Homebuyers are wondering what COVID-19 will mean for their home financing plans. Will down payment assistance be available? Are low down payment loans still available? What about credit score and employment verification changes?

The good news is that down payment assistance programs and low down payment loans are still widely available. However, the market is very fluid and some programs modified eligibility requirements and made process changes.

Source: GreenPath Financial Wellness- Creditcards.com

Credit card hardship programs are designed to help consumers through a tough financial time, with protections for anyone who might otherwise default.  To figure out what steps to take, it is useful to understand how credit card hardship programs work, how to qualify and what other options are available.

For those facing income loss as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, impacted by a natural disaster, or facing other financial changes, a credit card hardship program might offer some relief in making payments.

Down payment help sounds great, but how does it actually work? What process should you follow?

While down payment programs vary greatly by state and community, there are some universal steps that will help you stay on track if a homeownership program is part of your home financing plan. Let's look at how it worked for one Florida buyer highlighted in  Business Insider.