Winter Garden, FL May 2024

Owners

For Communities

Lifestyle Letter

May is that time of year that often is filled with celebration. Graduations are on the horizon, the completion of another school year is in the books, and summer is right around the corner. As we prepare ourselves for the coming new season, there are many things that our local businesses and community offers for us to enjoy. It is the perfect time to connect with neighbors and friends, enjoying all that our city has to offer.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

KATHERINE BODE, PUBLISHER

@WINTERGARDENCITYMAGAZINE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Katherine Bode | katherine.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, LeAnn Parker, Sue Collins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

The Art of Collecting

Savor Life & Find Your True Wealth

Indoor Plant Guide

A Handmade

Chili Shrimp Toast

ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

SOURDOUGH BREAD

For an added health benefit, try this probiotic-rich sourdough bread known for being easy to digest and a healthier gut-friendly option. To make sourdough bread, you will need a starter which can take anywhere from 7-14 days. To make your own, mix flour and water together in a jar and feed the starter each day until ready. There are many sourdough starter recipes online.

SOURDOUGH STARTER INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons sourdough starter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 5 teaspoons water

DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup active sourdough starter

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 cups flour

INSTRUCTIONS:

Twelve hours before you plan to mix the dough, add the ingredients to make ¼ cup of active sourdough starter. Stir and cover and let the starter rise. The starter is ready when it has doubled in size and there are bubbles on the surface and sides.

To make the dough, add ¼ cup sourdough starter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Next, add 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a spatula to work the ingredients together until there are no more dry ingredients in the bowl. Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking, and pick up the dough on one side of the bowl and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process one more time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise on your counter for 8-10 hours.

Next, on a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball by pulling the dough into the middle of itself. Turn the ball over so the seam is down. Use your hands to gently pull and cup the dough until it forms a tight skin. Place the dough on parchment paper and transfer the paper and dough to a medium sized bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Score the top of dough with a sharp knife. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough up and transfer to a dutch oven. Place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

FROM ONE MOM TO ANOTHER: Uplifting Local Familes

A HEART TO GIVE CONNECTS FAMILIES WITH MUCH NEEDED RESOURCES

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH DAIGLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRIE SCOTT

A Heart To Give has one mission: Help local families get the resources they need.

Founder Terrie Scott’s passion for helping families stems from growing up with seven siblings.

“My Mom worked. My Dad worked two jobs. They were always working, but we could never make ends meet. We were always that family— like the families that we serve here at A Heart to Give—that needed assistance,” Scott says. “There were Christmases that if we didn’t have any organizations or people helping us, we would have gone without.”

Scott dreamed of being able to help families in similar situations. In 2019, Scott got her chance and founded A Heart to Give.

A Heart to Give helps any family that needs assistance, such as single mothers, families living in hotels or cars, and those seeking safety from domestic violence.

She started by helping families in need, especially moms, get baby supplies like diapers, formula, clothes, toys and equipment. As word got out, people came to Scott with specific families who needed help. Scott met those needs whenever possible, providing school supplies, personal hygiene products, clothing and food.

Scott, a local mother of six, has a heart for families in Ocoee, Winter Garden and Windermere. Scott has built relationships with many local schools, who contact her for assistance when they find a family in need.

“My Mom worked. My Dad worked two jobs. They were always working. We could never make ends meet.”

“About 97% of our clients are from local schools,” Scott says. “If there’s something where someone’s borderline homeless, the counselor says, ‘Hey Terrie, I have this family, they’re getting evicted. They’re about to be in their car. What resources do you have?’”

Scott helps provide the items the family may need or works with other organizations to provide resources.

“Very seldom is there a time where A Heart to Give can’t help someone. But we’re not a huge nonprofit, and I run it out of my home. We’re limited on space, so if someone needs furniture or something, I call out to the community because I don’t have the space to store furniture 24/7,” Scott says.

Scott also organizes school supply drives, Thanksgiving meal baskets and holiday gift sponsorships. In 2023, A Heat to Give provided Christmas presents for 1,000 children in West Orange County.

Another large event Scott hosts each March and April is an online baby shower and diaper drive. The goal is for the organization to have various baby items on hand so families don’t need to wait for assistance.

This year, Scott seeks to start a grocery fundraiser for the summer months when parents

- Terrie Scott

may be working and children are home. The fund would set aside money for Scott to make grocery runs for needy families.

