Mortgages & Homebuyer Incentives

🏦 Helping You Buy Smart — Not Just Fast

Mortgage rates and terms can vary based on:

• Credit score

• Down payment

• Loan type

• Market conditions

That’s why I always recommend comparing at least 2–3 lenders before making a decision.

Lenders Commonly Used by Florida Buyers

• Local Florida banks and credit unions

• Regional mortgage companies familiar with Florida programs

• National lenders for rate comparison

Local lenders often have an advantage when it comes to:

• Understanding Florida-specific loan programs

• Working with state and local down payment assistance

• Faster communication during contract deadlines

👉 If you’d like a referral to lenders my clients have used successfully, I’m happy to share those privately.

📉 How to Compare Mortgage Rates

When talking to lenders, don’t just ask for the rate. Ask for a Loan Estimate and compare:

• Interest rate

• APR (this includes lender fees)

• Down payment required

• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if applicable

• Origination fees or points

• Rate lock period

💡 Tip: The lowest rate isn’t always the best deal — fees matter.

💰 Florida Homebuyer Assistance & Incentives

These programs are available through approved lenders and may help with upfront costs:

• Florida Assist (FL Assist)
  Deferred, 0% interest assistance for down payment and closing costs.

• Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)
  Low-interest second mortgage assistance.

• HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage PLUS
  Assistance equal to a percentage of the loan amount — sometimes forgivable after a set period.

• Hometown Heroes Program
  Designed for frontline and essential workers such as teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement, firefighters, and others.

Availability and amounts depend on income, location, and loan type.

🏙️ Local City & County Programs

Many Florida cities and counties offer additional assistance that can often be layered with state programs.

• Down payment assistance

• Forgivable loans

• Closing cost grants

These programs are location-specific and funding can change, so checking eligibility early is key.

👉 I can help point you in the right direction based on where you’re buying.

US Federal Loan Programs to Know

• FHA Loans – Lower down payment and flexible credit guidelines

• VA Loans – Zero down payment for eligible veterans

• USDA Loans – Zero down for eligible rural areas

• Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) – Potential federal tax credit that can reduce your annual tax bill

Each option has its own requirements — a lender can help determine what fits your situation best.

📘 Education & Pre-Approval Matter

• A homebuyer education course

• Pre-approval before shopping for a home

Getting pre-approved early helps you:

• Know your true buying power

• Strengthen your offer

• Avoid surprises during contract negotiations

🤝 How I Help My Buyers

• Understand your financing options

• Connect with reputable lenders

• Identify incentives you may qualify for

• Coordinate timelines between lender, attorney, and closing

📞 Ready to Get Started?

If you’d like help finding:

• Competitive lenders

• Down payment assistance options

• Programs you may qualify for

👉 Reach out anytime — I’m happy to help you explore your options.