Resources
Learn before you borrow
Straightforward guides, tools, and answers to help Florida homebuyers understand the mortgage process, avoid costly mistakes, and make smarter financial decisions.
Mortgage Learning Center
In-depth guides and market updates from Austin Edwards.
Understanding Mortgage Credit Scores
What lenders actually look at, how scoring models differ, and practical steps to improve your score before you apply.
Read guideFlorida Homeowner's Insurance Guide
Why Florida insurance costs are rising, how to shop for coverage, and what to budget beyond the mortgage payment.
Read guideClosing Costs Decoded
A transparent breakdown of what you will pay at the closing table, which fees are negotiable, and what catches borrowers off guard.
Read guidePMI Strategies That Actually Save Money
When to pay PMI, when to avoid it, and the strategies most borrowers do not know about.
Read guideThe Mortgage Process, Step by Step
Austin walks you through every stage so nothing catches you off guard.
Get Pre-Approved
Before you start shopping, Austin reviews your financial picture: income, credit, and assets, and issues a pre-approval letter. This tells sellers you are a serious, qualified buyer and locks in your budget before you tour a single home.
Find a Home
Partner with a real estate agent to tour properties in your target Florida markets. Compare neighborhoods, weigh your must-haves against your wish list, and find the home that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
Make an Offer
Your agent submits a purchase offer on your behalf. Once the seller accepts, you enter the escrow period and your loan application moves to the next stage. Your earnest money deposit shows you are committed.
Home Inspection
A licensed inspector examines the property for structural issues, faulty systems, and safety concerns. You receive a detailed report and can negotiate repairs, credits, or a price adjustment with the seller before moving forward.
Appraisal
An independent appraiser evaluates the home to confirm its market value matches the purchase price. This protects both you and the lender: you will not overpay and the bank will not lend more than the property is worth.
Underwriting
Austin's underwriting team performs a thorough review of every document: income, assets, credit history, and property details. They verify everything against lender requirements to issue the final approval needed to close.
Closing
The final step. You review and sign the closing disclosure, pay any remaining closing costs, and sign the mortgage documents. Once everything is recorded, the keys are yours. Welcome home.
Down Payment Assistance
Grants and programs that can reduce or eliminate your upfront cash needed to buy a home.
Many Florida buyers qualify for down payment assistance programs without realizing it. These programs provide grants, forgivable loans, or deferred-payment loans to cover part or all of your down payment and closing costs. The 20% down myth keeps more people renting than any other misconception.
- Grants that do not require repayment
- Forgivable loans that are forgiven after a set period
- Deferred-payment loans with 0% interest
- Can cover down payment, closing costs, or both
- Often stackable with FHA, conventional, and VA loans
Quick Facts
Who qualifies
First-time and repeat buyers with moderate incomes
How it works
Austin checks available programs in your area and matches you with the ones you are most likely to qualify for
Loan compatibility
Works with FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, and Florida Hometown Heroes
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your total monthly payment including taxes, insurance, PMI, HOA, and flood insurance.
Most calculators only show principal and interest. This one includes property taxes, homeowner insurance, mortgage insurance (PMI), HOA dues, and flood insurance so you see the real monthly number.
- Principal and interest based on your loan amount and rate
- Property taxes at your county's millage rate
- Homeowner insurance and optional flood insurance
- PMI calculated based on your down payment and credit score
- HOA dues for condos and planned communities
Estimates are educational. Not an approval or offer of credit.
Open Full CalculatorSample Monthly Payment
$3,648
Based on $450K home, 10% down, 6.75% APR
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions Austin hears most from Florida homebuyers.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people think. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3%. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down options for those who qualify. Florida also has down payment assistance programs that can help.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. Conventional loans typically start at 620. The higher your score, the better your rate. If your score needs work, Austin can recommend strategies to improve it.
How are closing costs calculated?
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. They include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid items like property taxes and insurance. Some costs are negotiable.
Do I need 20% down to avoid PMI?
No, but PMI is required on conventional loans below 20% down. The trade-off is often worth it: you can buy years earlier and start building equity while home prices rise.
Have a question Austin has not covered?
Every borrower's situation is different. Reach out and ask your specific question.