🔑 Your First Home Starts Here

First-Time Homebuyer Guide for South Florida

Buying your first home is a big step — but with the right team it doesn't have to be overwhelming. We guide you from credit check to closing day, and make sure you claim every Florida first-time buyer program you qualify for.

  • Pre-approved in 24-48 hours
  • Down payment assistance up to $35,000 (Hometown Heroes)
  • Real estate + mortgage expertise under one roof

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The Process

Your First Home in 6 Steps

Here's exactly what the journey looks like — and what we handle for you at each stage.

  1. Check Your Budget & Credit

    Before you look at a single listing, we review your income, savings, and credit profile together so you know what's realistic — and what you can do to qualify for better terms.

  2. Get Pre-Approved

    A pre-approval letter shows sellers you are a serious buyer. Ours typically takes 24-48 hours, and we shop dozens of lenders so your first mortgage starts with the best available rate.

  3. Explore First-Time Buyer Programs

    Florida offers real money for first-time buyers — down payment assistance, reduced rates, and closing cost help. We check every program you qualify for before you make an offer.

  4. Find Your Home

    Your agent builds a custom search around your budget and must-haves, schedules tours, and points out the things first-time buyers often miss — HOA rules, insurance costs, flood zones.

  5. Make a Smart Offer

    We run the comparable sales, craft a competitive offer, and negotiate inspections and repairs on your behalf so you never overpay for your first home.

  6. Close & Get the Keys

    We coordinate the inspection, appraisal, insurance, and title work, and walk you through every document at closing. Then the home is yours.

Free Money Is Real

Florida First-Time Buyer Programs

The State of Florida actively helps first-time buyers get into homes. These are the programs we check for every client — eligibility and amounts change, so we verify current terms when you apply.

Florida Hometown Heroes

Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible full-time workers buying their first home in the community where they work — including teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, military, and many more professions. Offered as a 0%, non-amortizing second mortgage.

Florida Assist (FL Assist)

Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a deferred, 0% interest second mortgage — no monthly payments, repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

FL HLP Second Mortgage

Up to $10,000 at a low fixed rate, repaid monthly over 15 years — a good fit when you want assistance now and predictable repayment.

FHA, VA & USDA Loans

Government-backed loans made for first-time buyers: FHA from 3.5% down with flexible credit, VA with 0% down for eligible veterans, and USDA with 0% down in eligible areas.

First-Time Buyer Questions

The questions we hear most from first-time buyers in South Florida.

How much do I really need for a down payment?

Less than most people think. Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA/USDA at 0% for eligible buyers. With Florida assistance programs layered on top, many first-time buyers bring far less cash to closing than the traditional 20%.

What credit score do I need?

FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, and conventional loans typically require 620+. If your score isn't there yet, we'll show you the fastest path to improving it before you apply.

Who qualifies for Florida Hometown Heroes?

Full-time employees of Florida-based employers who are first-time buyers (or have not owned in the last 3 years), purchasing in the county where they work, within program income and purchase price limits. Funds are limited and released in waves — getting pre-qualified early matters.

What does it cost to work with you as a buyer?

Typically nothing — the seller pays the real estate commission, and our pre-approval and mortgage services are free to apply with no obligation.

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Get pre-approved in 24-48 hours and find out exactly which Florida first-time buyer programs you qualify for — free and with no obligation.