TAG Lending Group · Buyer Assist Programs

First-Time Home Buyer Assist Program, Hometown Heroes Program & 1% Giveback Program

1% Giveback — For Non-First-Time Homebuyers

Product Breakdown

CONV
Conventional

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Conventional Loan Program)*

  • Borrower(s) must be first-time home buyers (they must not have owned or purchased a home in the last three years)
  • Borrower(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • No pricing penalties for lower credit scores ranging from 620 to 740
  • Conforming/Conventional program
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouses, Villas, Coach homes, and Plan Unit Development
  • Maximum Debt to Income Ratio (Front End: 45%; Back End: 45–50% with an Approved Eligible)
  • The borrower may be eligible for reduced mortgage insurance premiums
  • Borrower(s) receive $1,250.00 towards closing costs after completing a 30-minute online course. (TAG is not responsible for or obligated for the payment of credits by United Wholesale Mortgage.)
  • TLG will provide a lender credit at closing for up to 1% of the loan amount towards the borrower's closing costs or any potential rate buy-down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Borrower(s) must qualify for income areas per the TLG map up to 100% of income (Call the loan officer to find out more details.)
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
  • Escrow Waiver (establishing an escrow account for taxes and insurance can be waived and paid annually; a 680 credit score is required)
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 5:22

VA
VA · Veteran

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Veteran Loan Program)* 🇺🇸

  • Veteran program
  • Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 Honorable Discharge required
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 50% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 4%
  • Escrow Waiver (Taxes and Insurance can be waived saving on closing costs and paid annually; 680 credit score required)
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 2:23

FHA
FHA

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(FHA Loan Program)*

  • FHA program
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 55% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 2:14

JMB
Jumbo

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Jumbo Loan Program)*

  • Jumbo program
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (680–740)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 41% Back end 43% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
  • Loan amounts cannot exceed $3 million and above require 18 months of subject PITI(a) in reserves
  • Max LTV 89.99%–80%
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 2:15

1%
Non-First-Time Buyers

1% Giveback Program

For non-first-time homebuyers

  • Programs that qualify: May be restricted by capacity, capital, collateral, and credit (Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo Loan*)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 50% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 4% for VA
  • Total credits can not exceed 6% for FHA and Conventional
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 3:06

HH
Florida DPA

Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Down payment & closing cost assistance

  • Florida Hometown Heroes allows borrowers to receive up to 5% of the loan amount (capped at $10,000 min – $35,000 max) in down payment and closing cost assistance; can be paired with additional assistance programs to maximize the amount of received assistance
  • This second mortgage becomes due and payable in full upon the sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of a deed, or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as their primary residence
  • The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable
  • The down payment and closing cost assistance can be used to satisfy the following: Borrower's down payment; any down payment exceeding the minimum borrower requirement; reasonable and customary closing costs. The down payment and closing cost assistance cannot be used to cover commission for real estate agents, the cost difference between the sales price and the appraised value, or to pay off borrower debt
  • FHA, USDA, and VA PMI do not impact MI rate
  • Borrowers must not exceed the maximum income limit requirements for the county in which the property is being purchased
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 1:01

Start your application TODAY!

Choose Your Loan Officer

*Programs subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. All loans subject to credit approval and underwriting guidelines. TAG Lending Group, LLC · NMLS #2329372. This is not a commitment to lend.

First-Time Buyer & Down Payment Help

Explore First-Time Buyer & Down Payment Help Programs

Every program below has its own page with highlights, who it fits and how to get started. Not sure which one fits? Talk to a TAG loan officer and we will match the scenario for you.

0% Down Purchase ProgramHelping eligible very-low-income first-time homebuyers purchase with no down paymentLearn more →Empowered Down Payment AssistanceExplore down payment assistance options available through TAG Lending Group, who qualifies, and how DPA combines with…Learn more →Boost DPA ProgramFlexible down payment assistance designed to help buyers move forward with limited fundsLearn more →Aurora DPA ProgramFlexible down payment assistance solutions designed for buyers seeking added purchasing supportLearn more →Elevate Grant DPAGrant-based assistance for first-time homebuyersLearn more →HomeStart DPADown payment assistance designed to help FHA borrowers move forward with confidenceLearn more →SmartBuy DPA ProgramDown payment assistance designed to support FHA borrowers with greater financing flexibilityLearn more →Shared Appreciation DPA ProgramReduce upfront homebuying costs through a flexible shared equity assistance structureLearn more →Florida's Hometown Heroes ProgramState-specific homebuyer assistance designed for eligible Florida workforce professionalsLearn more →FHA Payment GrantGrant-based assistance designed to help FHA borrowers manage upfront homebuying costsLearn more →1% Giveback ProgramDesigned to reduce borrower closing costsLearn more →
TAG Lending Group · Buyer Assist Programs

