Why Your Dream Home in Sarasota or Manatee Might Be Closer Than You Think
- Gina Ewan
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
If you’ve been scrolling through Zillow in Sarasota or Manatee County lately, you already know the story: home prices are up, and the thought of saving a massive down payment can feel like trying to hit a moving target.
But here is the truth that many Florida renters don't know: You don't need a 20% down payment to buy a home. In fact, between our local county programs and statewide initiatives, you could walk into a closing with thousands of dollars in assistance.
The Big Three: Local & State Assistance Programs
1. The Florida Hometown Heroes Program
This is one of the most popular programs in our area right now. It isn’t just for "heroes" like nurses or police officers anymore—as of 2026, it has expanded to include a wide range of full-time workers employed by Florida-based companies.
The Benefit: Get up to 5% of your loan amount (capped at $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance.
The Catch: It’s a 0% interest, deferred loan, meaning you don't pay it back until you sell or refinance the home.
2. Manatee County HFA "Key to Homeownership"
For those looking specifically in Bradenton, Palmetto, or Parrish, the Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County offers a powerful leg up.
The Benefit: Assistance typically around $15,000 in the form of a 0% interest second mortgage.
Bonus: This often comes with a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), which can save you thousands in federal income taxes every year for the life of your loan.
3. Sarasota & Manatee SHIP Programs
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program provides funds directly to the counties to help residents with "very low" to "moderate" incomes.
The Benefit: These funds can often be used for down payments, closing costs, or even home repairs.
Availability: These funds are "first-come, first-served" and are released in cycles. It is vital to have your paperwork ready before the window opens.
How to See What You Qualify For
Every program has different "hoops" to jump through—income limits, credit score requirements (usually 640+), and purchase price caps. Instead of spending hours googling "am I eligible," you can check every available resource in one place.
Use our free Down Payment Resource (DPR) tool to instantly see which programs match your specific situation:
The "20% down" rule is a myth. In the Sarasota-Manatee area, there are millions of dollars in grant and loan funding sitting in accounts waiting for people like you to claim them.
There are so many options available aside from the Link I have provided! Give me a call or Text @(631) 245-3507 and I can help you navigate what you can qualify for so we can get you into your new home! And remember:
YOU WIN WITH EWAN!
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