Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 115% of area median income
- Homes outside Hillsborough 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
115% of Hillsborough 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
Hillsborough County’s homesHillsborough County’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 56.9% single-familysingle-family
- 7.6% townhousetownhouse
- 5.9% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 23% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 6.7% 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.
$371,500
Hillsborough County median home value
30.4%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Hillsborough 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 Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home?
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Hillsborough County, Florida. Hillsborough County HFA provides below-market rate first mortgages paired with deferred 0% second mortgage assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers throughout Hillsborough County. Funding comes from State.
Do you have to pay it back?
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home 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?
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home 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?
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home limits household income to 115% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income limits vary by household size. Generally up to 80%-120% AMI. 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?
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.
Where does it apply?
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home serves homebuyers purchasing in Hillsborough County, Florida.
How do you apply?
Applications for Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County - Home Sweet Home 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 Hillsborough County homebuyersOther programs open to Hillsborough County homebuyers
- Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough CountyGrant
- Hillsborough County Down Payment AssistanceDeferred
- Florida Hometown HeroesUp to $35,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 87 programs for Hillsborough CountyProgram terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.