Downpayment Assistance & Certified Lenders

Downpayment Assistance

Many home buyers can afford a monthly mortgage payment but may not be able to pay all or a portion of the down payment and/or closing costs needed to purchase a home. Down payment assistance programs can help.

As a first step in the process of meeting eligibility requirements,  interested parties should schedule to attend a Homeownership Training Course with Step Up Suncoast - (941) 757-1166, Opt #1 or Community Solutions 360 - (941) 809-2231.

Home buyers interested in a down payment assistance program must work with one of Manatee County's Certified Lenders (see below). A certified lender must submit the application, not the homeowner.

Manatee County offers the following down payment assistance programs:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Household members must earn at or below 80% of the area median income adjusted by family size for the Bradenton/Sarasota MSA. Download Program Overview
• State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP): Household members must earn at or below 120% of the area median income adjusted by family size for the Bradenton/Sarasota MSA. Download Program Overview

                            AFFORDABLE/HOUSING INCOME LIMITS AND MAXIMUM SALES PRICE

For Lenders who wish to become a Certified Lender with Manatee County’s Downpayment Assistance program, you must attend a Lender Certification Training/Workshop held each year. If you are a lender interested in becoming certified with the program, you may contact our office at 941-749-3029 ext. 6202 to be included on the notification listing for the next available Training/Workshop to be held in 2023. Please note lenders must operate out of an office in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, or Hillsborough County areas to be eligible for certification.

2024 Certified Lenders List