First-Time Home Buyer Assist Program, Hometown Heroes Program & 1% Giveback Program

1% Giveback — For Non-First-Time Homebuyers

Product Breakdown

CONV
Conventional

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Conventional Loan Program)*

  • Borrower(s) must be first-time home buyers (they must not have owned or purchased a home in the last three years)
  • Borrower(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • No pricing penalties for lower credit scores ranging from 620 to 740
  • Conforming/Conventional program
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouses, Villas, Coach homes, and Plan Unit Development
  • Maximum Debt to Income Ratio (Front End: 45%; Back End: 45–50% with an Approved Eligible)
  • The borrower may be eligible for reduced mortgage insurance premiums
  • Borrower(s) receive $1,250.00 towards closing costs after completing a 30-minute online course. (TAG is not responsible for or obligated for the payment of credits by United Wholesale Mortgage.)
  • TLG will provide a lender credit at closing for up to 1% of the loan amount towards the borrower's closing costs or any potential rate buy-down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Borrower(s) must qualify for income areas per the TLG map up to 100% of income (Call the loan officer to find out more details.)
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
  • Escrow Waiver (establishing an escrow account for taxes and insurance can be waived and paid annually; a 680 credit score is required)
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 5:22

VA
VA · Veteran

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Veteran Loan Program)* 🇺🇸

  • Veteran program
  • Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 Honorable Discharge required
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 50% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 4%
  • Escrow Waiver (Taxes and Insurance can be waived saving on closing costs and paid annually; 680 credit score required)
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 2:23

FHA
FHA

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(FHA Loan Program)*

  • FHA program
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 55% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 2:14

JMB
Jumbo

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Jumbo Loan Program)*

  • Jumbo program
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (680–740)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 41% Back end 43% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
  • Loan amounts cannot exceed $3 million and above require 18 months of subject PITI(a) in reserves
  • Max LTV 89.99%–80%
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 2:15

1%
Non-First-Time Buyers

1% Giveback Program

For non-first-time homebuyers

  • Programs that qualify: May be restricted by capacity, capital, collateral, and credit (Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo Loan*)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 50% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 4% for VA
  • Total credits can not exceed 6% for FHA and Conventional
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 3:06

HH
Florida DPA

Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Down payment & closing cost assistance

  • Florida Hometown Heroes allows borrowers to receive up to 5% of the loan amount (capped at $10,000 min – $35,000 max) in down payment and closing cost assistance; can be paired with additional assistance programs to maximize the amount of received assistance
  • This second mortgage becomes due and payable in full upon the sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of a deed, or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as their primary residence
  • The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable
  • The down payment and closing cost assistance can be used to satisfy the following: Borrower's down payment; any down payment exceeding the minimum borrower requirement; reasonable and customary closing costs. The down payment and closing cost assistance cannot be used to cover commission for real estate agents, the cost difference between the sales price and the appraised value, or to pay off borrower debt
  • FHA, USDA, and VA PMI do not impact MI rate
  • Borrowers must not exceed the maximum income limit requirements for the county in which the property is being purchased
Co-Brand Brochure & Open House Flyers Download the Brochure

Program Walkthrough · 1:01

Start your application TODAY!

Choose Your Loan Officer

*Programs subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. All loans subject to credit approval and underwriting guidelines. TAG Lending Group, LLC · NMLS #2329372. This is not a commitment to lend.

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First-Time Home Buyer
Assist Program,
Hometown Heroes Program
&
1% Giveback Program

(FOR NON-FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS)

Product Breakdown

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Conventional Loan Program)*

  • Borrower(s) must be first-time home buyers (they must not have owned or purchased a home in the last three years)
  • Borrower(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • No pricing penalties for lower credit scores ranging from 620 to 740
  • Conforming/Conventional program
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouses, Villas, Coach homes, and Plan Unit Development
  • Maximum Debt to Income Ratio (Front End: 45%; Back End: 45–50% with an Approved Eligible)
  • The borrower may be eligible for reduced mortgage insurance premiums
  • Borrower(s) receive $1,250.00 towards closing costs after completing a 30-minute online course. (TAG is not responsible for or obligated for the payment of credits by United Wholesale Mortgage.)
  • TLG will provide a lender credit at closing for up to 1% of the loan amount towards the borrower's closing costs or any potential rate buy-down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing.
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Borrower(s) must qualify for income areas per the TLG map up to 100% of income (Call the loan officer to find out more details.)
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
  • Escrow Waiver (establishing an escrow account for taxes and insurance can be waived and paid annually; a 680 credit score is required.

