First Time Home Buyer Services in South Florida

Q: How much should I save for a down payment?

The amount you need depends on the loan type and the assistance programs you qualify for. Some county and city-based programs can help reduce or cover a portion of your down payment. We help you understand your eligibility and estimate your out-of-pocket expenses so you can plan confidently.

Q: Can I buy a home if I am self-employed?

Yes, self-employed buyers can qualify to purchase a home. Lenders review documentation such as tax returns, bank statements, and income history to verify earnings. We connect you with lenders who specialize in serving self-employed and first-time buyers, making the process more manageable.

Q: Are there programs in Broward and Palm Beach Counties for first-time buyers?

Yes, both Broward and Palm Beach Counties offer first-time homebuyer programs that provide down payment assistance, closing cost support, or affordable loan options. These include SHIP Purchase Assistance, Hometown Heroes, and local city-level programs. We help you determine which programs you may be eligible for based on your income and location.

Q: What are closing costs in Florida?

Closing costs can include lender fees, title insurance, inspections, and prepaid taxes or insurance. The total varies depending on the home and loan structure. Some first-time buyer programs can help cover part or all of these expenses, and we guide you so you understand what to expect before making an offer.

Helping Broward and Palm Beach County Buyers Find Their First Home

Buying your first home can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. From understanding financing options to choosing the right neighborhood, there is a lot to consider. Our team of local agents in Broward and Palm Beach Counties help to make the process simple. We guide you every step of the way so you can feel confident about your decision.

How We Help First-Time Home Buyers

We offer personalized support to make sure your first home purchase goes smoothly. Our services include:

Consultation and Needs Assessment – We talk with you about your budget, priorities, commute preferences and what kind of home fits your lifestyle.
Program Guidance – We help you identify county, city, and state programs designed to help first-time buyers, including down payment assistance.
Home Search and Tours – We find homes in your preferred cities and schedule tours so you can see options in person.
Negotiation and Closing Support – We handle the details and help you get the best terms for your purchase.
Post-Purchase Support – We connect you with resources for homeowners, including tips on maintaining your new home and community information.

Local First-Time Homebuyer Programs

There are several programs in Broward and Palm Beach Counties that provide financial assistance for first-time homebuyers. These programs can help with down payments, closing costs, or both. Each program has income and eligibility requirements, and our team can guide you through the process. Many of these programs use Area Median Income (AMI) to determine eligibility, so understanding where your household income falls in relation to your county’s AMI is an important first step.

Examples of local programs include:

Boca Raton First-Time Homebuyers Program

Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs
Requires first-time buyer status (no home ownership in the last three years)
Income-eligible buyers

Coral Springs First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program

Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs
Requires first-time buyer status
Income-eligible buyers

Deerfield Beach First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program

Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs
Requires first-time buyer status
Income-eligible buyers

Delray Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program

Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs
Requires first-time buyer status
Income-eligible buyers

Fort Lauderdale First-Time Homebuyers Program

Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs
Requires first-time buyer status
Income-eligible buyers

West Palm Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program

Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs
Requires first-time buyer status
Income-eligible buyers

Tamarac First-Time Homebuyer Program

Offers help with down payment and closing costs
Designed for first-time buyers earning up to 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
Assistance provided as a deferred payment loan
Funds available on a first-come basis

State & County-Level Programs

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Designed for first-time buyers in certain occupations, including health care workers, school staff, first responders, public safety employees, and veterans.
Has historically offered down payment and closing cost assistance, lower mortgage rates, and reduced fees.
Our agents can guide you on eligibility, documentation, and connecting with approved lenders for similar opportunities.

Palm Beach County HOME Investment Partnership Program

Offers down payment assistance, with eligibility and award amounts varying.

Palm Beach County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

Provides assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers through deferred loan structures. Funding windows vary annually.

These programs often involve a second mortgage with payments that may be forgiven, deferred, or subsidized until resale of the property. Eligibility, funding, and amounts can change. Some programs may also require homeowners to live in the property for a certain number of years to keep the full benefit of the assistance.Our agents can help you understand the requirements and apply for current opportunities.

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Discuss your goals with the Mastropieri Group to explore buying or selling in Southern Florida. Our dedicated professionals tailor a plan for each client. From the first meeting forward, we can focus on delivering straightforward guidance on property decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to buy a home in South Florida?

Most first-time homebuyer programs and lenders look for a minimum credit score of around 620. However, there are lending options and assistance programs that may work with lower scores depending on your financial picture. Our team helps connect you with lenders experienced in working with first-time buyers, so you understand your options clearly and can take the right next steps.

How much should I save for a down payment?

The amount varies depending on the loan type and assistance program you qualify for. Some state, county, and city programs can provide down payment support that reduces the amount you need upfront. We help you evaluate your eligibility and estimate out-of-pocket costs so you can plan confidently.

Can I buy a home if I am self-employed?

Yes, you can. Lenders will review income documentation like tax returns or bank statements to verify earnings for self-employed buyers. We work with lenders who specialize in assisting first-time and self-employed homebuyers, making the process more straightforward and less stressful.

Are there programs in Broward and Palm Beach Counties for first-time buyers?

Yes, both counties offer multiple programs that can assist with down payments, closing costs, or financing. Examples include SHIP Purchase Assistance, Hometown Heroes, and city-specific programs. We help you determine which programs you may qualify for based on your income, location, and home type.

What are closing costs in Florida?

Closing costs typically include lender fees, title insurance, inspections, and prepaid taxes or insurance. The total amount can vary depending on the property and loan details. Some first-time buyer programs can help cover part or all of these expenses, and we make sure you understand what to expect before you make an offer.

Start Your First Home Search Today

Buying your first home in South Florida is easier when you have the right team on your side. Our agents know Broward and Palm Beach Counties and understand how to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Schedule a free consultation today or check your eligibility for local first-time home buyer programs. Let us help you find the home that fits your needs and budget. [Complete our contact form here →]