Dawn Spencer REALTOR® · Hi Real Estate

First-Time Buyers

Your first home may be closer than you think.

Low down payment loans and Florida assistance programs put homeownership within reach for many first-time buyers. Here's how to get started.

By Dawn Spencer · Last updated

Getting Started

Five steps to your first home

Buying for the first time is a big step, and asking questions is part of the process. I'll explain every document and deadline along the way.

Talk With Dawn Full Buyer's Guide

  1. Check your credit and savings

    Know your score and what you have for a down payment, closing costs, and reserves.

  2. Explore assistance

    Ask lenders about Florida Housing programs and Hometown Heroes eligibility.

  3. Get pre-approved

    Compare Loan Estimates from at least two lenders.

  4. Set your real budget

    Include taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance, not just the mortgage.

  5. Shop with a plan

    Focus on homes and neighborhoods that fit, then move quickly when the right one appears.

Programs

Assistance and education

Start with the program search below: it checks down payment, closing-cost, and tax-credit programs for your situation and sends the details to me so I can follow up.

Down Payment Resource® searches more than 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs nationally. Enter the basics, request details, and I follow up with the programs you may qualify for. Open full-screen.

More program and education resources

How much do I need for a down payment on my first home?

Less than many people think: 0% with VA or USDA loans for eligible buyers, 3.5% with FHA, and as little as 3% with some conventional programs. Down payment assistance may cover part of it.

Who counts as a first-time buyer?

Many programs define a first-time buyer as someone who hasn't owned a principal residence in the past three years, so you may qualify even if you've owned before. Check each program's rules.

What is the Florida Hometown Heroes program?

A Florida Housing Finance Corporation program offering down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible full-time workers in many professions, plus active military and veterans. Funding is limited and periodically reopens, so check current availability.

Free Packet

Want this as a PDF? Email me the buyer packet.

Process, costs, loans, and inspections: 6 guides from this site in one branded PDF, sent personally with a short note. No drip campaign, no spam.

Email me the buyer packet

Next Step

True cost calculatorRun the numbers before you fall in love with a house.Mortgage guideWhich loan fits a first purchase.New-listing alertsHomes in your price range as they list.Buyer's guideThe order of events, start to finish.

Let's talk about where you're headed.

Buying, selling, building, or just exploring your options, call or text me any time.

Call 904-608-0016 Text Me Send a Message Book a Call

Dawn Spencer, REALTOR® · Hi Real Estate