Community Services staff members work with lenders, contractors, and realtors to help you buy an affordable home of your own. All applications are funded on a first-qualified, first-served basis as long as funding is available & will be reviewed by staff for eligibility. Funding is not guaranteed and is contingent upon final approval.

Pre-screening application

Please bring a copy of the lender’s pre-approval letter from an approved lender on our approved lender’s list. Your pre-application will not be considered complete without this approval letter.

Apply

Application

Once your pre-application has been deemed eligible and funding is available, you will be notified that a full application has been opened for you to complete.

Please upload all the required documents within the timeline given. Please ensure your application is complete, & includes all the required documents listed.

If further information or clarification is needed, a staff member will contact you.

Approved lenders

List of approved lenders

Interested in participating as an approved lender with our home buyer assistance program? Contact Community Services at 352-671-8770 to get started today.

Eligibility

For eligible participants, the program provides assistance with down payment & closing costs in the form of a zero-interest, deferred payment loan.

For more information & to find out if you're eligible, check the income eligibility chart.

Homebuyer education classes

Purchasing a home through the Marion County SHIP program affords you additional savings on lender fees, lower monthly mortgage payments, and experienced staff to help you understand the home buying process.

The University of Florida/Marion County Extension will present workshops to help potential homebuyers prepare to purchase a home.  The workshops consist of eight hours of education with topics including home maintenance, budgeting, understanding your credit, and working with your lender, just to name a few. Participants will receive a certificate of completion that will enable them to apply for a federal down payment and closing cost assistance program available through Marion County. The cost is $55 per household.

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com or contact Giovanna Benitez at 352-671-8400 or g.martell@ufl.edu.

Escambia County Housing Finance Authority

Escambia County Housing Finance Authority has an agreement with Marion County which allows first-time homebuyers in Marion County the chance to apply for down payment & closing cost assistance.