Homebuyer Assistance Program

The Escambia County Homebuyer Assistance Program helps qualified, mortgage-ready households overcome upfront homeownership costs through down payment and closing cost assistance.

Welcome to Escambia County Homebuyer Assistance Program

The Escambia County Homebuyer Assistance Program supports the Neighborhood & Human Services Department’s mission to strengthen community vitality through investment in housing, neighborhood stability, economic opportunity, and effective community development services.

The program is designed to help qualified, mortgage-ready households overcome one of the most significant barriers to homeownership, the upfront cost of purchasing a home. By providing down payment and closing cost assistance, Escambia County seeks to expand access to sustainable homeownership, promote neighborhood stability, and encourage long-term investment in communities throughout the County.

Escambia County’s Community Redevelopment Areas may provide additional financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing or building a home within a designated CRA. CRA funding may supplement available county, state, and/or federal homebuyer assistance to help eligible buyers with down payment and closing costs.

Assistance is based on household income, home type, and available funding, with assistance levels structured according to the applicant’s income and whether the home is existing or newly constructed. New construction is subject to applicable architectural and design requirements. CRA assistance is subject to program requirements, funding availability, and approval by Escambia County.

Please contact Escambia County to determine whether the selected property is located within a CRA.

Program Contact

Angie King

Email Address amking1@myescambia.com

Office Phone (850) 595-0006

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for assistance, an applicant must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Be a resident of Escambia County.
Have total gross household income at or below the Area Median Income (AMI), based on household size.
Meet the criteria for a first-time home buyer.
Provide a current prequalification or preapproval letter from a SHIP-approved lender.
Be able to contribute at least $2,000 toward closing costs.
Attend any required homeownership classes and complete a homebuyer education course with a HUD-certified housing counselor.

How the Process Works

This Program is specifically intended for applicants who are mortgage ready, have already obtained prequalification or preapproval from a SHIP-approved lender, and need financial assistance to complete an eligible home purchase.

Get Prequalified

Contact a SHIP-approved lender and obtain a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter.

Find a Home Within Your Budget

Work with a real estate professional or search independently for a home that fits within the amount approved by your lender.

Apply with NED

Submit a complete Homebuyer Program application and all required supporting documents to the Neighborhood & Human Services Department.

Complete NED Review

NED will review household eligibility, income, assets, financing, and the proposed property. Additional documentation may be requested.

Receive NED Approval

If the applicant and property meet Program requirements, NED will issue the appropriate approval.

Work with the Lender and County to Close

The applicant, lender, title company, and County will coordinate the remaining requirements and closing on the selected home.

Funding Availability

Please note: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. Submission of an application does not guarantee assistance. Funding is not reserved or committed until the applicant, property, and financing have been reviewed and formally approved by Escambia County.

Document Checklist

Bring copies of all applicable documents. An application is not considered complete until all required documentation has been received. NED may request additional information based on the applicant's household or financial circumstances.

Mortgage Readiness

Current prequalification or preapproval letter from a SHIP-approved lender.

Identity & Household Documents

Government-issued photo identification for every adult household member.
Social Security cards for all household members.
Marriage certificate, divorce decree, separation agreement, or related legal documents, if applicable.

Income Documents

Most recent pay stubs for all employed household members.
Most recent W-2 form(s).
Current benefit or award letters for SSI, SSA, SSDI, VA benefits, pension, retirement, or other recurring benefits.
Child support and/or alimony documentation, if applicable.
Self-employment income documentation, including current profit-and-loss information and other records requested by NED, if applicable.

Asset Documents

Most recent two months of complete bank statements for all checking, savings, and other financial accounts.
Most recent statements or transaction histories for peer-to-peer payment or banking applications, including Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, or similar accounts.
Statements for other assets or investment accounts, if applicable.