Home Purchase Loans

Compare purchase loan programs, get pre-approved before you make an offer and lock a competitive rate. Tell us about the home you want to buy and a Lending Warehouses of America loan officer will follow up with options that fit your budget.

Home Purchase Loans for Orlando and Florida Homebuyers

The loan you choose shapes your monthly payment, your cash to close and how quickly you build equity. Our Orlando team helps first-time and move-up buyers across Florida compare programs side by side, understand the full monthly cost including taxes and insurance, and move from pre-approval to closing without surprises.

Common purchase loan programs

  • Conventional loans. Follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. Qualified buyers can put down as little as 3%, and private mortgage insurance can be removed once you reach 20% equity. For 2026 the conforming loan limit for a one-unit home in Orange County and most of Florida is $832,750.
  • FHA loans. Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, with 3.5% down for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. FHA loans carry upfront and annual mortgage insurance. The 2026 FHA limit for a one-unit home in Orange County is $541,287.
  • VA loans. For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses. Borrowers with full entitlement can buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
  • USDA loans. No down payment for eligible buyers in qualifying rural and suburban areas, subject to household income limits.
  • Jumbo loans. For purchase prices that need a loan above the conforming limit, usually with larger down payment and reserve requirements.

Not sure which fits? Run the numbers with our affordability calculator, then ask a loan officer which programs you qualify for.

How the home purchase process works

  1. Get pre-approved. We review your credit, income, assets and debts so you know your price range and can make a stronger offer.
  2. Shop and make an offer. Your agent negotiates the contract, and we update your pre-approval letter for the exact price if needed.
  3. Lock your rate. A rate lock protects you from market moves while your loan is processed.
  4. Appraisal, title and underwriting. The lender orders an appraisal, the title company checks ownership, and underwriting verifies your documents.
  5. Review your Closing Disclosure and close. You receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, then sign and get your keys.

Florida costs to plan for

  • Homeowners insurance. Lenders require coverage that includes windstorm. Older homes may need a 4-point inspection, and a wind mitigation inspection can lower your premium.
  • Flood insurance. Required by lenders when the home is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and worth pricing even when it is not.
  • Florida taxes on the mortgage. Buyers who finance typically pay documentary stamp tax on the note (35 cents per $100) and intangible tax on the mortgage (0.2%).
  • Property taxes and homestead. If the home will be your primary residence, file for the Florida homestead exemption with your county property appraiser by March 1 of the year after you buy.

See the full list of documents to gather in our mortgage FAQ, or check today's rates for your scenario.

Home Purchase Loan Questions

It depends on the program. Conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA loans at 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher, and VA and USDA loans can require no down payment for eligible borrowers. Budget separately for closing costs and a cushion of savings.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell us. Pre-approval means a loan officer has reviewed your credit report and documents such as pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements, so sellers and agents treat it as a stronger commitment.

FHA guidelines allow 3.5% down with a score of 580 or higher. Conventional, VA and jumbo programs each have their own requirements, and higher scores generally earn better rates and lower mortgage insurance costs. A loan officer can tell you which programs fit your score.

Many purchase loans close in about 30 to 45 days from a signed contract. Having your documents ready, responding quickly to underwriting requests and scheduling the appraisal early all help you close on time.

Loan programs, rates and terms are subject to credit approval, property eligibility and change without notice. This page is general information, not a commitment to lend. Lending Warehouses of America, NMLS ID 332663.