Key Takeaways - The 20% down payment rule is a myth — many programs require far less - FHA loans allow 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score - Conventional loans are available with as little as 3% to 5% down - Florida has state and county down payment assistance programs worth exploring - Putting less down means paying PMI, but the math sometimes still favors it One of the most persistent myths about buying a home is that you need 20% down. For a $400,000 home in Lantana or Wes

Key Takeaways - Pre-qualification is an estimate based on information you provide verbally - Pre-approval involves a credit pull and document verification — it carries real weight - Most Florida sellers require a pre-approval letter, not a pre-qualification - Pre-approval is not a loan commitment, but it is the strongest signal short of one - Getting pre-approved before you shop puts you on equal footing with cash buyers If you have spent any time researching buying a home i

Key Takeaways - Most conventional loans require a 620 minimum credit score - FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down - A score above 740 typically unlocks the best available rates - You can improve your score significantly in 60 to 90 days with the right steps - Your score is one factor — lenders also look at income, debt, and down payment Your credit score is the first number every mortgage lender looks at. It signals how reliably you have paid back debt in the

Key Takeaways - Florida buyers typically pay 2% to 5% of the loan amount in closing costs - On a $350,000 loan, expect $7,000 to $17,500 in closing costs - Some costs are lender fees; others are third-party and government charges - You can negotiate seller concessions to offset some closing costs - A Loan Estimate shows every cost in writing within three business days of applying Closing costs are the fees you pay to complete a home purchase beyond the down payment itself. T