Florida, the Sunshine State is not only the ultimate destination for vacation or retirement, but it’s also a great place to call home. But for the millions of disabled veterans, owning a home might seem like an unattainable dream. The good news is that there are plenty of programs available to help veterans achieve their dream of owning a home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how disabled veterans can obtain affordable homes in Florida.
- Explore VA Home Loans
One of the most popular programs for disabled veterans is the VA home loans. This program offers extremely low-interest rates, which is a great option for veterans who are already dealing with medical expenses. The VA home loan program also doesn’t require any down payment and doesn’t require mortgage insurance. In addition, veterans with service-connected disabilities are exempt from paying the VA funding fee, which can be up to 3.3% of the loan amount.
- Access the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
The Specially Adapted Housing Grant program provides funds to disabled veterans for constructing or assisting in the purchase of an adapted home. The grant amount can be up to $100,896, which is typically enough to cover the expense of moving into an accessible home. The SAH grant also provides assistance for those who need to modify the home to suit their disability.
- Explore Non-Profit Help
There are non-profit organizations in Florida that provide support to disabled veterans in buying and making homes. Such organizations provide affordable homes to veterans that include accessibility upgrades and other features to improve their quality of life. Additionally, these organizations provide financial support, discounts, and other incentives that make purchasing a home more attainable for disabled veterans.
- Consider Property Tax and Exemptions
Most states in the U.S. provide property tax exemptions to veterans who are permanently disabled. Florida is one such state where this exemption is available. To be eligible for this exemption, veterans need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which can be challenging. However, the exemption provides lifetime benefits, and it’s worth the effort.
- Consult with Housing Assistance Teams
Disabled veterans can also seek assistance from housing assistance teams. These teams consist of housing counselors, retired military personnel, and experts in the field of housing. These teams offer insight into the buying process, available programs, and funding options to assist in making homeownership more accessible for disabled veterans. Experts are available to answer questions and provide guidance through the process from start to finish.
As a disabled veteran in Florida, The dream of owning a home may seem like it would always stay a pipe dream. Still, understanding the available resources can make it an attainable reality. Whether it’s exploring VA home loans, accessing the Specially Adapted Housing grant, seeking assistance from non-profit organizations, understanding property tax exemptions, or consulting with housing assistance teams, the journey towards homeownership for disabled veterans is achievable. So, with the right resources and determination, disabled veterans can live happily in their dream home in Florida.
