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Homebuyer Assistance 2026

Calhoun County First-Time Homebuyer Program

Put up to $25,000 toward an eligible home purchase in Calhoun County. This 0% assistance loan is forgiven 20% each year over five years when program requirements are met.

*Verification of eligibility required.

Up to $25k Maximum Purchase Assistance
0% Interest Deferred Assistance Loan
5 Years Annual Loan Forgiveness

Program Guidelines & Assistance Levels

Calhoun County's SHIP purchase assistance helps first-time buyers cover eligible homebuying costs, including qualifying repairs when needed.

Available Assistance

  • Very Low Income

    Up to $25,000 for an eligible home purchase.

  • Low Income

    Up to $15,000 for an eligible home purchase.

  • Moderate Income

    Up to $10,000 for an eligible home purchase. Qualifying rehabilitation is included within the award, not added on top.

Core Requirements

  • Meet the first-time homebuyer requirement and purchase a primary residence in Calhoun County.
  • Fall within the household-size income limit for a very low, low, or moderate income household.
  • Qualify for an approved fixed-rate first mortgage through a lender.
  • Choose a property that meets program price, condition, and housing-type requirements.

Path to Homeownership: 4 Key Steps

A clear path from your mortgage review to your new home in Calhoun County.

1

Get Preapproved

Begin with a lender review of your income, credit, and mortgage budget.

2

Prepare Your Documents

Gather household income, asset, and mortgage documents for your purchase-assistance application.

3

Apply for Assistance

Submit your purchase-assistance application through the Apalachee Regional Planning Council housing program.

4

Complete the Home Review

The administrator reviews the property and any required repairs before approving assistance for closing. Awards depend on eligibility and available funds.

Why Utilize Down Payment Assistance?

Calhoun County assistance helps cover the gap between your savings and the cost of buying an eligible home. Its five-year forgiveness schedule rewards continued primary occupancy and compliance.

  • Lower Your Upfront Costs

    Apply approved assistance to eligible costs of purchasing your home.

  • Include Eligible Repairs

    Qualifying rehabilitation can be part of your total purchase-assistance award.

  • Five-Year Forgiveness

    Twenty percent of the original loan is forgiven each year while program requirements are met.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for homebuyers in Calhoun County.

How much assistance is available in Calhoun County?

The maximum purchase award is $25,000 for very low-income households, $15,000 for low-income households, and $10,000 for moderate-income households. Eligible repairs count toward the same award limit.

How does repayment work?

The assistance is a 0% deferred mortgage with a five-year term. Twenty percent is forgiven annually while you comply with the program. A default can make the remaining unforgiven balance due.

Who is the program for?

It serves eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Calhoun County. Applicants must meet household income limits, qualify for a first mortgage, and purchase an eligible property.

What are the household income limits?

Income limits vary by household size. For a four-person household in 2026, the very low-income limit is $40,400, the low-income limit is $64,650, and the moderate-income limit is $96,960.

What kinds of homes qualify?

Eligible properties include new or existing single-family homes and qualifying modular or manufactured homes built after June 1994. The property must meet the program's condition and purchase-price requirements.

Can assistance include repairs?

Yes. Qualifying rehabilitation may be included in purchase assistance. Repairs are part of the income-based maximum award, not a separate additional down-payment benefit.

Can I use owner financing?

No. The plan excludes owner-financed purchases. The first mortgage must also meet program rules, which exclude adjustable rates, balloon payments, prepayment penalties, and negative amortization.

How do I apply for Calhoun County assistance?

Start with mortgage qualification, then use the Apalachee Regional Planning Council's housing application process. The administrator reviews your household, financing, and property before approving an award.

Can I receive assistance more than once?

The plan generally limits assistance to a person or property once in a ten-year period, with an exception for disaster assistance. Prior assistance must be disclosed during application.

Does this form approve me for county funds?

No. This is a private mortgage inquiry with Next Wave Mortgage, LLC. The program administrator determines assistance eligibility and awards, subject to available funding.

Start Your Calhoun County Home Purchase

Review your mortgage budget and the assistance that may fit your household. Program approval and an eligible property are required before funds can be applied to your purchase.

Start Your Check Now