Mortgage Broker in Tampa, FL - More Options, Better Rates
Matt Mayo is a licensed mortgage broker serving Tampa and all of Hillsborough County with access to 150+ wholesale lenders. Whether you're a first-time buyer in Seminole Heights, a military family near MacDill Air Force Base, or an investor building a portfolio across Tampa Bay, I shop the full market to find the right loan. Book a free consultation to see what you qualify for.
Book a Free ConsultationTampa Market Snapshot
Last updated: Mar 15, 2026
Median Price
$400,000
Avg Days on Market
70
Entry Price
$270K-$380K (condos in Downtown/Channel District, older SFR in Town 'N' Country/Temple Terrace)
High End
$1M-$2M+ (South Tampa, Hyde Park, Davis Islands, waterfront)
Typical properties: Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, multi-unit investment properties
Source: Redfin / Zillow Tampa Housing Market Data
Loan Programs That Work in Tampa
FHA
The 2026 FHA loan limit for Hillsborough County is $541,287. With Tampa's median price at $400,000, the vast majority of single-family homes and condos fall within FHA eligibility. At 3.5% down on a $400K home, you're looking at about $14,000 out of pocket — and down payment assistance can reduce that further. FHA is one of the most common programs I use for first-time buyers in Tampa.
Conventional
Conventional financing works well across most of Tampa's market. The 2026 conforming limit for Hillsborough County is $832,750, which covers even the higher-end homes in South Tampa and Westshore. First-time buyers can put as little as 3% down, and PMI drops off once you reach 20% equity — a real advantage over FHA's lifetime mortgage insurance.
VA
Tampa is home to MacDill Air Force Base and a large veteran population. VA loans are one of the most powerful tools available — zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. There's no loan limit on VA in 2026 for borrowers with full entitlement. I work with military families in Tampa regularly and understand the BAH and deployment-related income nuances.
DSCR (Investor)
Tampa's rental market is strong — growing population, steady job growth, and a metro area that draws tenants from across the Southeast. DSCR loans are perfect for investors buying single-family rentals in Town 'N' Country or multi-units near USF and Downtown. The loan qualifies based on the property's rental income, not your personal income or tax returns.
Down Payment Assistance
Hillsborough County has some of the strongest DPA programs in Florida. The Home Sweet Home program offers up to $25,000, the HHF program provides up to $15,000 that can be fully forgiven after 5 years, and I also have access to wholesale lender DPA programs that can cover a portion of your FHA down payment. On a $350K home, you could potentially close with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
HELOC / Home Equity
If you already own in Tampa and have built equity — especially if you bought before 2022 — a HELOC lets you tap that equity for renovations, investment property down payments, or debt consolidation. Tampa home values have appreciated significantly over the past few years. I work with lenders offering HELOCs up to 95% combined loan-to-value.
Hillsborough County Loan Limits
2026
FHA Limit
$541,287
Conforming Limit
$832,750
Local Assistance Programs in Tampa
Home Sweet Home Hillsborough Program
Up to $25,000 (5% of loan amount) as a zero-interest, deferred second mortgage. No monthly payments. Balance is due upon sale, refinance, or if the home is no longer your primary residence. Pairs with FHA, VA, or USDA-RD first mortgage.
First-time buyer (no homeownership in past 3 years). Minimum 640 FICO. Must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Income limits apply by household size. Property must be in Hillsborough County (including Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City). Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) required in Hillsborough County, which provides an annual federal tax credit on mortgage interest paid.
Hillsborough First with HHF Down Payment Assistance
Up to $15,000 as a zero-interest, forgivable second mortgage. Forgiven at 20% per year over 5 years. If you stay in the home for 5 years, the entire amount is forgiven. Must be repaid if you sell, refinance, or move out before the 5-year period.
First-time buyer. Income limits apply: 1-2 person household under $59,800, 3+ person household under $68,770. Maximum sales price of $253,809. Homebuyer education course required. Property must be in Hillsborough County.
Tampa DARE Program (Dare to Own the Dream)
City of Tampa's first-time homebuyer assistance program. As of January 2026, the DARE program has paused acceptance of new reservation packages due to limited funding. The program is expected to resume once additional state and federal funds become available.
Monitor the City of Tampa Housing and Community Development Division for updates at 813-274-7954. When funding reopens, DARE has historically provided down payment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible first-time buyers within Tampa city limits.
