JACKSONVILLE, Fla., January 21, 2026 – JWB Rental Homes, Jacksonville’s largest locally owned residential property management company, announces its first-year benchmarks on its HomeStep program. HomeStep is the first and only program of its kind in Northeast Florida and is estimated to fund $23 million in down payment assistance for participating residents.
HomeStep by the Numbers in 2025:
· Eighteen new homeowners closed and moved into their homes
· HomeStep distributed $55,200 in down payment assistance to these new homeowners
· More than 3,780 residents enrolled in the HomeStep program
· 103 residents participated in JWB’s free homebuying education program
· The average purchase price of HomeStep homes is $265,000 (affordable and below the median in Jacksonville at $340k)
· The average HomeStep homeowner has been a renter with JWB for 4.6 years
JWB launched the HomeStep program in November 2024 and it was retroactive for all JWB residents so this funding could be used immediately. JWB Rental Homes currently has more than 5,700 rental homes in Jacksonville, the majority of which are considered affordable housing. Program information is available at www.jwbhomestep.com.
HomeStep empowers renters through an exceptional chance to convert monthly rent into equity. The program provides more flexibility than traditional rent-to-own programs as JWB residents can apply the HomeStep funds to any home they choose. HomeStep strengthens the local residential market as homeownership contributes to a stronger and more resilient community.
“JWB is committed to helping make the dream of homeownership a reality,” said Alex Sifakis, president of JWB Real Estate Companies. “HomeStep funds helped 18 renters become homeowners in 2025 – a stunning early success for a new program. We believe HomeStep removed a final hurdle to get these homeowners over the finish line.”
HomeStep is a three-step process -enroll, earn, buy. Participating JWB residents earn $100 in equity per month, up to $3,600 total. They can apply the accumulated equity toward closing costs when purchasing any home in Jacksonville. JWB also provides free homebuying education and counseling to help residents increase their chances of qualifying for a home.