Are Realtors and Lenders Required to Be on an Approved List?

Polk County offers Down Payment Assistance through its Housing and Neighborhood Development (HND) Office using SHIP funds. The program assists eligible homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.

At this time, Polk County does not appear to publish a public list of approved Realtors for its Down Payment Assistance program.

For lenders, Polk County's SHIP guidelines state that homebuyers must qualify for a first mortgage through a qualified lender or approved nonprofit sponsor. Lenders should contact Polk County Housing & Neighborhood Development directly to confirm current lender requirements and whether they can participate in a Polk County DPA transaction.

Realtors

Realtors who work with Polk County DPA buyers should become familiar with the program's requirements, property eligibility rules, homebuyer education requirements, income requirements, and the timing involved in the assistance process.

If you are a Realtor interested in working with Polk County Down Payment Assistance clients, contact Polk County Housing & Neighborhood Development to ask whether there is a current Realtor referral or participating-agent process.

Lenders

Lenders interested in working with Polk County Down Payment Assistance clients should contact:

Polk County Housing & Neighborhood Development Office (HND)
📞 (863) 534-5240
📧 HNDRequests@polk-county.net
📍 1290 Golfview Ave., Suite 167
Bartow, FL 33830

Ask the HND office about the current requirements for lenders participating in Polk County SHIP Down Payment Assistance.

Important

Program requirements, funding availability, participating organizations, and procedures can change. Realtors and lenders should verify the current requirements directly with Polk County Housing & Neighborhood Development before advising a homebuyer or entering into a transaction involving Polk County Down Payment Assistance.

Official Polk County Housing & Neighborhood Development contact:
Polk County Housing & Neighborhood Development Office
Phone: (863) 534-5240
Email: HNDRequests@polk-county.net