Calm turquoise waters of the Florida Keys at dawn with mirror-still reflections

Florida Keys Mortgage Guidance Without the Guesswork

Understand your financing options, estimated monthly payment, cash to close, and property-specific costs before you make an offer from Key Largo to Key West.

Austin Edwards  |  Mortgage Loan Originator  |  NMLS #2639747

Austin Edwards, Mortgage Loan Originator with Ocean Blue Lending

About Austin Edwards

Mortgage advice that puts you first.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. My job isn't to sell you a loan. It's to help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and choose the mortgage that makes the most sense for your goals.

As a Florida Mortgage Loan Originator with Ocean Blue Lending, I help homebuyers, homeowners, and investors throughout Florida, with a specialty in the Florida Keys.

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Loan Options

Explore Your Loan Options

The right loan depends on more than your credit score. Property type, occupancy, income structure, reserves, down payment, insurance costs, and long-term goals can all affect which programs are available.

Conventional Loans

Flexible financing with competitive rates for qualified borrowers. The most common loan program.

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FHA Loans

Government-backed financing with lower down-payment options and flexible qualification guidelines for eligible borrowers. FHA loans are available to both first-time and repeat buyers.

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VA Home Loans

VA financing may allow eligible borrowers to purchase without a down payment, subject to entitlement, loan amount, property eligibility, lender guidelines, and the complete loan profile.

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Jumbo Loans

Financing for high-value Keys properties that exceed conforming loan limits.

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Non-QM Loans

Flexible qualification programs for self-employed borrowers and unique income situations.

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Investment Property

Financing for long-term rentals, short-term rentals, and other non-owner-occupied investment properties.

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Why Mortgage Guidance Matters

Helping Florida Keys homebuyers make smarter mortgage decisions.

Buying a home in the Florida Keys isn't the same as buying anywhere else. Whether you're purchasing in Key Largo, Islamorada, Tavernier, Marathon, or Key West, choosing the right mortgage can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

As a Florida mortgage broker, I help buyers compare loan options, understand their financing, and avoid costly mistakes. From conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and non-QM loans to refinancing, my goal isn't to sell you a mortgage. It's to help you make the right financial decision.

Start the Conversation

Tell me what you are planning, and I will explain your options clearly. This is not a mortgage application or preapproval.

By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by phone, email, or text. This is not a mortgage application. Do not upload or email sensitive financial documents through this form. Documents should only be submitted through Austin's secure mortgage application or secure document portal. Privacy Policy

Florida Keys Areas

Areas I Serve

From Key Largo to Key West and every island community in between. Mortgage guidance tailored to each community's unique property characteristics.

Key Largo Tavernier Islamorada Marathon Big Pine Key Key West Duck Key Summerland Key Stock Island Layton
Resources

Learning Center

Mortgage education for Florida Keys buyers, homeowners, and investors. Answers to real questions about financing, insurance, and property requirements.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment including taxes, insurance, flood insurance, wind coverage, and HOA dues. Understand your full cost picture.

What Determines Your Rate?

Understand the factors that affect your mortgage rate: credit, down payment, property type, occupancy, and current market conditions.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to put down on a home in the Florida Keys?
Down payment requirements depend on the loan program and your financial profile. Conventional loans typically range from 3 to 20 percent, FHA loans start at 3.5 percent, and VA loans offer zero down for eligible borrowers. Jumbo loans may require 10 to 20 percent. Your actual requirement depends on the property, loan type, and underwriting approval. Subject to borrower qualifications, occupancy, property type, automated underwriting findings, lender guidelines, and program eligibility.
Can I get financing for a second home or vacation property in the Keys?
Second-home financing is available through conventional and jumbo loan programs. Down payment, reserve, occupancy, and property requirements depend on the complete loan scenario. The property must generally be suitable for year-round occupancy and used personally by the borrower for part of the year. Subject to borrower qualifications, occupancy, property type, automated underwriting findings, lender guidelines, and program eligibility.
What credit score is needed to buy a home in the Florida Keys?
Minimum credit requirements depend on the loan program, lender guidelines, automated underwriting findings, and the borrower's complete financial profile. Some programs may allow lower scores, but credit score alone does not determine approval.
Do I need flood insurance for a home in the Florida Keys?
Flood insurance is generally required when a mortgaged property is located in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area. Even when it is not required by the lender, many Florida Keys homeowners still choose to carry flood coverage. The cost can vary based on flood zone, elevation, construction, coverage, and the property's insurance history.
How long does mortgage pre-approval take?
Preapproval timing depends on the completeness of the application, credit review, income documentation, asset documentation, and the complexity of the borrower's financial profile. Having these documents ready helps move things along.
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Ready to explore your options?

Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing an existing mortgage, or exploring financing for a second property, I will help you understand your options and choose the right path.

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