Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Clay County, Florida.
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A minimum 640 credit score
- A completed homebuyer education course
- A home in Clay County
It doesn’t cover
- Purchases above the $322,925 price cap
- Households above 120% of area median income
- Homes outside Clay County
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
120% of Clay County’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
Clay County’s homesClay County’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 74% single-familysingle-family
- 4.1% townhousetownhouse
- 3.2% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 7.5% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 11.2% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$312,500
Clay County median home value
22.1%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Clay County
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program before funds are reserved.
Contact the administering agency to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.
Work with a lender who handles the program
Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Clay County, Florida. Clay County provides up to $20,000 in a 30-year deferred, 0% interest SHIP second mortgage for down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. The second mortgage is never forgiven and must be repaid when the first mortgage is paid off, refinanced, sold, or the borrower ceases to occupy the property. Income limits approximately $78,865 (1-2 person) and $90,694 (3+ person); purchase price limit $322,925; minimum FICO 640. Funding comes from State.
How much assistance does it provide?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance offers up to $20,000 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and Transfer of Title. The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 640. A homebuyer education course is required.
What are the income limits?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income up to 120% AMI for Clay County. ~$78,865 (1-2 person) or $90,694 (3+ person). Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
What kind of home can it be used for?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance caps the purchase price at $322,925. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.
Where does it apply?
Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Clay County, Florida.
How do you apply?
Applications for Clay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Clay County homebuyersOther programs open to Clay County homebuyers
- Florida Hometown HeroesUp to $35,000
- Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan ProgramUp to $35,000
- Florida Assist (FL Assist)Up to $10,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 85 programs for Clay CountyProgram terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.