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Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance

Highlands County, Florida

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Income limit

120% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$250,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance?

Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Highlands County, Florida.

  • Highlands County provides deferred 0% interest SHIP assistance for eligible homebuyers in the Sebring area. Max property value $250,000. By appointment only.
  • Funding comes from State.

Do you have to pay it back?

Highlands County SHIP Purchase 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?

Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 620 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course

The program excludes

  • Purchases above the $250,000 price cap
  • Households above 120% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Income up to 120% AMI for Highlands County.
  • 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?

Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance caps the purchase price at $250,000.

  • Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance serves buyers purchasing in Highlands County, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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