How much do I need for a down payment in Florida?

As little as 0% with VA, 3.5% with FHA, or 5% conventional. Florida's Hometown Heroes program offers up to $35,000 in down-payment assistance for first-time buyers.

What is Hometown Heroes DPA?

Florida Housing's program offering eligible first-time homebuyers up to $35,000 toward down payment + closing costs. Veterans are also eligible. Min credit score 640.

Should I buy or rent in Polk County right now?

Polk is one of Florida's fastest-growing corridors with builder incentives, motivated sellers, and strong long-term appreciation. The Lewis Team will run your specific buy-vs-rent numbers free.

Buy a Home in Central Florida

Why buyers choose The Lewis Team

$35K

Avg max Hometown Heroes DPA available to first-time buyers

6%+

D.R. Horton Flex Cash on qualifying new construction

Polk County cities we cover, including Winter Haven & Lakeland

The 6-step path to your keys

Step 1 · 1–2 weeks

Pre-Approval

Real underwriting, not a phone-call estimate. Sellers take you seriously when you have the letter.

Step 2 · 1 week

Wants vs. Needs

Schools, commute, lake access, yard, future plans — we map your priorities before you tour.

Step 3 · 2–8 weeks

Smart House Hunting

Private notes, side-by-side comparison, off-market access. You never tour alone.

Step 4 · 1–3 days

Strategic Offer

Comps, terms, contingencies, timeline. Your best offer is rarely just the highest price.

Step 5 · 2–3 weeks

Inspection & Appraisal

Negotiate repairs and credits. We protect you when the unexpected shows up.

Step 6 · 1 day

Closing Day

Final walkthrough, sign, fund, keys. Welcome home.

Financing prep — what you actually need

Hometown Heroes DPA: up to $35,000 toward down payment + closing for eligible Florida first-time buyers (veterans exempt from first-time rule). Min credit 640. Income up to 150% county AMI.

D.R. Horton Flex Cash: 6%+ in builder credits stackable with low-rate buy-downs on new construction. Move-in ready homes with builder warranty.

Self-employed? Bank-statement and 1099 loan products available. We work with lenders who specialize in non-W-2 borrowers — don't let a tax-return myth stop you.

FHA / VA / Conventional: 0% to 5% down depending on the program. We'll model true monthly cost — including Florida insurance and property tax — before you write an offer.

New construction benefits

Polk County builders are stacking incentives we haven't seen in years: low rates through the builder lender, $20K–$30K toward closing or rate buy-down, and brand-new homes with full builder warranty. Move-in ready in 30–90 days. We tour the model homes with you and walk through the contracts before you sign.

Buy with Confidence in Central Florida