February 9, 2022
City of Largo Increases Down Payment Assistance
Largo, FL – The City of Largo is excited to announce a recent increase in amounts for down payment assistance available to first-time homebuyers! Over the past years, increased home prices have made it harder for buyers to afford a down payment for their first home. The first-time homebuyers’ program is a 0% deferred interest loan that can be used toward down payment and closing costs. Payments on the loan are deferred for 20 years. “Homeownership helps build generational wealth for residents and is an important component to our program mission to empower people to thrive in vibrant inclusive neighborhoods,” said Housing Finance Specialist Jodie White, who helps coordinate Largo’s program.
This program is for income eligible first-time homebuyer households looking to purchase a single-family home, villa, townhome, or condo in Largo city limits.
- Up to $55,700 max award toward the down payment for income of 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or below
- Up to $40,000 max award toward the down payment for income between 81% to 120% AMI
- Up to $15,000 max award toward the down payment for income between 121%-140% AMI
For more information, please contact Suncoast Housing Connections at 727-442-7075 or online at suncoasthousingconnections.org. You can also view income limits and learn how to apply by visiting Largo.com/housing.
January 28, 2022
May 1st
CEO, Fran Pheeny and Realtor, Mo Franklin shared great information on the affordable housing situation in Pinellas County and what Suncoast Housing Connection is doing about it. Watch the full Facebook Live below:
MISSION REMAINS THE SAME FOR ORGANIZATION WITH NEW NAME THAT HELPS FIRST-TIME BUYERS FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSIING
We’re in the news! Read about the launch of our new name here.
SUNCOAST HOUSING, CLEARWATER PARTNER ON MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
We’re in the news! Read about our new partnership in the St. Pete Catalyst here.
SUNCOAST HOUSING CONNECTIONS NEW NAME OF TAMPA BAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
March 31st
A Clearwater area nonprofit that has offered affordable housing programs for close to 40 years will adopt a new name this month that more accurately reflects the where, what and how of their mission.
The group will start doing business as Suncoast Housing Connections on March 31, retiring its former name Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation/Tampa Bay CDC. The organization’s present Clearwater and New Port Richey locations, staff and services will remain the same.
“The name Suncoast Housing Connections more clearly reflects where we are, what we do and how we do it.”, according to CEO, Fran Pheeny. “We have changed our name but not our mission. We will continue to provide education, counseling, housing opportunities and to revitalize neighborhoods for low to moderate income households.” Suncoast Housing Connections reaches up to 1500 people per year via its services such as First Time Home Buyer classes, Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, Financial Education classes and Real Estate Development
“The decision to change our name was a difficult and lengthy process, and one that our we took very seriously,” says Karl Nurse, Board Chair of Suncoast Housing Connections. “Changing a name that has been in the community for close to 40 years is risky. Our hope is that by rebranding, we will reach and serve more people who may not have known about our services,” he points out.
Suncoast Housing Connections aligns with the nonprofit’s purpose and historic longevity, Pheeny says. “Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation began in 1982 — not many nonprofits or companies can say that,” she says. We have been an affordable housing organization from the beginning serving the Suncoast and helping potential and existing homeowners by providing the connections needed to obtain and maintain homeownership, she says. “We’re here to help you reach your goals.” The nonprofit’s tagline reads “We Teach. We Lend. We Build.” Call 727-442-7075, email housing@suncoasthc.org or go to www.Suncoasthc.org.
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING GROUNDBREAKING
February 9th
On February 9th, Tampa Bay CDC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in St. Petersburg. Over the next year, TBCDC will be building 14 homes in South Saint Petersburg. The 3-bedroom 2-bath homes have over 1,200 square feet of living area. The front porch and stone accents brings character to the neighborhood. The kitchens have wood cabinets with granite counters. All windows have impact glass for easy hurricane preparation. Some of the energy efficient features include 50-gallon quick recovery water heater, air conditioner with programmable thermostat, and LED lighting.
