Housing and Financial Counseling Program - SJC Housing & Community Development

A Comprehensive Approach To Homeownership

The St. Johns County Housing and Financial Counseling Program is a certified Housing Counseling Program approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its mission is to support residents on their path to financial stability and successful homeownership. What began as a locally funded initiative has grown into a dynamic program supported by federal, state, and local resources. This expansion has significantly enhanced the program's ability to serve a broader population with a wide range of housing-related services.

The program provides education about the responsibilities and requirements of homeownership. Participants learn how to prepare financially for home buying, navigate the mortgage process, and maintain long-term financial health as homeowners. In addition to education, the program offers direct support for eligible first-time homebuyers through various financial assistance options.

Services include credit counseling to help individuals improve their credit standing and reduce debt, and referrals to appropriate mortgage loan programs based on each client's financial situation. Participants can also meet with mortgage consultants who guide them through the application process. For those who qualify, the program offers down payment assistance and access to purchase assistance through federal, state, or local programs such as the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) fund.

Elgibility

To qualify for services through the St. Johns County Housing and Financial Counseling Program, applicants must reside within St. Johns County and actively seek to purchase a single-family home in the area. Eligible property types include townhouses, condominiums, and modular homes approved by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA). However, duplexes and mobile homes do not meet the program's requirements.

Applicants must also meet specific ownership and employment criteria. To be considered a first-time homebuyer under the program guidelines, individuals must not currently own a home and must not have owned one within the past three years. Additionally, applicants cannot claim ownership of a mobile home or have a mobile home listed with a homestead exemption. A consistent employment history, whether full-time or part-time, is required, along with a demonstrated record of responsible credit use and timely bill payments.

Those interested in the program but with poor credit are encouraged to contact the St. Johns County Housing Department by phone or email. Staff can provide details about upcoming homeownership orientations and refer individuals to professionals specializing in credit repair and financial readiness.

Registration packets and detailed program information are available on the department's website. Applicants can also find important details about associated fees for retrieving credit history, how lenders evaluate debt-to-income ratios, and the current household income limits that apply to the program.