“I’ll have the funds available so I don’t have to say no. Because I know how it is to be hungry in the summer,” Scott says.

A Heart to Give helps families throughout West Orange County and Central Florida. She says one of the best ways to support her organization is to share her posts on social media to get the word out about immediate needs in the community.

“I don’t think people realize the impact just sharing a post can have on that small business or organization,” says Scott.

A Heart to Give helps families rise out of their circumstances and make a fresh start. Scott says one of the most fulfilling things she’s witnessed is when a mom who signed up to receive assistance from the holiday toy drive one year returned the following year to sponsor a family.

“My goal is to bring hope to families that are in these dire situations,” says Scott. “They don’t want to be in these situations. But if I could just bring hope to one person, one family, one mom, then I’ve done my job.”

AHeartToGive.org | @AHeart2Give | Terriescott8092@gmail.com | 409-365-3556

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Spring Floral Bowl

BRING THE BRIGHTNESS AND FRESHNESS OF SPRING INDOORS BY CREATING YOUR OWN FLORAL BOWL ARRANGEMENT.

Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday – give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.

Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!

Supplies:

• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet

• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional)

• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)

• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch)

• 12” square cut chicken wire

• wire cutters

• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire

• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do)

• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional)

Preparation & Assembly:

• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.

• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.

• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.

• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.

• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.

Tip:

Stuck with broken, leftover blooms from creating your floral bowl arrangements? Don’t discard those flowers just yet! Simply arrange leftover blooms and a few ornamental grasses onto a cake to elevate any tablescape. Even though the blooms are arranged out of water, they will look fresh for hours (especially when using roses and carnations). Enjoy!

DIY Duotone Statement Earrings

PIECE BY PIECE

Use both your bent nose forceps and needle nose pliers to secure each end of the jump ring. Gently twist the jump ring to open the gap, and place the jump ring through the holes in the pieces you are connecting. When securely through both pieces, gently twist the jump ring in the opposite direction to close the gap and secure the pieces.

STEPS:

1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

SUPPLIES:

• 2 half-circle stamping blanks

• 2 large gold bars

• 2 medium gold bars

• 2 ear wires

• Jump rings, assorted sizes

• Embroidery thread

• Metal punch

• Bent nose forceps

• Needle nose pliers

Make sure to have all of your materials gathered before starting the project for easy assembly.

Take your half-circle stamping blanks, large gold bars and medium gold bars and arrange them in the order you want your earrings to flow. You can see how we arranged ours, but consider switching up the placement of each item for varying earring styles.

Mark where each of the holes line up on the individual pieces. These spots are where you’ll be creating holes with the metal punch to connect each item with jump rings.

Once you have your spots marked, carefully and precisely punch holes in your individual pieces. Once all of your holes are punched, connect each piece with the desired size of jump ring.

For an added touch, punch extra holes in the bottom piece and finish off with knotted embroidery thread for a bohemian tassel effect.

ARTICLE BY MEGAN HOBAN

The Art of Collecting

As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes calling our name, we buy what we love, and art should be no different.

If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Because art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is the best fit for you. Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that creates your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.

With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space. If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key, and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.

I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.

Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.

SAVOR LIFE & FIND YOUR True Wealth

ARTICLE BY SHEENA STEEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MOORE

Indulge in Tuscan serenity, savor life’s richness, and rediscover yourself

The soft morning light filters through the curtains as you awake to birdsong and a gentle breeze. Stepping onto the balcony, you behold endless vineyards rippling in the Tuscan hills and can’t believe this paradise is real.

Walking downstairs, you’re greeted by many new faces of people smiling and excited to see you, new friends, gathered around a long wooden table immaculately set with steaming quiche, luscious fruit, warm bread, and Italian cappuccino.

This is just the beginning of days spent practicing yoga in nature’s rhythms, discovering ancient towns, and pausing to savor beauty at every turn.

If you can envision waking up like this, you’re ready for a yoga retreat with Scott Moore.

Retreats are an investment—in your truest self—the part of you that gets lost in the rush of daily life.

We frequently invest our money into stocks, bonds, and real estate, yet fail to invest in the one irreplaceable resource that makes it all possible, ourselves—our true wealth.

On this journey, all details have been meticulously planned so you can stay within your budget and fully relax into the experience.

After immersing in the richness of the present moment, slowing down and savoring life, you’ll return replenished and ready to bring this mindset of appreciation into your everyday world.

Reap the returns of a broadened perspective and renewed vitality—the dividends are endless.