Lender-Specific DPA Programs
Wholesale lender programs that can cover a portion of your FHA down payment. Not publicly advertised and available only through brokers with wholesale lender relationships. Income limits and guidelines vary by program.
Only available through mortgage brokers with wholesale lender access. Income limits vary by program.
Neighborhood Insights
Tampa is a sprawling metro with distinct neighborhoods that each offer a different lifestyle and price point. Here's what I tell buyers who are new to the area: South Tampa is the most sought-after residential area in the city — neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Beach Park sit between Bayshore Boulevard and the waterfront. Tree-lined streets, walkable to restaurants and shops on South Howard (SoHo), and some of the best schools in the county. Single-family homes range from $600K to $1.5M+, with waterfront properties pushing past $2M. Conventional or jumbo financing depending on price point. Competition is stiff here — a strong pre-approval matters. Davis Islands is a small island community just south of Downtown connected by a short bridge. Mediterranean-style homes, a private airport, a yacht club, and a tight-knit neighborhood feel. Prices range from $800K to $2M+. Jumbo financing is common for the larger homes, while conventional covers the condos and smaller properties. Seminole Heights (Old and South) has become one of Tampa's hottest neighborhoods for young professionals and first-time buyers. Craftsman bungalows, historic homes, and a growing food and brewery scene along Florida Avenue. Prices typically range from $300K to $500K, making it one of the best entry points in the city for buyers using FHA or conventional with DPA. Downtown and the Channel District are Tampa's urban core — condos, lofts, and newer high-rise developments near the Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, and the convention center. Condo prices range from $270K for studios and one-bedrooms to $600K+ for premium units. FHA works for some buildings, but condo project approval status needs to be verified — I check this on every deal. Town 'N' Country and Carrollwood sit west and north of the city center, offering suburban-style living with more space for the money. Single-family homes range from $300K to $500K. Conventional and FHA both work well, and DPA programs have the most impact in these price ranges. These neighborhoods are popular with families and first-time buyers looking for more square footage. Temple Terrace is an incorporated city within Hillsborough County, just northeast of Tampa near the University of South Florida. Quiet, tree-lined streets with mid-century homes and a growing number of renovated properties. Prices range from $250K to $400K, making it one of the most affordable options in the Tampa Bay area. FHA with DPA is a common strategy here. One thing every Tampa buyer needs to know: flood zones. Parts of Tampa — especially near the bay, the Hillsborough River, and low-lying areas in South Tampa — fall within FEMA flood zones that require flood insurance. This affects your monthly payment and your total housing cost. I factor flood insurance into every pre-approval for Tampa buyers so there are no surprises after you're under contract.
Why Work With a Tampa Mortgage Broker?
When you apply at a bank in Tampa, you get that bank's rates, that bank's guidelines, and that bank's answer. If they decline you or offer a rate you don't love, that's the end of the conversation. As a mortgage broker, I submit your loan to whichever of my 150+ wholesale lenders gives you the best combination of rate, terms, and approval. Tampa's market is diverse — condos in the Channel District, bungalows in Seminole Heights, waterfront estates on Davis Islands, and investment properties near USF. Each of those scenarios calls for a different lender, and I have the flexibility to match.
What "150+ Lenders" Actually Means for You
It's not just about finding a lower rate — though that matters. Different lenders have different guidelines for how they count income, how they evaluate condos, and what credit history they'll work with. Here's a real example: a Tampa buyer who was a W-2 employee with a side business. Their bank counted the business loss against their qualifying income and declined the loan. I placed it with a wholesale lender that excluded the business loss because the side income wasn't needed to qualify. Same borrower, same property, completely different outcome. That's the advantage of having 150+ lenders to choose from.
My Pre-Approval Actually Means Something
I do a full document review upfront — income, assets, credit, and property considerations — before I issue a pre-approval letter. In Tampa's market, where well-priced homes in Seminole Heights and South Tampa can move quickly, a solid pre-approval gives your offer credibility. Listing agents know that a pre-approval from a broker who's already reviewed the full file is worth more than a quick online pre-qualification from a big bank.
