Mortgage Loans in Fort Lauderdale, FL: FHA, Conventional, Investor and HomeTown Heroes
You can get a mortgage in Fort Lauderdale through William Ledesma at Bold Mortgage, a division of PRMG, who works with Fort Lauderdale buyers by phone, video and e-sign, together with local agents. Your options include FHA, conventional, jumbo, second home, DSCR investor and bank statement loans, plus Florida HomeTown Heroes for qualifying first-time buyers. In a city full of canals and high-rises, flood zone, insurance and condo rules play a big part in which loan works.
Buying a home in Fort Lauderdale: what to know
Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward County and its main business center. It is often called the "Venice of America" because of its many miles of canals and waterways. The city is known for Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk along the New River, Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show each fall. The marine and yacht industry, tourism, Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, law and finance firms downtown, and hospitals such as Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Health drive the local economy. The Brightline station downtown links the city by train to Miami and Orlando.
Neighborhoods buyers ask about:
- Victoria Park: older homes, townhomes and small condo buildings close to downtown and Las Olas.
- Rio Vista: tree lined streets and waterfront homes along the New River and Tarpon River.
- Las Olas Isles: narrow finger islands with deep water canals and boat docks.
- Harbor Beach: waterfront homes near the beach and the port, many in the jumbo range.
- Coral Ridge: established homes on canals and quiet streets in the northeast.
- Flagler Village: newer mid-rise and high-rise condos and townhomes just north of downtown.
The housing stock is wide. You will find 1950s and 1960s ranch homes on canals, many of them torn down and rebuilt as new modern homes, older garden style condos, downtown and beachfront towers, and new townhomes. Buyers include young professionals who work downtown, boat owners who want dock space, second home owners from the Northeast and Canada, and investors. Waterfront buyers should check seawall condition, dock rights and bridge clearance to open water.
FHA loans in Fort Lauderdale
FHA lets you buy with 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher. With a score from 500 to 579, you need 10% down, and lender overlays may apply. The 2026 FHA limit for a one-unit home in Broward County is $667,000. Limits are higher for 2 to 4 unit properties.
FHA charges an upfront mortgage insurance premium, usually added to the loan, plus an annual premium paid monthly. With less than 10% down, it lasts for the life of the loan unless you refinance.
FHA works best in Fort Lauderdale for single family homes, townhomes and small multifamily properties in areas inland from the water. For condos, the project must be FHA approved or the unit must qualify for single-unit approval, and many older garden style and beach buildings are not approved. Older homes also must meet FHA property standards.
Conventional loans in Fort Lauderdale
Conventional loans allow 3% down for qualifying first-time buyers and 5% down for most others. With less than 20% down you pay PMI, which you can ask to remove at 20% equity and which ends on its own at 22% based on the original schedule.
The 2026 conforming limit in Broward County is $832,750. Waterfront homes in Las Olas Isles, Harbor Beach and Rio Vista, and many beachfront condos, go above that and need a jumbo loan with stronger reserves. For condos, the building must be warrantable. Second home loans are common here and can start at 10% down when the building qualifies.
Investor and DSCR loans in Fort Lauderdale
A DSCR loan qualifies you on the property's rent instead of your personal income. Expect 20 to 25% down. It works for LLCs, self-employed buyers and investors with several properties. William also offers conventional investment property loans and bank statement loans.
Rental demand is strong and varied: tourism and the beach, winter visitors, cruise and port workers, the marine industry, hospital staff and downtown office workers. Small multifamily buildings near downtown and the beach are popular with investors. Many condo associations limit rentals, so check city zoning and licensing rules before you buy for short-term rental.
Florida HomeTown Heroes and down payment help in Broward County
Florida HomeTown Heroes is a Florida Housing Finance Corporation program for first-time buyers, which generally means you have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years, who work full time for a Florida-based employer. It gives 5% of the first mortgage, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, as a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payment. You repay it when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, pay off the first mortgage or stop living in the home.
