Straight answers, in plain English.

Aim for a credit score of 640 or higher. We set 640 as the practical target on purpose: most people estimate their score a little high, and a buffer keeps you comfortably above the program's underlying guideline instead of right on the edge. Not sure where you stand? The eligibility screener walks you through it, and a loan officer can pull your real score before you commit to anything.

Many mortgage lenders currently review the older mortgage FICO models commonly called FICO Scores 2, 4 and 5. A direct consumer option is a three-bureau plan from myFICO that includes scores used for mortgages. Credit Karma commonly shows VantageScore scores. Those can help you monitor your credit, but they may differ from the scores reviewed for a mortgage. Newer scoring models are entering mortgage use, so ask your loan officer which model applies. The lender's mortgage credit pull is the final qualification check, and a score you see yourself does not guarantee approval.

It doesn't rule you out forever. Many buyers raise their score with a few months of on-time payments and lower card balances. Talk to a licensed loan officer — they can tell you exactly what to work on and re-check when you're ready.

Amendment 3 would adjust Florida's homestead exemption for inflation. A study of the amendment projects that local governments would likely raise taxes on rental properties to make up the difference — and landlords pass those costs to tenants. The projection works out to roughly $508 more per year for a Central Florida apartment (and about $1,103 for a single-family rental). Read the WESH 2 News report →

Yes — owners with a homestead exemption would see their exemption adjusted for inflation, which lowers the taxable value of their home slightly. To be clear: it does not eliminate property taxes. The bigger long-term protection for owners is Florida's Save Our Homes cap, which limits how much a homesteaded property's assessed value can rise each year — something renters never get.

According to WPTV, if Amendment 3 passes, homeowners would need to be homesteaded in Florida by December 31 to receive the full tax savings right away; buyers who arrive later could face about a five-year wait for the full benefit. The measure needs 60% of the vote on November 3 and is not guaranteed. Buying and filing in time depends on your closing date and the final rules, and it does not eliminate property taxes. Confirm details with your county property appraiser. Read the WPTV report →

Florida property taxes are based on your home's assessed value, and once you file a homestead exemption, annual assessment increases are capped. When you first buy, the assessed value typically resets to near the purchase price — so budget using the current tax estimate, not the seller's old bill. Our zero-down calculator and Rent vs. Own tools include taxes in every estimate so there are no surprises.

No. The assistance program is open to renters, people relocating to Florida, and current homeowners buying their next home. You don't need to be a first-time buyer. Common ways to qualify include: first-time buyer, household income at or below 140% of area median income, community or public service work (no income limit), or buying in an underserved area (no income cap there). Other buyers may still qualify through normal FHA approval. The home must be your primary residence.

No income limit applies to community and public service workers. That includes current, retired and volunteer first responders (police, fire, EMS/ambulance), teachers, healthcare workers, government workers and military. You still need to meet credit (aim for 640+) and FHA loan approval, and the home must be your primary residence.

It's a grant forgiven at closing — not a loan you repay later. It can cover the down payment on an FHA loan (3.5% of the price), and seller concessions can cover most or all of the closing costs. Many buyers reach closing with little to no cash out of pocket, though every situation is different and nothing is guaranteed until a lender reviews your file.

Higher inventory and rate-sensitive demand can give buyers more negotiating room in many Florida markets. Some sellers may prefer an offer at or near asking price that requests a credit toward eligible closing costs instead of a lower-price offer. Conditions vary by city, neighborhood, property type, and price range, so seller acceptance is never guaranteed.

No. Ask for the amount your estimated eligible closing costs support, up to the applicable limit. Your agent and loan officer should coordinate the offer because the contract, appraisal, seller agreement, actual costs, lender review, and program rules determine what can be applied. If credit remains after other eligible costs, the loan officer may be able to apply it to approved discount points that lower the interest rate and monthly payment. Point pricing changes, so ask for a live quote; any amount not applied to eligible costs is not cash back. Try the Buyer Strategies playbook to see an example.

You'll get an instant, source-grounded preliminary response on screen, and your application goes straight to the licensed loan officers at Opportunity Mortgage Group. A real person reviews it and reaches out using your preferred contact method — usually within one business day. Applying is free and doesn't commit you to anything.

Three quick steps: (1) run the eligibility screener, (2) try the Find My Fit tool for a personalized explanation, and (3) play with the zero-down calculator so you know your numbers. Then start your application when you're ready.

It may be possible. The down payment assistance can be paired with an FHA 203(b) standard loan or an FHA 203(k) Limited or Standard renovation loan, which finances the purchase and eligible repairs in one loan. The home must be your primary residence. The lender, appraisal, and program rules determine what is approved.

Limited covers smaller, non-structural repairs such as paint, flooring, kitchens, baths, roofs, or systems. Standard covers larger projects, including structural work, and typically requires an FHA consultant. Your loan officer will confirm cost limits and allowed work.

No. FHA loans and this assistance are only for buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. They cannot be used for investment properties or to buy, renovate, and resell.