Yes, there still is some grant money available for properties within the City limits of Tampa. Also County grant money may be available in July. I have one client who received $50k towards her downpayment on her $180k purchase. Also there is the Good Neighbor Next Door program that allows police officers, teachers, firefighters and EMTs to buy a property at 50% off! Call or email if you want more info.

Alma Kee
813.244.9898
www.SoldOnTampa.com

Sat Jun 7 2008, 03:45

Good morning, CJ!
First let me thank you for your service to our country and community! I'm directly involved in the military community and know what sacrifices you and your family make daily for each one of us!
In addition to the information provided in other posts, I'd recommend you check with USAA. They have some fabulous programs for military members, including cash incentives, no or reduced lender fees, on-line loan monitoring, and services to help you find a trained agent in military relocation (which includes local home buying, not necessarily PCS). Their loan advisors will determine if a VA loan is your best option for financing, and show you all available financing programs. Please feel to call or email me directly and I can give you more information about USAA and other programs!
Thank you again for all you do!
Lynne Halleran, e-PRO GRI
Realtor®
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
1513 J.L. Redman Parkway
Plant City, FL 33563
813.763.1881 CELL
866.397.7166 FAX
Visit me at: www.floridamoves.com/lynne.halleran

Fri Jun 6 2008, 04:48

Cj,
The general feeling is that VA financing is the route to go. Good luck and Thank you. We are so proud of our police and military.

The "ECkler Team"

Sun May 18 2008, 03:56

Hello Home Buyer! I am a Real Estate Professional in Plant City and I would like to respond to your question. First of all, I want to say that while I may be more knowledgeable than the average person regarding mortgage programs and first-time buyer programs, I am not an expert. My expertise is related to the process of buying and selling real estate, of which obtaining a mortgage is a very crucial piece. However, in order to serve you best I would need to refer you to a specialist in this area, namely a mortgage broker or officer. Programs and their guidelines are constantly changing and I would be doing you or any other buyer a disservice by not giving you accurate information. I do want to make you aware that as a militray reservist you may be eligible for VA financing which is the only program at this time that I am aware of which allows for 100% financing (no down payment) and zero PMI. However, I also know of conventional financing programs which require a 3% down-payment, also waive PMI (Primvate Mortgage Insurance), and are currently offering a 4.875 30-year fixed interest rate for first-time home buyers if they qualify. Just because you are eligible for a certain program such as VA financing doesn't necessarily mean that it would be the most advantageous for you. I would love to refer you to a mortgage professional within my trusted network of other professionals for more information. Please either call me directly at 813-716-3997 or e-mail me at Lorraine@MyHappyRealtor.com and I will be happy to do so. Best regards...

Sat May 17 2008, 11:50

Hey there. Your VA allows you for $ 0 down as well as a lot of VA NON-ALLOWABLES (things the veteran CANNOT pay) There are programs available SPECIFICALLY for law enforcement, and other programs that offer as much as 20% grant assistance. I have a buer I am working with now that is getting that , and that particular program IS NOT out of money. Feel free to contact me for additional information.

Not all mortgage companies are eligable to do the loan with this program.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.. for serving our County and our COUNTRY. We support and appreciate you & the troops :o)

Katrina Madewell

Tue Jan 15 2008, 02:24

Hello Cj,
There're quite few federal housing program help, but as far as i know everything is at stall because Counties have no funds.
My best suggestion is to use your VA option which let you buy with as little as 3%
I'll be glad to show you the way.......... http://www.hothomespot.com/va_loan.php also visit my site advanced search to browse your new home and call me to help you along the process.
Cya soon!

Mon Jan 14 2008, 09:01

Cj,
The hyperlink below (be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page) lists an wide variety of grants (free money) for first time home buyers in Florida. Also be sure to check with the individual city you're interested in, because they sometimes have small unadvertised programs as well. Most importantly, use a mortgage professional familiar with these programs, because the paperwork can be tedious and complex. Of course, I also recommend a buyers agent to represent your interests solely. Get referrals from friends and family to find a good local REALTOR and lender in your area.

On a personal note, thanks for your work/service, and be careful out there. Best of luck and happy hunting!

Thu Jan 10 2008, 10:32

I just wanted to say thanks for your service Cj!

Thu Jan 10 2008, 10:23