Serving Tampa and All of Hillsborough County
I serve buyers and investors throughout Hillsborough County — from the urban core of Downtown Tampa to the suburbs of Carrollwood and the family neighborhoods of Temple Terrace. I understand the local DPA programs (Home Sweet Home, HHF, DARE), the flood insurance considerations that affect monthly payments in South Tampa and along the Hillsborough River, and the condo approval landscape in the Channel District. Whether you're a military family near MacDill using your VA benefit, a first-time buyer stacking DPA, or an investor structuring a DSCR deal, I build a strategy around your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment on a home in Tampa?
It depends on the loan type and purchase price. On a $400,000 home (Tampa's median), FHA requires about $14,000 (3.5% down). Conventional starts at 3% for first-time buyers ($12,000). VA is zero down. Hillsborough County's Home Sweet Home program offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance, and the HHF program provides up to $15,000 that's forgiven over 5 years. With DPA, your out-of-pocket could be minimal.
What is the FHA loan limit in Hillsborough County for 2026?
The 2026 FHA loan limit for Hillsborough County is $541,287 for a single-family home. With Tampa's median price around $400,000, the vast majority of homes qualify for FHA financing. FHA requires just 3.5% down and is more flexible on credit scores than conventional.
What is the conforming loan limit in Hillsborough County for 2026?
The 2026 conforming loan limit for Hillsborough County is $832,750. Loans within this limit get the best conventional rates. Most homes in Tampa — including many in South Tampa and Hyde Park — fall within the conforming limit. Only the highest-end waterfront properties typically require jumbo financing.
Do I need flood insurance to buy a home in Tampa?
It depends on the property's location. Parts of Tampa — especially near Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough River, and low-lying areas in South Tampa — fall within FEMA flood zones that require flood insurance if you have a mortgage. Flood insurance can add $100 to $300+ per month to your housing cost. I factor flood insurance into every Tampa pre-approval so there are no surprises. Even if a property isn't in a mandatory flood zone, you may want coverage given Tampa's hurricane exposure.
What first-time buyer programs are available in Tampa?
Tampa and Hillsborough County buyers have several DPA options: Home Sweet Home Hillsborough (up to $25,000 deferred loan), Hillsborough First HHF (up to $15,000 forgivable over 5 years), the Tampa DARE program (currently paused but expected to resume), and wholesale lender DPA programs available through my broker relationships. These programs can be layered to significantly reduce your cash to close.
What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank?
A bank offers its own loan products with its own rates and guidelines. A mortgage broker like me shops your loan across 150+ wholesale lenders to find the best rate, terms, and program for your situation. I also have access to DPA programs and specialty products — like DSCR investor loans and bank statement programs — that most banks don't offer. In a market like Tampa with diverse buyer needs, that flexibility matters.
Is Tampa affordable for first-time homebuyers?
Tampa is one of the more accessible markets in Florida for first-time buyers. The median home price is $400,000, but entry points exist in the $270K–$380K range in neighborhoods like Temple Terrace, Town 'N' Country, and parts of Seminole Heights. With FHA (3.5% down) and Hillsborough County DPA programs offering up to $25,000, your out-of-pocket costs on a $350K home could be under $5,000. I help first-time Tampa buyers stack programs to minimize cash to close.
How much are closing costs when buying a home in Tampa?
Closing costs in Tampa typically run 2–4% of the purchase price. On a $400K home, that's roughly $8,000–$16,000, covering lender fees, title insurance, documentary stamps, intangible tax, and prepaid items like insurance and property taxes. Florida's documentary stamps on the deed and intangible tax on the mortgage add costs that buyers in some other states don't see. Some DPA programs and lender credits can help offset closing costs.
Can I get a mortgage in Tampa if I'm self-employed?
Absolutely. Tampa has a large and growing self-employed population. Traditional lenders often struggle with self-employed income because tax returns show deductions that reduce qualifying income. I work with wholesale lenders offering bank statement programs (12 or 24 months of deposits), 1099-only programs, and asset depletion loans. These non-QM products use alternative income documentation to reflect what you actually earn.
What happens if the appraisal comes in low on a Tampa home?
A low appraisal means the property appraised for less than your agreed purchase price. In Tampa's market — where certain neighborhoods like Seminole Heights have seen rapid appreciation — appraisal gaps can happen. Your options include renegotiating the price with the seller, bringing additional cash to cover the gap, or switching to a lender with different appraisal guidelines. As a broker with 150+ lenders, I have more flexibility to navigate appraisal issues than a single bank.
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