Find out more about upcoming retreats with Scott Moore in destinations like Tuscany, Sardinia, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera at scottmooreyoga.com/retreats .

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

SNAKE PLANT:

This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not

wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.

ANTHURIUM:

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

ZZ PLANT:

The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculas Zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered. Their bulbs hold a lot of moisture, so they only

need to be watered once a month. This is a great plant to give as a gift due to its ease of care and versatility. They are slow-growing and are great for counters and tabletops. There are new varieties coming out such as Lucky which has round leaves and Raven which is black.

A Handmade Date Night

A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.

what you need

From-Scratch Pasta

Yield: 1 pound

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs

what you do

1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.

2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.

3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com .

MAY 4TH

Shop, Dine & Stroll 2024

Historic Downtown Winter Garden

Enjoy live music performances, and a downtown-wide raffle, and explore diverse shops and dining options. Stroll through the charming streets, indulge in local cuisine, and support small businesses. Free parking is available.

MAY 4TH-5TH

Cinco De Mayo Weekend Bash

The Whole Enchilada Bar & Grill, Winter Garden

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in style at The Whole Enchilada, this extravaganza boasts FREE swag, thrilling raffle prizes, an ice luge, and sensational music entertainment. Starting with acoustic music followed by DJ entertainment until midnight. Sunday will feature face painting from 1 pm to 5 pm. Don’t miss the fiesta!

MAY 12TH

Leu Gardens Celebrates Moms

Harry P Leu Gardens | 9:00 AM

Treat your mom to a day of beauty in the stunning 50-acre gardens. Explore the winding pathways and discover the beauty of our various gardens, including the enchanting butterfly garden. Garden admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children, but moms receive free admission on this special day.

MAY 12TH

Soul Haven Ranch's enchanting Carriage Rides

230 West Bay, Winter Garden, FL | 1:00 PM

This Mother's Day, treat your family to a magical experience, immerse yourself in the romance of downtown Winter Garden aboard a horse-drawn carriage, and enjoy the historic charm and beauty of the area. Perfect for families, each carriage can accommodate up to four adults or two adults and three children.  Reserve your ride at 407-509-1981.

MAY 12TH

Mother's Day Tea

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway | 3:00 PM

Indulge in sophistication at The Ritz-Carlton for a special Mother's Day Tea at the Lobby Lounge. This event promises to treat Mom to an exquisite experience. Enjoy live entertainment and receive a special gift to commemorate the occasion.

MAY 14TH-19TH

Live Musical Peter Pan

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

A timeless musical adventure directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Join Peter Pan and Tinker Bell on a whimsical journey from the nursery of the Darling children to the enchanting realm of Neverland. This high-flying production will transport you to a world where dreams take flight.

Down payment assistance programs aim to help homebuyers, especially those with limited finances, afford upfront home purchase costs, promoting broader homeownership and wealth-building opportunities. Here's a summary of how these programs typically work:

Financial Assistance:

These programs provide monetary assistance toward the down payment and/or closing costs required when purchasing a home.

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific program, but they often consider factors such as income level, credit score, and whether the buyer is a first-time homeowner.

Types of Assistance:

Assistance can come in various forms, including grants, low-interest loans, or forgivable loans. Grants are funds that do not need to be repaid, while loans may have favorable terms or may be forgiven after a certain period.

Government and Non-profit Organizations:

Down payment assistance programs can be offered by government entities at the federal, state, or local levels, as well as by non-profit organizations and community development financial institutions (CDFIs).

Homebuyer Education:

Many programs require homebuyers to undergo homebuyer education or counseling sessions to ensure they understand the responsibilities of homeownership and financial management.

Contact me today! (561) 716-5250

ASK THE LENDER

Q: How do I know if I qualify for down payment assistance?

A: To qualify for down payment assistance, factors such as income, credit score, and whether you're a first-time homebuyer are considered. Each program has specific eligibility criteria. We'll help you navigate these requirements and determine your eligibility.

Q: Will receiving down payment assistance affect my mortgage terms?

A: Yes, it might. Depending on the program, it could impact your mortgage type or interest rate. We'll guide you through how down payment assistance may affect your mortgage terms and ensure you understand any implications.

Q: How do I apply for down payment assistance?

A: Applying for down payment assistance involves completing an application and providing documentation to verify eligibility. We'll assist you in understanding the application process and requirements, helping you to apply effectively and on time.