Up to $100,000 in 0% down payment help

The Marion County SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) Purchase Assistance Program offers eligible first-time homebuyers up to $100,000 in zero-interest down payment and closing cost assistance when funding and eligibility allow. It is one of the most generous local DPA options in Florida — available here in Marion County.

Lori Meaney helps Ocala-area buyers navigate the SHIP process, connect with approved lenders, and build a complete financing plan. Related: Down Payment Assistance hub · Hometown Heroes · First-Time Buyers.

Program Overview

SHIP Purchase Assistance is funded by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and administered locally by Marion County Community Services. It is designed to help income-qualified buyers with upfront costs.

• Maximum assistance: Up to $100,000 (households at or below 80% AMI) / up to $75,000 (120–140% AMI) — confirm current tiers
• Interest: 0% — no interest accrual
• Monthly payment: $0 while deferred and you occupy the home
• Loan type: Deferred-payment second mortgage; lien term often 20–30 years
• Forgivable? Often effectively forgiven if you remain in the home for the full term — confirm county rules
• Trigger events: Repayment may be due if you sell, transfer title, cash-out refinance, rent out the home, or stop occupying it as your primary residence

Eligibility Requirements

First-time homebuyer: Typically you cannot have owned a home in the past 3 years.

Income limits (illustrative 140% AMI figures from program materials — verify current tables):

• 1 person: $75,600
• 2 persons: $86,380
• 3 persons: $97,160
• 4 persons: $107,940
• 5 persons: $116,620
• 6 persons: $125,300
• 7 persons: $133,980
• 8 persons: $145,520

• Florida resident for at least 2 years (as commonly stated)
• Credit score often discussed at 620 or higher
• Primary residence only
• Home in Marion County, outside Ocala city limits
• HUD-approved homebuyer education course
• Plan for roughly $2,000–$3,000 out-of-pocket for appraisal, inspection, insurance deposits, and similar pre-paids

How Much Assistance Can You Get?

Program materials commonly describe up to $100,000 at or below 80% AMI and up to $75,000 between 80% and 140% AMI. The actual award depends on documented need, available funding, and underwriting review — not a fixed entitlement.

How the Application Process Works

1. Pre-screening: Contact Marion County Community Services at (352) 671-8770 or speak with Lori to begin.
2. Approved lender: You generally cannot apply directly — work with a county-approved lender. Lori can help you get pre-approved and point you to the right next contact.
3. Homebuyer education: Complete a HUD-approved course (often cited as about 8 hours) and submit your certificate.
4. Lender submits: Your lender packages documentation for Marion County Community Services.
5. Wait for approval: Do not go under contract until you receive official county approval. Funding is not guaranteed.

Property Requirements

• Primary residence in Marion County outside Ocala city limits
• Purchase price range often cited from about $130,000 minimum to about $544,233 maximum (adjusted periodically — verify)
• Eligible types commonly include site-built homes, condos, townhouses, and post-June 1994 manufactured/modular homes

SHIP funding is limited and often first-qualified, first-served. Talk with Lori to determine eligibility questions and begin preparation.

Program amounts, income limits, purchase-price caps, and eligibility rules change and are not a guarantee of qualification or approval. Verify details with the program administrator and your lender before you rely on any figure.

Official PrimeLending page: Lori Meaney on PrimeLending (Apply / Contact on her lender site) · NMLS #1132235 · Ocala, FL.

Next action: Marion County buyer funnels — pick your path

Educational information only. Not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Mortgage products are offered through PrimeLending. All loans are subject to credit approval. Lori Meaney · NMLS #1132235.