First-Time Buyers · South Florida

Your first home is a system to beat. Here's the playbook.

Buying your first home in Miami feels rigged: prices are high, rents eat your savings, and everyone talks in acronyms. But there's a real playbook — low-down programs, assistance funds, credit sequencing — and buyers who work it get keys while everyone else keeps renting. I run this play constantly, in English and Spanish, and the first conversation is free.

Start Your Application Call (305) 492-2404
  • NMLS #1615071
  • Licensed in Florida
  • English / Español

Plain English

What help exists for first-time buyers in Miami?

"First-time buyer" isn't one program — it's a stack. The base layer is a low-down-payment loan: FHA at 3.5% down or conventional at 5% down. On top of that, Florida's Hometown Heroes program offers down-payment and closing-cost assistance to eligible full-time Florida workers, and Miami-Dade runs its own assistance funds for income-qualified buyers. Gift funds from family can cover what's left. The art is sequencing: which programs stack, which conflict, and what your credit needs to look like when the application goes in. That sequencing — not luck — is what turns renters into owners.

FHA — the reliable base

3.5% down with a 580+ score, flexible credit reading, gift funds welcome. The program most Miami first-timers actually close with.

Conventional — the credit-rewarding alternative

5% down for qualified buyers with stronger credit — and PMI that eventually drops off, unlike FHA's. Often the smarter pick if your score is solid.

Florida Hometown Heroes

Down-payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible full-time Florida workers — teachers, nurses, police, and far more occupations than people assume. Funding cycles run out; timing matters.

Miami-Dade assistance funds

County and municipal programs add assistance for income-qualified buyers. Availability shifts year to year — part of my job is knowing what's funded right now.

Credit prep, free

Not ready yet? I'll map exactly what your credit needs — which balances to pay, which accounts to leave alone, and when to re-check. No charge, no obligation; most "not ready" buyers are 6–12 months out, not years.

The full walk-through

Pre-approval, offer strategy in Miami's market, inspection, appraisal, insurance, closing table — explained in plain language (English or Spanish) before each step, so nothing ambushes you.

Clients Who Closed

Real clients, real closings

Verified Google reviews.

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Luisa V. Google Review · Homebuyer

Our Loan Officer went above and beyond our expectations. His availability was top tier and we would definitely recommend him in the future to my colleagues, friends & family members.

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Lizette C. Google Review · Homebuyer

He's a Saint! Dealing with me could be a nightmare when I'm under stress... he was unfortunately my closets target and got all my bullets... but... he made it happen and delivered an awesome deal and a very smooth closing! Please don't do as I did when you work with him... he didn't deserve to be my “boxing punching bag”...I really appreciate him, his proffesionalism, his calm, patience, manners and knowledge, but most of all, his humble attitude and the care he takes of his clients until he makes the dream happen!!! Love you Reiner ! You are awesome!

★★★★★ Rated 5.0 on Google

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Honest answers

First-time buyer questions, answered

How much do I really need saved to buy my first home in Miami?

Less than you think: 3.5–5% down plus closing costs — and assistance programs or family gifts can cover much of both. On a $350,000 starter home, workable cash-to-close can land well under $20,000, sometimes far less with assistance.

What credit score do I need to buy my first home?

580+ opens FHA at 3.5% down; 620+ opens conventional at 5% down; higher scores improve pricing. If you're below the line, I'll give you a free roadmap — most buyers are months away, not years.

What is the Hometown Heroes program?

A Florida program offering down-payment and closing-cost assistance to eligible full-time Florida workers buying a first home. Occupation lists and funding change by cycle — ask me what's current.

Can my parents help with the down payment?

Yes — documented gift funds are allowed on FHA and conventional first-time programs, and can cover the entire down payment on FHA.

Should I wait for prices or rates to drop?

Nobody times either reliably. The honest frame: if the payment works for your budget today and you'll stay 5+ years, waiting usually costs more than acting — and you can refinance if rates fall. I'll show you the numbers both ways.

Get Started

Start the playbook — free consultation.

Call, text, WhatsApp, or start the secure application — whichever feels easiest. Free consultation, no obligation, no hard credit pull to start.

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