Lee County Human and Veteran Services – SHIP Downpayment Assistance Program
Special Alert
Maximum Purchase Price
$349,526
Contact Info:
https://www.leegov.com 2440 Thompson St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 239-533-7938
Limitations
Credit Score Requirements
Based on 1st mortgage requirements.
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, USDA / RD
Homeowners Education Class:
Required
Is Forgivable?
The second mortgage will be non-reducing for a term of 15 years. We place a fifteen (15)-year second mortgage on the property being purchased. Zero percent interest (0%) and no monthly payments will be due. The second mortgage is a non-amortizing loan. Homebuyer must agree to occupy the property as their principal residence and maintain a homestead exemption during the fifteen (15) year second mortgage term. As long as the property is occupied as a primary residence and homesteaded for the fifteen-year term, a satisfaction of mortgage will be given and the second mortgage will not have to be repaid.
Location:
1 County: Lee Property must be located in unincorporated Lee County, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel. Individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits can purchase anywhere in Lee County.
Income Limitations:
Yes, based on Compliance Income (including household income) Income limits from HUD 2022 80% AMI guidelines Currently the funding for program is for income category of 80% AMI or less only – so these income limits are what is reflected in the system currently. All assets will be considered when calculating annual income (i.e.: checking/savings accounts, IRA’s, 401(k)’s, CD’s, cash value life insurance, etc.)
Maximum Assistance
$40,000 The amount of assistance ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on your household income.
Education Requirements Info:
Register for a HUD approved homebuyer education class. This is mandatory in order to receive SHIP funds, and may be taken at any of the following agencies: Lee County Housing Development Corporation. Phone: 239-275-5105 Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc. Phone: 239-689-4944 Habitat for Humanity of Lee & Hendry Counties. Phone: 239-652-1682 Royal Palm Coast REALTOR® Association. Phone: 239-936-3537
Eligible Property Types:
Single Family Detached Condo Townhome/PUD
Income By Household Size:
HH1HH2HH3HH4HH5HH6HH7HH8 $45,050$51,450$57,900$64,300$69,450$74,600$79,750$84,900 *Income limits as of 05/11/2023
Qualifying Ratios:
Housing Ratio: Up To 30% Total DTI: Up To 41% Front-end ratio is 30% (total housing payment plus homeowner’s association fees, if any, divided by gross monthly income). Back-end ratio is 41% (total housing payment, plus homeowner’s association fees, if any, AND other recurring debts such as credit card payments, car payments, student loans, etc. divided by gross monthly income). Exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis, using compensating factors. We use the income of all occupying household members to calculate the debt-to-income ratio.
