1. CNHS Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance Program
Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) will provide down payment and closing cost assistance to applicants seeking home ownership within Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties, with the exception of the City limits of St. Petersburg. NeighborWorks America, in the form of a low interest loan secured by a second mortgage, provides funding for this program.

Loan Amounts: up to $4,000.00 - Existing Homes/New Construction

Term: 5 years Rate: 6%

Program Eligibility:
• Income up to 150%
• Must attend Home Buyer Education seminar offered by CNHS
• Buyer must contribute at least 2% of the purchase price toward transaction
• FHA Buyer must contribute at least 3.5% of the purchase price toward transaction
• Existing homes require a home inspection
• New construction requires a Certificate of Occupancy
• CNHS loans are offered to credit qualified applicants
• Program effective October 2010. Subject to change without notice.

Click Here for Application (CNHS_NW Application Loan)

2. City of Clearwater Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
Assistance is available to help homebuyers cover part of their down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home within Incorporated City of Clearwater.
Maximum Subsidy Amounts: Subsidy amount ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 depending upon the type of home being purchased, location of home, gross household income and household size.

Maximum Purchase Price: $180,000

Term: The entire principal amount of the loan shall be due and payable when the buyer sells, rents, refinances or if the property ceases to be the principal/homestead property of the borrower. If the borrower sells, transfers, rents, and/or refinances the property, or if the property ceases to be the principle/homestead property of the borrower, during the first year through year seven, a percentage of appreciation shall be returned to the City.

Rate: 0%

Program Eligibility:
• Income up to 80% - Effective June 15, 2010
• Must attend Home Buyer Education seminar offered by CNHS
• Buyer must contribute at least 2% of the purchase price toward transaction
• Existing homes require a home inspection (home must meet MHC)
• New construction requires a Certificate of Occupancy
• Program effective October 2010. Subject to change without notice.

Click Here for Application (Clearwater Application DPA)

3. Pinellas County Down Payment Assistance Program
Assistance is available to help income eligible households who meet specific program guidelines cover part of their down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home within unincorporated Pinellas County. The home must be used as a primary residence. (Properties located inside the city limits of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Belleair Shores are not eligible for this program.) Funding is provided by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.

Maximum Subsidy Amounts:

 *Contact CNHS for target area maps 

Maximum Purchase Price: $175,750

Rate and Term: Repayment is deferred for five years. Beginning in year six, the loan is repaid at 0% interest over the next three to ten years, depending upon the amount of the loan.

Program Eligibility:

• Income up to 80%
• Home Buyer Education seminar offered by CNHS recommended
• Buyer contributes at least 2% of the purchase price toward transaction – 1% can be a gift
• Existing homes require a home inspection (home must meet MHC)
• New construction requires a Certificate of Occupancy
• Program effective October 2010. Subject to change without notice