Florida Realtors’ Advocacy Drives Housing Options

Florida Realtors Drive Housing Opportunities Through Advocacy
The Hometown Heroes Housing Program empowers Floridians to achieve homeownership by offering zero-interest loans for down payments and closing costs.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Housing affordability remains a pressing issue across the United States, particularly in Florida, where rising home prices, limited inventory, and high interest rates have created significant barriers to homeownership. In response, Florida Realtors®, the state’s largest professional trade association, has been leading efforts to ensure hardworking Floridians have access to attainable housing solutions.

Empowering Homeownership Through Hometown Heroes
One standout initiative is the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, launched in 2022 to assist Florida’s workforce in purchasing homes close to their workplaces. This program provides zero-interest loans to cover down payments and closing costs, addressing a major hurdle for first-time homebuyers.

For Tyler, a software engineer, and Madison, an ICU nurse, the program was life-changing. With guidance from Amanda Barcenas of MVP Realty in Naples, they used Hometown Heroes funds to cover their upfront costs, enabling them to buy their first home.

“This program profoundly impacts our neighbors' lives,” said Gia Arvin, 2024 Florida Realtors President. “It keeps hardworking professionals in the communities they serve and strengthens our neighborhoods.”

How the Program Works
Eligible borrowers can receive up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount, capped at $35,000, as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage. Repayment is required only if the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or ceases to be the primary residence. Once repaid, the funds are reinvested to assist future homebuyers.

To date, the program has helped over 20,000 individuals and families, with $300 million allocated by the Florida Legislature and an additional $36 million from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Demand has surged, with funding being reserved faster each year.

“When we started, $100 million lasted a year. Now, funding is claimed within months,” said Murphy Kennedy Giering, a Florida Realtors public policy representative. “This demonstrates the critical need for this program.”

Advocacy for Greater Access
Florida Realtors® continues to champion initiatives like the Hometown Heroes Housing Program by advocating for increased funding and innovative housing policies.

“Providing pathways to homeownership invests in the people who make our communities thrive,” said Arvin. “Success stories like Tyler and Madison’s show what’s possible when state leaders and Realtors® collaborate to create impactful solutions.”

Strengthening Communities One Family at a Time
Real estate professionals, like Amanda Barcenas, play a vital role in connecting clients to resources like the Hometown Heroes program. These efforts not only help individuals achieve their dreams but also enhance the communities they serve.

For Tyler and Madison, their new home marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey,” said Barcenas. “Programs like Hometown Heroes make a difference, one family at a time.”

To learn more about the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, including current funding availability, visit the program’s website. Realtors can also access the Hometown Heroes Housing Program digital toolkit to share this opportunity with their clients.