Family Consumer Sciences in Washington & Holmes Counties

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My Florida Home First-time

The Homebuyer Education Program is a 6-hour course designed to help you better understand the homebuying process, financial responsibilities of home ownership and basic home care and maintenance techniques to maintain the value of your home and save money on repairs. 

All SHIP and USDA Rural Development applicants must complete the course before they can receive program funds.

First-time Homebuyer Education Class Schedule: My Florida Home Classes 3rd & 4th Quarter 2025

Pre-registration for the SHIP class is required.  Call (850) 638-6265 or (850) 547-1108 to register.  

To apply for SHIP Funds:

1. Complete the First-time Homebuyer Education Class.
2. Get pre-approved for a first mortgage loan by a lender.
3. Have a signed Home Sales Contract.
4. Have lender contact Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC), 850.332.7976 extension: 206, or email Kelly.Oomens@ecrc.org, to discuss if funding is available, the SHIP application packet, and the mortgage terms.
5. The mortgage must be at a fixed rate - no zero amortization, no Adjustable Rate Mortgages, no balloon loans, and no pre-payment penalty. Owner financing is not allowed.
6. If applicable, your lender will work with you and ECRC to ensure the SHIP application packet is complete.
7. The lender will submit your completed application to ECRC to determine if you qualify for the funds.

Note: SHIP funding is limited each year for the first-time home buyer (FTHB) strategy.