As of 11/09/09

 FHOP has been extended! If you have visited our site recently or received information from us about the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program (FHOP), but did not think you could meet the November 30th deadline, it has been extended into 2010!  Some funding is still available, so if you would like to take advantage of this program that advances the $8,000 federal tax credit to you now so you can buy a home, please have your lender register funds for you!

Lenders Register FHOP Funds Here....

You may have an annual household income up to $75,000 if you are single, or up to $150,000 if married and potentially qualify for FHOP. AND we are able to provide even more assistance (up to $22,000 total in some cases) for lower income buyers.

PLEASE NOTE:  In November 2009 when the federal tax credit program was renewed, the income limits were increased.  THE INCREASED LIMITS DO NOT APPLY TO THE STATE FUNDED FHOP PROGRAM! Also, we are not participating in the new $6,500 credit for long-time residents that is now part of the federal extension.)

The Florida legislature did not fund the SHIP program for 2009 that is normally used to assist low and moderate income buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance, but to see if FHOP is an option for you, click on the link below.

More Info Here for Buyers....-

Certain restrictions apply. As with all our programs, funds are limited, and are subject to final availability and approval by the local governments.

The federal government also authorized a new program called the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) that is launching now in Polk County.  Homes are being purchased in targeted communities throughout the county and will be fully rehabilitated for sale to low and moderate income homebuyers. Get more info on NSP including a listing of properties as they become available at www.polkhousing.com/.

New Homes for Sale!

785 Childs Ave, Bartow

Price Reduced!

 MORTGAGE ONLY $69,500

Assistance is available now for these homes and some prices have recently been reduced and/or more assistance has been made available.  Mortgages now around $70,000 - $89,000, and sometimes even lower.*

 More details ....

Information for Homebuyers

If you are a very-low, low or moderate income household, we can help you own a home.  Get information on down payment assistance programs, affordable first mortgage financing, and homes for sale.

Clases en Español

Homebuyer Education Classes are offered in Spanish!

Obtain a FREE Credit Report!

Keystone Challenge Fund is a non-profit corporation established in 1991 with a primary purpose to operate for the advancement of affordable housing.

Our mission is to provide homebuyer education and affordable financing to low and moderate income homebuyers.

We administer State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for Polk County, the City of Lakeland, and the City of Winter Haven.  SHIP funds  provide down payment and/or closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers who have secured affordable first mortgage financing.

Keystone's programs are HUD acceptable to provide secondary financing for FHA-insured mortgage loans.

Keystone is also a Community Housing Development Organization, and we develop newly constructed homes for sale to low income homebuyers.

Click here for more information about us.  Click here for contact information.

Information on programs, terms of funding, and availability of funding subject to change without notice.