You need a 640 minimum credit score and homebuyer education, and Broward County income limits apply. Funding is released in rounds and can run out, so William checks availability the day you are under contract. A fully signed contract is needed to reserve funds. See Florida Housing for details.
Broward County also receives SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds for local down payment help through the Broward County housing office. Some cities run their own programs too, so ask William to check both.
Insurance, flood and condo rules that affect your loan in Fort Lauderdale
- Flood zones: much of the city near canals, the Intracoastal and the beach is in FEMA high-risk flood zones, and the city saw serious flooding after heavy rain in April 2023. If the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, flood insurance is required. Ask for an elevation certificate and a flood quote early.
- Seawalls: on waterfront lots, check the seawall's age and condition. Repairs can be costly and may affect insurance and value.
- Wind and older homes: insurers often require a 4-point inspection on older homes, and a wind mitigation report can lower your premium. Citizens Property Insurance is the state backstop, and Citizens now requires many policyholders to carry flood insurance.
- Condo safety laws: since the Surfside collapse, Florida requires milestone structural inspections for buildings three stories or taller and structural integrity reserve studies. Many beach and Galt Ocean Mile towers are old enough to be affected. Buildings with critical repairs not done or weak reserves may not qualify for conventional or FHA loans, and some owners face large special assessments.
Your action plan
- Book a clarity call with William: book a call.
- Start with no hard credit pull and set a budget that includes flood and wind insurance.
- Get pre-approved: start your pre-approval.
- Pick your program: FHA, conventional, jumbo, second home or DSCR, and check HomeTown Heroes if you qualify.
- Shop with a local agent who knows the waterfront, flood zones and condo buildings.
- Get insurance quotes and condo documents during your inspection period, lock your rate and close.
Fort Lauderdale mortgage FAQs
Where can I get the best conventional loan rates in Fort Lauderdale?
Rates depend on your credit, down payment, property type and loan amount. Compare Loan Estimates from more than one lender on the same day. Bold Mortgage offers many loan programs, and William gives you a side-by-side comparison so you can see the real cost of each choice.
How do I qualify for an FHA loan in Fort Lauderdale?
You generally need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down, stable income and a manageable debt load. The home must meet FHA standards, and a condo must be in an approved building or qualify for single-unit approval. Approval depends on your credit, income, assets and the property.
Where can I apply for investor or DSCR mortgage programs in Fort Lauderdale?
You can apply with William at Bold Mortgage online or by phone. He offers DSCR, conventional investment and bank statement loans for homes, condos and small multifamily properties. Check city and association rental rules before you buy.
Can I use Florida HomeTown Heroes in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, if you are a first-time buyer who works full time for a Florida-based employer, has at least a 640 score and meets Broward income limits. The home must be your primary residence. William checks funding once you have a signed contract.
What should I check before buying a waterfront home in Fort Lauderdale?
Check the flood zone, the elevation certificate and a flood insurance quote first. Have the seawall and dock inspected, and confirm any fixed bridges between the home and open water if you own a boat. Many waterfront homes need a jumbo loan, so plan for higher reserves.
About William A. Ledesma
William A. Ledesma is a Florida licensed mortgage loan officer and Florida HomeTown Heroes specialist with Bold Mortgage, a division of PRMG. He helps buyers, homeowners and investors in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida, in English and Spanish. Every client gets a clear action plan from pre-approval to closing.
- Call or text: (786) 387-3676
- Email: will@williamledesma.com
- Office: 4960 SW 72nd Ave, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33155
- Client reviews: Read reviews from William's clients
More Florida mortgage guides: Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach. Lea esta guía en español.
William A. Ledesma, NMLS #1232716. Bold Mortgage is a division of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG), NMLS #75243, Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer License MLD1608. Equal Housing Opportunity. This page is general information, not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and property eligibility. Loan limits, program terms and down payment assistance funding can change without notice.
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