Last reviewed: September 2026 Florida homebuyers don't necessarily need a 20% down payment. Depending on your income, occupation, county, loan type and prior homeownership, down payment assistance may reduce the amount of cash you need to purchase a home. Florida runs its major statewide assistance through one agency — the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) — but funding for its most popular program runs out regularly, which makes timing as important as eli

Choosing the right mortgage lender in California involves much more than finding the company advertising the lowest interest rate. The right lender should be able to offer a competitive combination of rate and costs, recommend a loan program that actually fits your situation, accurately evaluate your qualifications before you make an offer, communicate clearly throughout the transaction, and successfully close the type of property you are buying. That last part matters mo

Choosing the right mortgage lender in California involves much more than finding the company advertising the lowest interest rate. The right lender should be able to offer a competitive combination of rate and costs, recommend a loan program that actually fits your situation, accurately evaluate your qualifications before you make an offer, communicate clearly throughout the transaction, and successfully close the type of property you are buying. That last part matters mo