State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program
Creation of Program
The State Housing
Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program is the centerpiece of the William
E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act, passed in 1992. SHIP was created to
provide funds to local governments as an incentive for the creation of
public/private partnerships for the production of affordable housing.
The SHIP Program channels a portion of Documentary (DOC) Stamp proceeds
from real estate transfers directly to local governments, enabling local
governments to address the needs identified in their local
comprehensive plan housing elements with locally designed SHIP
strategies.
Program & Use of Funds
The Gulf County SHIP Program has three strategies to assist in providing affordable housing to its residents.
- First is the Purchase Assistance strategy. This strategy provides
monies for home buyers to either purchase a new home, build a home,
purchase land to build or purchase a pre-owned home.
- Second is the Rehabilitation strategy. This strategy is designed to
provide funds to qualified applicants to rehabilitate their existing
homes. All work is done by a qualified contractor.
- Third is the Homeownership Education strategy. This strategy is
designed to inform qualified applicants of procedures in acquiring a
home. Included are topics on debt management, terms used by owners and
real estate persons, pitfalls in signing contracts, etc. This is the
only mandatory element of the Gulf County SHIP Program. All qualified
applicants must attend a class.
Periods of Fund Availability
Funds for the
SHIP Program are allocated in July of each year. The local SHIP
administrator is responsible for advertising this availability for 30
days prior to use of the funds.
Applications for purchase assistance and rehabilitation are announced in this advertisement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are applications available?
A: Normally applications are available in the month of July after the 30 days of advertising has been accomplished.
Q: What are the income requirements for the program?
A:
Income guidelines are furnished by the State of Florida each March.
These guidelines include income limits for families in size from one to
eight members.
Q: What income is counted?
A: Gross Annual Income (before taxes) of all adult members (18 years and older) of the household.
Q: Do certificates of deposit, other land owned, savings accounts, etc., count toward total family income?
A: Yes, all assets count toward the family income.
Q: How many times may one apply for assistance through this program?
A:
As many times as one wishes; however, once selected and provided funds,
the family is no longer eligible for further assistance.
Q: Can other program funds (rural development, etc.) be used in conjunction with SHIP funds to purchase a home?
A: Yes.
Q: Can owner financing work with this program?
A: No.
Q: Can one receive funds to rehabilitate their home if they have "an agreement for deed" through owner financing of their home?
A: No, the applicant must have a mortgage or deed to their home.
Q: How long is the mortgage for SHIP funds to purchase or build a home?
A:
The mortgage is forgiven for this type of loan after 10 years. The
mortgage is repayable only when the home ceases to be the primary
residence of the applicant. Repayment is interest free! The principal
amount is reduced by 10% each year.
Q: What about mortgages for rehabilitation assistance?
A:
The mortgage for rehabilitation assistance is for 10 years, provided
the applicant resides in the home for the full period. If the applicant
moves, sells or otherwise ceases to use the home as their primary
residence, then the mortgage is due and payable with no interest due.
Q: Can a person(s) make application even though they live together but are not married?
A: Yes, however, both must sign the mortgage and both incomes are counted for verification and approval.
Q: How long does it take to get approved to build or buy a home through the purchase assistance program?
A: Everything depends on verification of income, commitment from a seller/contractor, and bank approval for the loan. |
Questions concerning the
Gulf County SHIP Program
may be directed to:
Joe Paul, Ship Administrator
Rm 311
(850) 229-6125 Phone
(850) 229-7180 Fax
EMAIL:
ship@gulfcounty-fl.gov
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