What is The New Kamala Harris $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant? | 2024

Kamala Harris has proposed a new grant that could offer first-time homebuyers up to $25,000 to help cover the costs of purchasing a home.

This initiative is part of her campaign strategy to make homeownership more accessible, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In this article, we’ll break down the details of this proposed grant, including who might qualify, how to apply, and when the program could become available.

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What is the Kamala Harris $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant?

The $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant is designed to help Americans overcome one of the most significant barriers to homeownership: the down payment. The grant provides up to $25,000 to eligible first-time homebuyers, which can be used to cover the cost of a down payment, closing costs, or other expenses related to purchasing a home.

The program is aimed at making the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of Americans who may not have the financial resources to save for these upfront costs.

According to the Harris campaign, this grant would be available for four years, aligning with the next presidential term. The program is estimated to cost around $100 billion over this period, based on the assumption that approximately 4 million eligible homebuyers would take advantage of the program. However, the actual cost could be higher if the number of participants exceeds this estimate.

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Did the $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant get passed?

As of August 2024, the Kamala Harris $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant has not yet been passed into law.

The proposal was introduced as part of Harris's broader campaign strategy and has been a focal point in discussions about increasing homeownership, particularly among underrepresented communities.

While it has gained attention, the grant is still pending approval in Congress.

Kamala Harris Homebuyer Grant requirements

Eligibility criteria for the $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant have not been fully outlined by the Harris campaign.

However, the primary requirement is that applicants must be first-time homebuyers, meaning they have not owned a home in the past three years.

It is also likely that the grant will be targeted toward low- and moderate-income households, similar to existing federal housing assistance programs.

Additional criteria may include limits on the price of the home being purchased.

How to Apply for the $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant

The Harris $25,000 First-Time Homebuyer Grant is an exciting prospect for many, but it’s important to remember that you can’t apply for it just yet—it hasn’t been passed into law.

In the meantime, there are already a variety of down payment assistance programs available that can provide between $10,000 and $100,000 in assistance to help you purchase a home.

These existing programs can often be accessed online, making it easy to explore your options and find the assistance that best fits your needs.

To help you get started, we've compiled a list of some of the best down payment assistance programs currently available in Florida. These programs offer unique benefits and are designed to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership.

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Currently Available Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants

Florida offers 25 down payment assistance (DPA) programs and grants that can make homeownership more attainable. Here are the top five programs, each offering unique benefits and eligibility criteria to help you navigate your options:

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for a wide range of Florida workers, including teachers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, and many others who serve the community.

With lower interest rates on first mortgages and over $100 million in state funding, this program is designed to make homeownership more accessible to those who contribute to the well-being of Florida's communities, regardless of their specific occupation.

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FHA Loan Program

The FHA loan program is designed to make homeownership more accessible, particularly for first-time buyers and those with lower credit scores. One of its main benefits is the low down payment requirement, which can be as little as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.

FHA loans also offer more lenient credit requirements compared to conventional loans, making it easier for borrowers with past financial challenges to qualify. Additionally, FHA loans allow for higher debt-to-income ratios, providing more flexibility in mortgage approval.

Lastly, the program includes competitive interest rates, which can help reduce the overall cost of homeownership.

$25,000 Down Payment Towards Equity Cash Grant

The Down Payment Toward Equity Act aims to provide up to $25,000 in financial assistance to first-time, first-generation homebuyers, helping to cover down payments and closing costs.

This grant targets low- to moderate-income households, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reduce barriers to homeownership.

The program is designed to address the homeownership gap among underrepresented communities, offering substantial support for purchasing a primary residence. However, as of mid-2024, this grant has not yet been passed by Congress, meaning it is not currently available.

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SHIP First Time Homebuyers Program

The SHIP program offers up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a zero-interest deferred loan, forgivable after 10-15 years if the home remains your primary residence.

With broad eligibility that includes those who haven’t owned a home in the last three years, this program provides a flexible and forgiving path to homeownership.

Own a Home Opportunity Program

This program offers up to $10,000 in assistance for down payments and closing costs in select Florida counties, with a zero-interest, deferred loan structure. Its focus on specific regions like Palm Beach County and the inclusion of various property types make it a versatile option for buyers who meet the income and purchase price limits, ensuring more Floridians have the opportunity to own a home.

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Bottom Line: You could qualify for thousands in down payment assistance today

Why wait for future opportunities when you could take advantage of available down payment assistance right now? While the proposed Harris grant may sound promising, there are already numerous homebuyer grants and programs that could help you get into your dream home today.

With up to $30,000 in down payment assistance potentially within your reach, there’s no reason to delay. Many of these programs are specifically designed to make homeownership more accessible, so chances are, you already qualify.

Don’t put your homeownership goals on hold—explore your options and secure the support you need to make your move now.