The Head Start to HOME Ownership (H2H) Program provides financial aid in the form of down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible families/individuals interested in buying a home.  Families/individuals who do not currently own a house, who will reside in the home as their primary residence and who meet household income criteria will be eligible for assistance pending funding availability.

In order to qualify for the H2H program, the total gross household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income for Duval County as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  In addition to meeting the income criteria, the applicant must have a minimum down payment of $500.

Any single-family housing unit newly built or existing (including patio homes, town homes and condominiums)  located within the consolidated City of Jacksonville is eligible except mobile homes or manufactured housing.  The maximum purchase/value for one family unit for Duval County as of March 13, 2006, is $200,160.

Upon H2H approval, families/individuals will be referred to a participating lender for first mortgage qualification.  It is important that applicants NOT sign a sales contract prior to being approved.

The city's financial assistance will be in the form of a second mortgage, at 0 percent interest for 15 years.  If the property is sold or the applicant ceases to occupy the property as their principal residence before the end of the city's mortgage term, the applicant must repay the city the original balance of the loan amount.

List of participating lenders.

For more information regarding this program, contact William Arce at (904) 255-8276 or WArce@coj.net.