Home loans across Florida, from Jacksonville and Orlando to Tampa Bay, South Florida and the Panhandle. Price in insurance early, estimate your payment and talk it through with Duane.
Licensed in Florida
Conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo
Purchase and refinance
Estimate a Florida payment
Sample figures, edit freely
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Loan term
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The price, tax and insurance values are samples, not Florida averages. Property tax and insurance vary a lot by address, so replace them with real quotes.
Estimate only. Includes principal, interest, tax, insurance and an estimated mortgage insurance charge when the down payment is under 20%. Actual terms depend on credit, loan program and property.
Loan options in Florida
Duane compares programs for your scenario and explains the tradeoffs before you commit.
Conventional. Purchase and refinance loans with as little as 3% down for qualifying buyers. Mortgage insurance can come off as your equity grows.
FHA. As little as 3.5% down with qualifying credit, and more flexible credit guidelines. FHA carries an upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium.
VA. Florida has a large veteran and active-duty community, with major installations from Jacksonville to Pensacola and Tampa. VA loans can be $0 down for eligible borrowers, with no monthly mortgage insurance. A funding fee usually applies unless exempt.
Jumbo. For loan amounts above the conforming limit in your county. Expect closer review of down payment, reserves and documentation.
Refinance. Lower the rate, shorten the term or take cash out. Compare the break-even point against how long you plan to stay.
Local housing agency
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Florida Housing Finance Corporation and some local programs offer first-time buyer and down payment help through participating lenders. Funding and eligibility change often, so ask what is open now.
Insurance comes first. Homeowners insurance, and flood coverage where it is required, can add a lot to the monthly payment. Get a quote before you settle on a price.
Wind and roof. Insurers price roof age, construction and wind features. A wind mitigation report can lower the premium on some homes.
Taxes on the loan. Florida charges documentary stamp tax on the promissory note and an intangible tax on the mortgage. Your Loan Estimate shows the exact amounts.
Condos need extra review. Condo questionnaires, reserves and special assessments matter more after recent condo safety rules. Ask about the building before you write an offer.
Homestead. A Florida homestead exemption can lower taxable value on a primary home, and assessment growth is capped while you stay. Rules and deadlines apply, so check with your county property appraiser.
Florida FAQ
Does Duane lend across the whole state?
Yes. Duane is licensed in Florida and works with buyers and homeowners statewide. Insurance, flood zones and condo rules vary by area, so he looks at those with you up front.
How does flood insurance affect my loan?
If the home sits in a designated high-risk flood zone, lenders generally require flood insurance. The premium counts toward your monthly housing cost, so get a quote early.
Can I finance a condo in Florida?
Often, yes, but the building has to meet the loan program's rules. Conventional, FHA and VA review condos differently, so ask about the specific project early.
Is down payment help available?
Florida Housing and some local programs offer down payment help through participating lenders. Availability and eligibility change, so ask what is open now.
Duane Buziak, NMLS #1110647. Licensed in VA, FL, TN, GA, NC, SC, MD, DC, WV, TX and KY. Brokered through Coast2Coast Mortgage, NMLS #376205. Verify licenses at nmlsconsumeraccess.org. For illustration only. Not a loan offer, commitment or rate quote. Equal Housing Opportunity.
