Real Estate Resources
Helpful Tools & Information for Your Homeownership Journey
Explore homebuyer programs, down-payment assistance, financing resources, homebuyer education, seller resources, and more—all in one place.
Resources are provided for informational purposes. Program availability and eligibility requirements may change.
💰 Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
Buying a home may require less out-of-pocket money than you think. Explore programs that may help qualified buyers with down-payment and closing costs.
Florida Housing Homebuyer Program
Florida Housing offers statewide first-mortgage programs along with down-payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible buyers. Its Florida Assist program currently provides up to $10,000 in assistance when paired with an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage.
City of Tampa — Dare to Own the Dream
For eligible first-time buyers purchasing within Tampa city limits. The program may provide down-payment and closing-cost assistance based on household income and other eligibility requirements. Buyers must work with an approved housing counseling agency as part of the program process.
Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance
Eligible buyers purchasing within designated Tampa Community Redevelopment Areas may have access to down-payment assistance based on household income and other program requirements.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Florida Hometown Heroes provides eligible Florida workers, servicemembers, and certain veterans with access to homebuyer financing and down-payment and closing-cost assistance. Program funding and eligibility requirements may change.
Hillsborough County Down Payment Assistance
Eligible homebuyers may have access to assistance with down-payment and closing costs through the Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County. Available options include the Home Sweet Home Hillsborough Program and Affordable Income Subsidy Grant.
Program funding, availability, income limits, purchase-price limits and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Assistance is not guaranteed. Contact the program administrator or an approved participating lender for current requirements.
Homebuyer Education & Counseling
Homebuyer education can help you better understand budgeting, credit, financing, the mortgage process, and what to expect when purchasing a home. Some down-payment assistance programs may also require completion of an approved homebuyer education course.
Housing & Education Alliance
Provides homebuyer education and financial counseling resources for individuals and families preparing for homeownership. Hillsborough County currently identifies Housing & Education Alliance as a HUD-certified housing counseling agency providing homebuyer education.
R.E.A.C.H. — Real Estate Education and Community Housing
Provides homebuyer education and housing counseling services designed to help prospective homeowners prepare for the homebuying process.
Solita's House
A HUD-approved housing counseling agency offering homebuyer education, pre-purchase counseling, financial stability resources, and other services designed to help prepare buyers for homeownership.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide education and individualized counseling on homeownership, budgeting, credit, pre-purchase preparation, foreclosure prevention, and other housing matters.
Homebuyer education and counseling requirements vary by assistance program and lender. Confirm that a course meets the applicable program requirements before registering.
🏦 Mortgage & Financing Resources
Understanding your financing options is an important part of preparing for homeownership. Explore these trusted resources to learn more about common mortgage programs and determine which options you may want to discuss with a qualified lender.
FHA Home Loans
FHA-insured mortgages can offer lower down-payment requirements and flexible qualification guidelines for eligible borrowers. Learn about FHA loan options and find additional homebuyer resources through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
VA Home Loans
VA-backed home loans can help eligible Veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses purchase a home. The VA provides information about eligibility, Certificates of Eligibility (COE), loan types, and the homebuying process.
USDA Rural Development Home Loans
USDA Rural Development offers home-loan programs designed to help eligible households purchase homes in qualifying rural areas. Eligibility can depend on household income, property location, and other program requirements.
Conventional Mortgages
Conventional mortgages are home loans that are not insured or guaranteed by a federal government program. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides independent information to help consumers understand conventional mortgages and compare loan options.
Loan programs, interest rates, credit requirements, down-payment requirements, and eligibility guidelines vary by lender and borrower. Consult a qualified mortgage professional for information specific to your situation.
Seller Resources
Thinking about selling your home? These resources can help you understand your home's value, prepare your property for the market, estimate potential proceeds, and plan your next steps.
🏡 Preparing Your Home to Sell
Not every home needs major renovations before going on the market. Learn which repairs, updates, and preparation steps may help your home make a strong first impression.
📊 Understanding Your Home's Value
Your home's value depends on more than an online estimate. Location, condition, recent comparable sales, market activity, features, and buyer demand can all influence pricing.
💰 Seller Net Proceeds
Your sale price isn't necessarily the amount you'll receive at closing. A seller net estimate can help you understand how mortgage payoff, closing costs, taxes, compensation, and other expenses may affect your estimated proceeds.
📋 Home Seller Checklist
Stay organized as you prepare to sell with a helpful checklist covering preparation, paperwork, showings, offers, inspections, appraisal, and closing.
