Are you planning to apply for a mortgage loan in Florida? Read on for everything you need to know about buying and financing a home in the state, including what the process looks like and smart home financing options for first-time buyers.
Familiarize yourself with each step, from house hunting to closing.
Explore various mortgage loan options, including programs for first-time home buyers.
Gain the knowledge you need to choose the right mortgage loan for your lifestyle and budget.
Conventional Mortgages:
FHA Loans:
VA Loans:
USDA Loans:
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs):
Fixed-Rate Mortgages:
Jumbo Loans:
First-Time Buyer Programs:
Points for First-Time Florida Homebuyers:
First-time homebuyers account for 20% of all buyers in Florida. If you’re hoping to join the ranks, you’ll be glad to know that there are several Florida home loan programs designed just for new buyers, offering big financial perks and fewer obstacles to getting in the door.
The first thing you’ll want to do as a potential homebuyer is get a clear picture of your financial standing and what kind of property will fit your needs. Work with a mortgage broker to get a pre-approval, which gives clarity on what you can afford and strengthens your position as a buyer.
The house hunt is where dreams start to take shape. Once you’ve found a home, making an offer, negotiating, and closing are crucial steps. And throughout this journey, choosing the right Florida home financing option is key. For first-time buyers, we often recommend programs like FHA and USDA loans, which offer accessible entry points into homeownership, like lower credit score requirements.
Not any harder than anywhere else. From Jacksonville to Miami, home financing options like conventional loans, FHA loans, and VA loans target the needs of different buyers with different needs and price points. So long as you’re being financially reasonable, you should be able to get the financing you need.
Our HomeZero program, FHA loans, USDA loans, and down payment assistance programs are often a great fit for first-time Florida homebuyers.
Interest rates on Florida home loans vary depending on several factors — including your credit score, down payment, loan type, and financial profile. In general, Florida mortgage rates rise or fall based on broader economic trends, such as inflation, bond yields, and Federal Reserve policy.
To get the best mortgage rate in Florida, it’s important to compare lenders, explore programs like FHA, VA, Jumbo, DSCR, Hometown Heroes, and HomeZero loans, and secure a personalized rate quote. Rates can change daily, so it’s wise to check with a local Florida mortgage broker for up-to-date pricing and lock options.
Most lenders require:
A minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans.
Verified income and employment documentation.
A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio typically under 50%.
A down payment of at least 3%, depending on the loan program.
However:
FHA loans through The Doce Mortgage Group may allow approval with credit scores as low as 500, making homeownership more accessible.
Some loan programs permit DTI ratios up to 57%, giving more flexibility for borrowers with higher debt loads.
For 100% financing in Florida, The Doce Mortgage Group offers options such as VA loans (for eligible veterans) and the HomeZero program and several Down Payment Assistant programs, which allow qualified buyers to purchase with no down payment.
It depends on the program, but many down payment assistance programs are compatible with multiple types of mortgage loans.
On average, it can take several months from house hunting to closing. Specific steps you’ll have to get through in order to buy a home include touring homes, making and negotiating an offer, obtaining loan approval, and closing.
We close most loans within 20 to 30 days from a completed application.
Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing a mortgage and typically range from 2% to 4% of the loan amount.
The more you know about what to expect when buying or refinancing a home in Florida, the better off you’ll be. The Doce Mortgage Group will help you secure the best loan options for your needs. Get in touch for one-on-one support with your Florida home financing.
EN EN 
ES
FR
PT
IT
DE
ZH
Find out how much you can borrow, find the best program for your situation, get a rate quote.
Choose this option if you’re ready to apply for your loan today. We’ll walk you thru each step and issue a pre-approval within 24 hours.
