Florida First-Time Homebuyer Roadmap.
An 8-page guide for buyers in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties — covering credit, down payment assistance, the documents you'll gather, and what actually happens at closing.
What's inside
- Are you a first-time buyer? The federal definition is broader than most people realize. You may qualify even if you've owned before.
- What credit score you actually need — including how to improve a score 20–60 points within 30–60 days.
- Florida down payment assistance — Hometown Heroes ($35K), Florida Bond, and county programs. How to layer them.
- Choosing the right loan type — FHA vs. conventional vs. VA vs. USDA, with concrete guidance on which fits which situation.
- The complete documents checklist — every document you'll need to assemble before pre-approval.
- What happens at every step from pre-approval through underwriting to closing day.
- Your next steps — how to schedule a free consultation if you want personalized guidance.
Who this guide is for
This guide was written for first-time homebuyers in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties (the Tampa Bay region of Florida). The principles apply to most Florida buyers — but the down payment assistance programs, county-specific resources, and price-range examples are tailored to West Florida.
How you'll get the guide
Drop your email in the form to the left and we'll send the PDF to your inbox immediately. We'll also occasionally send Florida-specific market notes (you can unsubscribe any time). We do not share your email with anyone.
About the author
Debbie Cooley has been originating Florida mortgages since 1984 — through every market cycle imaginable. She is a three-time past President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals (FAMP) and currently serves as Education Chair on the state committee. Read more →