Your first home in Broward County, one step at a time

Budget for the real monthly payment

In South Florida, the mortgage itself is only part of the monthly cost. Plan for homeowners insurance (or HO-6 insurance on a condo), property taxes, and any HOA or condo dues. I'd rather set a payment you're comfortable with than the maximum you could qualify for.

Down payment and assistance

The minimum down payment depends on the loan type and your credit, and family gift funds are allowed on many loans with documentation. Assistance can also help:

• Florida Hometown Heroes (statewide, through Florida Housing): for eligible first-time, income-qualified buyers who work full-time for a Florida-based employer in qualifying fields such as health care, schools, first response, public safety, courts and child care, plus military servicemembers and veterans employed full-time in Florida. Up to 5% of the first mortgage ($10,000 minimum, $35,000 maximum) as a 0%, deferred second mortgage, repaid when you sell, refinance or move out.
• County and city programs: some Broward communities run their own assistance. Ask me which ones fit your situation.

Program terms and funding change; ask for current availability. Hometown Heroes terms per Florida Housing Finance Corporation, checked October 16, 2026.

After closing: file for your homestead exemption

If the home is your permanent residence as of January 1, Florida's homestead exemption can take up to $50,000 off its assessed value. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, and the second applies only to non-school taxes on assessed value above $50,000. In Broward, you file with the Broward County Property Appraiser, online or in person. The deadline for the 2027 tax year is March 1, 2027. Broward County Property Appraiser: homestead

Per the Florida Department of Revenue and the Broward County Property Appraiser, checked October 16, 2026. Only the property appraiser can decide eligibility.

Your 30-day checklist

1. Pull your credit report and look for errors.
2. Gather 2 months of bank statements, 2 years of W-2s or tax returns, and recent pay stubs.
3. Avoid new debt or big purchases until after closing.
4. Decide on a monthly payment that feels comfortable.
5. Get pre-approved before you tour homes seriously.

Three myths I hear a lot

• "You need 20% down." Not always. Many loan types allow less, though the trade-offs differ.
• "Check your credit after you find a house." Check it early so there's time to fix problems.
• "Assistance is only for very low incomes." Income limits vary by program and county, so it's worth checking.

Looking at a condo? Read what lenders check on Fort Lauderdale condos.