City of Tampa “Dare to Own the Dream” (DARE) Homeownership Program
Special Alert
Assistance amounts vary by income. Review program guidelines to determine assistance eligibility by income level.
Maximum Purchase Price
$300,000
Contact Info:
https://www.tampa.gov/housing-and-community-development/programs/mortgage-assistance 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, FL 33602 813-274-8211
Limitations
Retail, Wholesale
Credit Score Requirements
Minimum Credit Score: 600 Must have a mid score of at least 600 Any items reflected under Public Records must have a Satisfaction/Discharge/Dismissal/Release.
Deferred Payments?
Yes
Accepted First Mortgage Type:
Freddie Mac, Freddie Mac HFA Advantage, Freddie Mac Home Possible, Fannie Mae, Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, Fannie Mae HomeReady, FHA 203(b), VA
Homeowners Education Class:
Required
Is Forgivable?
Fully forgivable after 10 years, assuming still owner occupied.
Location:
Tampa Property must be in the City of Tampa, FL.
Income Limitations:
Yes, based on Compliance Income (including household income) Income limits from HUD 2023 140% AMI guidelines Income calculated based on HOUSEHOLD income, not just the loan applicant. Household income must be at or below 140% Area Median Income (AMI) – Hillsborough County.
Maximum Assistance
$40,000 Assistance amount is based on Income level categories: 0-50% AMI = Up to $40,000; 50.01%-80% AMI = Up to $30,000; 80.01%-120% AMI = Up to $20,000; 120.01%-140% AMI = Up to $15,000.
Education Requirements Info:
The City of Tampa’s Housing and Community Development Division (HCD), through its Housing Counseling Agency partners, will provide Homebuyer Education classes (English and Spanish), Homebuyer Counseling services and down payment & closing cost assistance funds for qualified homebuyers. To participate, contact any of the following housing counseling agencies to begin the process: PARTICIPATING HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCIES: Housing & Education Alliance 9215 N. Florida Ave., Ste. 104 Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 932-HOME (4663) Real Estate Education and Community Housing, Inc. (R.E.A.C.H) 4006 S. MacDill Ave. Tampa, FL 33611 (813) 397-6208 Solita’s House, Inc. 3101 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 425-4847
Eligible Property Types:
Single Family Detached
Income By Household Size:
HH1HH2HH3HH4HH5HH6HH7HH8 $85,260$97,440$109,620$121,660$131,460$141,260$150,920$160,720 *Income limits as of 06/05/2023
Qualifying Ratios:
Housing Ratio: Up To 36% Total DTI: Up To 43% Debt ratios of 36%/43%.
