Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home in Volusia & Flagler Counties
Lydia Gregg

 

Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home in Volusia & Flagler Counties

 

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming. From saving for a down payment to understanding mortgage requirements, first-time homebuyers often have questions about where to begin and how to make homeownership affordable in Volusia and Flagler Counties.

 

Fortunately, there are local resources, down payment assistance programs, and expert guidance available to help you every step of the way. As a HUD-approved nonprofit, Mid-Florida Housing Partnership (MFHP) provides homebuyer education, one-on-one counseling, and support accessing financial assistance programs designed to make buying your first home more achievable.

Why Buy Your First Home Now?

The housing market in Volusia and Flagler Counties continues to evolve, but first-time homeownership is still within reach — especially when you take advantage of programs designed specifically for new buyers.

Many first-time homebuyer programs help with:

  • Down payment assistance

  • Closing cost assistance

  • Homebuyer education and certification

  • Personalized housing counseling

Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is often the first required step. Not only does this class explain the entire homebuying process, but it also qualifies you for many local and state assistance programs.

Local Down Payment Assistance Programs

Volusia County Homebuyer Assistance Program

Volusia County offers a Homebuyer Assistance Program that provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. The assistance is typically offered as a zero-interest, deferred payment loan, meaning no monthly payments are required and repayment is deferred for a specified period.

Program highlights may include:

  • Up to $75,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance (based on funding availability and income limits)

  • No monthly payments on the assistance loan

  • Funds administered through approved housing partners, such as Mid-Florida Housing Partnership

Typical eligibility requirements:

  • First-time homebuyer status (generally no homeownership in the past three years)

  • Household income within Area Median Income (AMI) limits

  • Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course

  • Mortgage pre-approval from an approved lender

  • Purchase of a primary residence within Volusia County

This program is especially helpful for buyers purchasing homes in unincorporated Volusia County areas.

Flagler County SHIP Homebuyer Assistance

Flagler County participates in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, which provides financial assistance to income-qualified first-time homebuyers.

Program features may include:

  • Assistance with down payment and closing costs

  • Funding availability based on county allocations

  • Priority given to eligible households meeting program guidelines

Applicants typically work with a housing counseling agency like MFHP to complete education requirements and begin the application process.

Statewide Florida Down Payment Assistance Options

In addition to local programs, Florida offers statewide down payment assistance options that may be combined with county programs when allowed.

Popular statewide programs include:

  • State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) assistance

  • Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program for eligible workers such as teachers, healthcare professionals, first responders, and veterans

  • Florida Assist and HFA Preferred programs offering deferred or forgivable second mortgages

Eligibility depends on income limits, credit qualifications, and purchase price restrictions.

How to Qualify for Down Payment Assistance

Most down payment assistance programs share similar eligibility requirements, including:

  • First-time homebuyer status (typically defined as not owning a home in the past three years)

  • Household income limits based on HUD guidelines

  • Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course

  • Mortgage pre-approval from an approved lender

  • Ability to afford monthly mortgage payments

Meeting with a housing counselor can help you understand which programs you qualify for and how to prepare.

 

Start With Homebuyer Education and Counseling

HUD-approved homebuyer education classes explain:

  • How mortgages work

  • The full homebuying process

  • Budgeting and credit readiness

  • Down payment and closing cost requirements

Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate that is often required when applying for down payment assistance programs.

MFHP also provides one-on-one housing counseling to help review credit, evaluate income eligibility, and build a personalized homebuying plan.

Next Steps to Buy Your First Home

  1. Register for a HUD-approved homebuyer education class with Mid-Florida Housing Partnership

  2. Schedule housing counseling to assess readiness and eligibility

  3. Obtain mortgage pre-approval from a qualified lender

  4. Apply for local down payment assistance programs in Volusia or Flagler County

  5. Use available assistance to reduce upfront homebuying costs

Helping You Become a Successful Homeowner

Mid-Florida Housing Partnership proudly serves residents throughout Volusia and Flagler Counties, including Daytona Beach, Deltona, Palm Coast, and surrounding areas. As a trusted HUD-approved nonprofit, MFHP supports first-time homebuyers from education through closing and beyond.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to homeownership, explore MFHP’s homebuyer education classes and counseling services to take the next step with confidence.