Housing and Human Services-Purchase Assistance

This program provides funds for down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. Additional assistance may be available to applicants with very-low income.

• Single family home, townhouse, or condominium
• Exact purchase price will be determined by your personal income and debts.
• Property must be located within Marion County, but outside the city limits of Ocala.

• You will have out of pocket expenses (deposit with builder/realtor, application fee to bank, and money to cover your taxes and insurance). We estimate you will need up to $3,500.
• SHIP will place a 0%, 30 year deferred mortgage on your home. Payment is not due until sale, refinance or if the home does not remain your primary residence.
• You will need to clear any credit problems you may have. Our lenders require 1 year of no late payments, all collections, judgments, and charge offs must be paid in full and bankruptcies must be discharged for at least two years with re-established credit.
• You will need to have one year on the job or in the same field or a verifiable source of continuous income.
• Do not sign a  contract until you receive approval from the SHIP Program.
• Marion  County's Homeownership Training Courses is required prior to funding approval.