Lenders look mainly at your debt-to-income ratio, credit and cash. Our affordability calculator works backwards from your income to a price range, including Florida taxes, insurance and HOA fees.

It depends on the program. Some conventional programs allow 3% down for eligible buyers, FHA allows 3.5% with a qualifying score, and VA loans can need nothing down for eligible veterans. With less than 20% down you’ll usually pay mortgage insurance. Investment properties and some condos need more. Plan for closing costs on top.

Minimums vary by program and lender, and higher scores get better pricing. Lenders usually use the middle of your three bureau scores. How credit affects your mortgage.

Your monthly debts, including the new housing payment, divided by your gross monthly income. Calculate yours.

A pre-qualification is an early estimate based on what you tell us. A pre-approval follows a credit check and a review of your income and asset documents, so it carries more weight with sellers. We can take you from one to the other.

Photo ID, recent pay stubs and W-2s (or two years of tax returns if you are self-employed), recent bank and investment statements, details of your debts, and the purchase contract once you have one. See the application checklist.

Lender fees, third-party services, title and closing, and Florida documentary stamp and intangible taxes, plus prepaid insurance, interest and escrow. Your Loan Estimate arrives within three business days of applying, and your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Estimate Florida taxes and title premiums.

If the property is in a FEMA high-risk flood zone and your loan is federally backed or regulated, yes. Elsewhere it is optional but common in South Florida. Get a flood quote.

Yes. The lender reviews the association too: reserves, insurance, assessments, litigation and rentals. Florida post-Surfside inspection and reserve rules make that review more important. Read the condo section of our buyer’s guide.

A Florida property tax exemption of up to $50,000 of assessed value on your permanent residence, with a cap on future increases. Apply to your county property appraiser by March 1. More in the buyer’s guide.

Financed purchases often close 30 to 45 days after contract. Getting your documents in early is the biggest thing you can do to stay on schedule.

Often, yes. Permanent residents, non-permanent residents and foreign nationals can finance property in Florida, but documentation, down payment and program options differ. Call us to talk through your situation.

Compare more than the rate: the costs, how long you will keep the loan and what happens to your balance. Our break-even calculator shows how many months a refinance takes to pay for itself.

Yes. Rental and commercial loans are judged mostly on the property’s income. Our DSCR calculator checks whether the rent covers the full payment.