Still renting? The City of Tampa can help you buy.
Eligible buyers can get up to $100,000* toward their down payment and closing costs, and move in with as little as $2,000* of their own money.
What the assistance can cover
*Assistance amount depends on household income, purchase price, and whether the property is located within a City of Tampa designated redevelopment area. Not every buyer or property will qualify for the full $100,000. Minimum buyer contribution and all other terms are set by the assistance program and the approved lender. This website is operated by Benjamin Navarre, LPT Realty, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated on behalf of the City of Tampa.
I'm Ben
I help first time homebuyers buy their first home with only $2000 of your own money and a payment that may pleasantly surprise you
Three things most buyers don't know are available to them
Down Payment Help
Depending on where you're buying and your household, assistance programs can cover some or all of what you'd otherwise need to bring to the table.
Seller-Paid Closing Costs
It's common to negotiate the seller covering some or all of your closing costs — I build this into your offer strategy from the start.
You May Already Have the $2k
Many employer 401(k) plans let you borrow against your own balance — often enough to cover this.† It's worth a quick call to find out what's available to you.
*Actual assistance amount depends on household income and whether the property is located within a City of Tampa designated redevelopment area. Not every buyer or property will qualify for the full $100,000. †401(k) loan availability and terms depend entirely on your employer's plan — not all plans permit loans. Check with your plan administrator to confirm your eligibility and terms.
What people get wrong about down payment help
"It's only for people with bad credit or very low income."
The truthEligibility is based on household income and size, and the limits reach further than most people expect. Plenty of full-time working households qualify, so it's worth checking before you assume you don't.
"I should find the house first, then ask about help."
The truthIt's actually the reverse. The education and approval steps come before you shop, and with some programs, going under contract too early can cost you the assistance. That's the first thing I'll walk you through.
"The process is too complicated."
The truthThere's a clear path: a homebuyer education course, a session with a housing counselor, then an approved lender. I'm with you at every step, so you always know what comes next.
"It sounds too good to be true."
The truthIt's real. It's just underused. These programs take a few extra steps, so a lot of buyers never hear about them. My job is making sure you do.
Eligibility is subject to program guidelines, lender approval, and availability of funds.