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First-Time Buyers
A step-by-step guide for first-time homebuyers in South Florida, from pre-approval to move-in day.
6 Articles
First-Time BuyersOctober 1, 2026 · 8 min read
Buying a House With Bad Credit in Palm Beach County: Minimum Scores, Manual Underwriting and a Realistic Timeline
FHA still lends down to a 500 score with 10% down, Fannie Mae dropped its hard 620 floor in late 2025, and Florida Housing's assistance needs a 640. Here is what each rule means for a Palm Beach County buyer and a realistic plan to get ready.
Read Article →First-Time BuyersOctober 1, 2026 · 8 min read
Using a 401(k) or IRA for a Down Payment on a Florida Home: Loans, Withdrawals, Penalties and Lender Rules
A 401(k) loan, a hardship withdrawal and the IRA first-home exception all work differently. Here is what each one costs a Palm Beach County buyer and what lenders need to see.
Read Article →First-Time BuyersOctober 1, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Build Credit to Buy a House in Florida: Score Targets, Habits and a Realistic Timeline
A plain guide for first-time buyers in South Florida: what lenders look at, score targets for FHA, VA, conventional and Florida Housing loans, and the habits that move your score.
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First-Time BuyersJuly 5, 2026 · 9 min read
Can You Use a Sou-Sou or Susu Savings Club for Your Down Payment?
Sou-sou, susu, sol, esusu: whatever your community calls it, a rotating savings club can genuinely fund a down payment. The catch is documentation, and this post walks through turning cash contributions into money a mortgage underwriter will accept.
Read Article →First-Time BuyersJuly 2, 2026 · 11 min read
Buying a Condo vs. Renting in South Florida (2026)
Buying a condo vs. renting is an unusually close call in South Florida right now: condo prices are falling, but dues, insurance, and special assessments are climbing while rents soften. Here is how to run the real math.
Read Article →First-Time BuyersJuly 2, 2026 · 11 min read
Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026): A First-Time Buyer's Guide
Florida down payment assistance can cover much of the cash it takes to buy a first home. Here is a plain-English guide to the state and county programs, who qualifies, and the loans they pair with.
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