the annual funding notice, eligible applicants are selected on a first-qualified basis until the allocation is committed.

Is the assistance a grant?

No. It is a loan secured by your home, with 0% interest and deferred payments. Forgiveness comes after the five-year term when the loan conditions have been satisfied.

What determines my assistance award?

Applications follow the county's funding notice and are considered on a first-qualified basis. Assistance must be approved for your purchase before you rely on it at closing.

Does checking eligibility submit my county application?

No. This is a private mortgage inquiry with Next Wave Mortgage, LLC, not a county assistance application. A mortgage professional can help you review financing options; the county or its administrator makes the assistance decision.

Your Next Step Toward Homeownership

Applications follow the county's funding notice and are considered on a first-qualified basis. Assistance must be approved for your purchase before you rely on it at closing.

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