You don't need a 20% down payment, a perfect credit score, or years of saving. You need the right guide. I work with first-time buyers across Northeast Florida — no pressure, no jargon, just honest help from someone who knows every neighborhood.
Tell me where you are in the process — I'll get back to you personally within 24 hours. Vince Pass · LPT Realty.
I'll reach out personally within 24 hours. No pressure — just a real conversation about what's possible for you right now.
We talk through your goals, timeline, and budget. No commitment, no pressure. I'll give you an honest read on what's possible right now.
I'll connect you with a trusted lender who knows Florida programs, down payment assistance, and first-time buyer loans. Pre-approval takes one to two days.
I search every active listing — plus coming-soon and off-market properties — that fits your criteria. You tour what matters, we skip what doesn't.
When you find the one, I'll put together a competitive offer and negotiate on your behalf — pricing, repairs, closing costs, and every term in between.
I walk you through the inspection, coordinate with your lender and attorney, and stay with you all the way to closing day and your first set of keys.
One of Northeast Florida's fastest-growing master-planned communities. New construction townhomes and single-family homes with resort amenities and top-rated St. Johns County schools — often with builder incentives for first-time buyers.
A well-established master-planned community in St. Johns County with trails, amenities, and A-rated schools. Resale and new construction options give first-time buyers flexibility on price and timing.
Jacksonville's Westside and Southside neighborhoods offer the most affordable entry points in Northeast Florida — with established communities, easy highway access, and homes in the $200K–$300K range ideal for first-time buyers.
Nassau County offers some of the best value in Northeast Florida for first-time buyers wanting space and coastal access. Yulee is growing rapidly with new neighborhoods, while Fernandina Beach gives you a charming small-town feel near Amelia Island.
Palm Coast gives first-time buyers the most square footage for their dollar in Northeast Florida. Established neighborhoods with larger lots, proximity to the beach, and a quieter pace of life — plus new construction options from multiple builders.
The most affordable entry point into St. Johns County's market. Established neighborhoods with character, minutes from St. Augustine Beach, and access to the county's top-rated schools — without the price tags of Palencia or World Golf Village.
The biggest myth holding first-time buyers back is the idea that you need 20% down. You don't. Most of my first-time buyers get into their home with 3–5% down — sometimes less with assistance programs.
I'll connect you with a trusted local lender who specializes in first-time buyer programs in Florida. They'll tell you exactly what you qualify for, what your monthly payment looks like, and what assistance you may be eligible for — before you even start looking at homes.
The consultation is free. The pre-approval process is free. As your buyer's agent, my compensation is always disclosed upfront and negotiated — I'll walk you through exactly what that looks like before we start.
The most popular first-time buyer loan. Lower credit score requirements, flexible debt-to-income ratios, and a low 3.5% minimum down payment make this the go-to for most first-time buyers in Northeast Florida.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both offer conventional loans with just 3% down for first-time buyers. No upfront mortgage insurance premium and lower ongoing MI costs than FHA if your credit score is strong.
Florida's state housing program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualifying first-time buyers. Depending on the program, this can cover 3–5% of the purchase price as a second mortgage or forgivable loan.
Parts of Nassau County, Flagler County, and rural St. Johns County qualify for USDA loans — meaning $0 down payment for income-qualifying buyers. More of Northeast Florida qualifies than most people expect.
This stopped being true decades ago. Most first-time buyers put down 3–5%, and Florida's assistance programs can cover part or all of that. The 20% figure avoids private mortgage insurance — it is not a requirement to buy.
FHA loans require 3.5%, conventional loans as little as 3%, and USDA loans require nothing down for qualifying buyers in eligible areas of Northeast Florida. Your lender will show you the real number for your situation.
FHA loans are approved with scores as low as 580. Even if you are below that, a good lender can give you a 60–90 day credit improvement plan that may get you qualified faster than you think. Don't rule yourself out before you ask.
Many buyers who assume they aren't ready are pre-approved within days of their first lender call. The only way to know for certain is to ask — and the pre-approval process costs you nothing and doesn't affect your credit score.
Buyer agent compensation is negotiated — not assumed. In many Northeast Florida transactions, the seller contributes to buyer agent compensation, but this is discussed and agreed upon in writing before we tour a single home. You'll always know what to expect before you're committed to anything.
Since August 2024, buyer agent compensation must be agreed upon in writing before we tour any home — so you always know what's on the table. In many transactions the seller contributes to my compensation, which we'll negotiate as part of the offer. I'll walk you through every scenario so there are no surprises at closing.
I work with buyers at every price point across Northeast Florida — from first homes in the $200s to luxury estates in Palencia and Ponte Vedra. My approach is the same regardless of your budget: honest information, zero pressure, and genuine investment in getting you the best possible outcome.
First-time buyers are some of my favorite clients to work with. There's nothing quite like handing someone their first set of keys. If you're on the fence about whether you're ready, the best thing you can do is have a conversation — it's free, and you might be surprised at what's actually possible right now.
Whether you're ready to start searching or just want to understand what's possible — let's talk. No pressure, no commitment, just honest guidance from someone who works in this market every day.