News & Events

First-time homebuyer’s dream comes true

Leslie Cox heard about Pinellas County’s free Homebuyer Information Program (HIP) and decided to join. She was thinking about buying a home and it was an easy way to learn about various housing assistance programs offered by the county and the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County. Then a mailer announcing the Homeownership Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE) Expo arrived.

 

The day-long event featured information on everything she needed to buy a home. She met realtors, lenders, title company representatives and a host of professionals who assist homebuyers. She was also able to take the Homebuyer Education Class and received a certificate. Cox said, “The class was so informative and the HOPE Expo was great! I never would have thought about hiring a home inspector and the talk by Pam DuBov, Property Appraiser, provided me a lot of insight which was a key in helping make my decision on when to buy.”

 

After processing the information she learned and deciding the time was right, Leslie was able to move forward and began the process in August 2011 and closed on her home on December 22nd. “I was very specific with the kind of home I wanted and my realtor was great to work with and knew the First-time Homebuyer Program very well. My lender also knew the program very, very well.” says Cox. She added, “It made for a very smooth and easy process.” After looking at a number of houses, Leslie found the one that was perfect for her.

 

“This house was move-in ready,” said Cox. The previous owner was a contractor. He was able to hire a crew to do the work which kept them employed during the downturned economy and readied the home for a quick sale. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about her new home and the plans she has. “I’ve picked the perfect spot to hang my great-grandmother’s lamp. And I’m adding a driveway to replace the existing shell.”

 

Additional plans include adding a swing set in the back yard for her grandchildren to enjoy and she’s getting ready to bring cats Frank and Mama to their new home. The cats along with 4-year old Tammy (the dog), will have lots of room to roam and will help create lots of new adventures and memories for the family as they settle in to new surroundings.

 

Cox has great advice for others who are thinking about becoming first-time homebuyers, “Be mentally ready and have some money in the bank.” For Cox the down payment assistance was a great benefit. She added, “I know that I will need to add a new roof in a few years and I’ve planned for that in my budget so when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”

 

For more information about the First-time Homebuyer Program, call the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County at (727) 464-8210 or 1 (800) 806-5154, or e-mail HousingFinanceAuthority@pinellascounty.org.

 

A new home for the New Year

If your New Year’s resolution includes buying a new home, Pinellas County may be able to make it easier and more affordable with a low interest mortgage for first-time homebuyers in Pinellas, Pasco and Polk Counties. The program is available to buyers who have never owned a home, have not owned a home in the last three years or veterans. 

 

The rate for the Home Key 1st Mortgage is at an all time low – 3.75%.  Down payment/closing cost assistance is available with the Home Key Plus 2nd Mortgage now available in Pinellas, Pasco and Polk Counties for qualified buyers.

 

According to Anthony M. Jones, executive director of the Housing Finance Authority, “There is a great variety of homes available and prices are lower than we’ve seen in a long time.  The low interest rate along with down payment and closing cost assistance provides homebuyers increased opportunities to become homeowners.”  Buyers must have a minimum credit score of 620 and are required to take a homebuyer education class.

 

Pinellas County also has down payment assistance for buyers who are not first-time homebuyers.  Certain area and income eligibility apply.

 

Pinellas County is ready to help you with your New Year’s resolution to buy a new home.

 

For more information, use this form or call (800) 806-5154 or (727) 464-8210.

 

 

Understanding the home buying process

If you’re thinking about buying a home you don’t want to miss, Understanding the Home Buying Process, the featured topic Thursday, February 2nd on There’s No Place Like Home, the radio show sponsored by the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County.  The show can also be watched on Pinellas County Connection Television, You Tube, or viewed on-linehere. 

 

The show features Karmen Lemberg, Program Administrator with Pinellas County Community Development who walks through the home purchase process step by step.  Topics include credit issues, home buying classes, home inspections and more.

The program, which features different issues each month, is sponsored by the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County.  It airs the first Thursday of each month from 10:05 to 10:35 a.m. on WRXB 1590 AM.

 

Questions or comments about the show may be e-mailed to HousingFinanceAuthority@pinellascounty.org.

 

Partnership Preserves HUD-Assisted Affordable Housing in Pinellas County

Too many Pinellas County residents are losing their homes due to unemployment and foreclosure. The percentage of families falling into homelessness is increasing due to the shortage of affordable housing for low-income families. There is hope for forty-eight (48) families residing in a distressed, failing apartment complex in Clearwater, Florida. These very-low income residents will be able to remain in their homes due to a combined effort of the resident families, HUD, the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA), the Housing Finance Authority (HFA), Gulfcoast Legal Services, and Carlton Fields, P.A. more .

 

 

 

 

 

 

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