 

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE?

CO-BRAND BROCHURE &
CHECK OPEN HOUSE FLYERS?

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Veteran Loan Program)*  American flag icon

  • Veteran program
  • Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 Honorable Discharge required
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 50% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 4%
  • Escrow Waiver (Taxes and Insurance can be waved saving on closing costs and paid annually 680 credit score required)

     

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE?
CO-BRAND BROCHURE &
CHECK OPEN HOUSE FLYERS?

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(FHA Loan Program)*

  • FHA program
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 55% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%

 

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE?
CO-BRAND BROCHURE &
CHECK OPEN HOUSE FLYERS?

First-Time Homebuyer Assist Program

(Jumbo Loan Program)* 

  • Jumbo program
  • Borrower(s) Must Be First Time Home Buyers (have not owned or purchased a home in the last 3 years)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (680-740)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 41% Back end 43% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 6%
  • Loan amounts cannot exceed $3 million and above require 18 months of subject PITI(a) in reserves 
  • Max LTV 89.99%-80%

 

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE?
CO-BRAND BROCHURE &
CHECK OPEN HOUSE FLYERS?

1% GIVEBACK PROGRAM

  • Programs that qualify: Maybe restricted by capacity, capital, collateral, and credit (Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo Loan*)
  • Borrowers(s) minimum credit score (620)
  • Single-family residences, Condos, Townhouse, Villa, Coach homes, Plan Unit Development
  • Debt to Ratio (Front End 45% Back end 50% with an Approved/Eligible)
  • TLG will give up to 1% towards borrower(s) closing costs or any potential rate buy down
  • Lender credit will be derived from premium pricing
  • Many credits may be restricted by investors' premium programs/pricing
  • Total credits can not exceed 4% for VA
  • Total credits can not exceed 6% for FHA and Conventional

 

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE?
CO-BRAND BROCHURE &
CHECK OPEN HOUSE FLYERS?

HOMETOWN HEROES HOUSING PROGRAM

  • Florida Hometown Heroes allows borrowers to receive up to 5% of the loan amount (capped at $10,000 min- $35,000 max) in down payment and closing cost assistance can be paired with additional assistance programs to maximize the amount of received assistance.
  • This second mortgage becomes due and payable in full upon the sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of a deed, or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as their primary residence.
  • The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.
  • The down payment and closing cost assistance can be used to satisfy the following: Borrower’s down payment. Any down payment exceeding the minimum borrower requirement Reasonable and customary closing costs. The down payment and closing cost assistance cannot be used to cover commission for real estate agents, the cost difference between the sales price and the appraised value or to pay off borrower debt.
  • FHA, USDA, and VA PMI do not impact MI rate
  • Borrowers must not exceed the maximum income limit requirements for the county in which the property is being purchased.

 

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE?

CO-BRAND BROCHURE &
CHECK OPEN HOUSE FLYERS?

Start your application TODAY! 

CHOOSE YOUR LOAN OFFICER

First-Time Buyer FAQ

First-time home buyer questions, answered

The basics for Florida buyers getting ready to purchase their first home.

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Generally, anyone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past three years. Definitions can vary by program, and some programs make exceptions for veterans.

What down payment help is available in Florida?

Options can include the Florida Hometown Heroes Program, other Florida Housing programs, county and city assistance, and TAG's 1% Giveback Program in TAG's lender states, subject to eligibility. Funding and availability vary and can change quickly.

Which loan types work for first-time buyers?

Common options include FHA, conventional programs such as Fannie Mae HomeReady, VA for eligible veterans and service members, and USDA in eligible areas. The best fit depends on your credit, income, savings and the property.

Do I need to take a homebuyer education course?

Many down payment assistance programs, and some first mortgage programs, require an approved homebuyer education course before closing.

What credit score do I need to buy my first home?

Minimums vary by loan program and assistance program. We review your full scenario, not just one number, to find the options that fit.

How do I get started?

Start with a pre-approval so you know your budget before you shop. Contact our team to get started.

General information only, not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, property eligibility and program guidelines. Programs and availability may change without notice. TAG Lending Group, LLC · NMLS #2329372 · Equal Housing Opportunity.