Now serving Central FloridaKissimmee · Orlando · Poinciana · Lakeland · Saint Cloud
First-Time Buyers · Kissimmee, FL

Your First Home in Kissimmee Starts Here

You don't need perfect credit. You don't need 20% down. You just need a clear plan and someone who will walk you through every step. That's what we do.

24-hour pre-approvalsEnglish y Español
A father laughing while hugging his young daughter outdoors in warm sunlight
We get it

Buying a Home Feels Scary. That's Normal.

If you've ever thought any of these, you're not alone:

  • "I don't know where to start."
  • "I'm scared I'll get denied."
  • "I was told my credit isn't good enough."
  • "I've been renting for years and feel stuck."

These feelings are real. And they're more common than you think. Most first-time home buyers in Kissimmee feel the exact same way. The process seems confusing. The fear of rejection keeps a lot of people from even trying.

Here's what you need to know: You don't have to figure this out alone. At START Mortgage, we guide you through every step. We explain things in plain language — in English or Spanish — so you always know what's happening and what comes next.

No jargon. No surprises. No judgment.

Ready to talk? Book a free planning session
Why families trust us
  • 5.0-Star Rating
  • 50+ Families Helped
  • 21-Day Average Close
  • Bilingual Service (EN/ES)
  • Equal Housing Opportunity
Your roadmap

6 Steps to Your First Home

The homebuying process has a lot of moving parts. But when you break it down, there are six clear steps. Here's the path most first-time buyers in Florida follow.

Check Your Credit

Your credit score is one of the biggest factors in getting approved. But you don't need perfect credit. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. We'll review your credit report and show you where you stand.

Not sure about your credit?

Set Your Budget

Before you look at homes, you need to know what you can afford. We look at your income, debts, and monthly expenses to find a number that fits your life — not just what you qualify for.

Try our mortgage calculator

Get Pre-Approved

A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a serious buyer. We match you with the right loan program and issue a strong letter. Our pre-approvals are built on real numbers — we don't issue letters we can't close.

What is pre-approval?

Find a Home

Once you're pre-approved, it's time to house hunt. Your realtor helps you find homes in your price range. We stay in close contact so you can make offers with confidence.

Make an Offer

Found the right home? Your realtor submits your offer backed by a strong pre-approval letter. Sellers take your offer seriously because your financing is solid.

Close and Move In

After your offer is accepted, we handle loan processing and underwriting. We walk you through every closing document before you sign. Then you get the keys.

What to expect at closing
Your options

First-Time Buyer Loan Programs in Florida

You have more options than you think. You don't need 20% down. Here are the most common programs our first-time buyers use:

FHA Loans — The Most Popular Choice

  • Down payment as low as 3.5%
  • Credit scores starting at 580
  • Backed by the Federal Housing Administration
  • More flexible qualification guidelines
  • Great for buyers with limited savings
Learn more about FHA loans

Conventional Loans — Low Down Payment Options

  • Down payment as low as 3%
  • Best rates for stronger credit scores
  • No upfront mortgage insurance fee
  • Good option if your credit is 620+
  • Competitive rates from multiple lenders
FHA vs. Conventional — which fits you?

You may also qualify for VA loans (zero down for veterans), USDA loans (zero down in eligible areas), or down payment assistance programs. We compare options from multiple lenders to find the right fit.

Take the first step

Book Your Free Planning Session

In a free planning session, we'll review your full financial picture. You'll learn:

  • What you can comfortably afford
  • Which loan programs fit your situation
  • What your next steps are
  • A clear timeline to get the keys

No cost. No commitment. No pressure. Available in English or Spanish.

Subject to credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend.

Real results

First-Time Buyers Who Trusted START Mortgage

★★★★★
"Jexayra was extremely pleasant to work with. She educated me on how to become ready for home ownership long before we started working together. I would definitely recommend her."
— Verified client reviewRead more reviews
Common questions

Questions First-Time Buyers Ask

Q/01How much money do I need to buy my first home?+

Less than you might think. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. Some conventional programs start at 3% down. If you're a veteran, VA loans offer zero down. You'll also need funds for closing costs, which run about 2-5% of the loan amount. In your planning session, we break down every cost for your situation. All loan amounts are subject to credit approval.

Q/02What credit score do I need to buy a house in Florida?+

For an FHA loan, you can qualify with a credit score as low as 580. Conventional loans typically need 620 or higher. If your score is below these numbers, don't give up — we can review your credit and build a plan to get you mortgage-ready. Learn more about credit readiness

Q/03How long does it take to buy a home from start to finish?+

Most of our first-time buyers go from planning session to keys in hand in 45-60 days. The mortgage process takes about 21-30 days once your offer is accepted. Getting pre-approved early speeds things up.

The start of more

Your First Home Starts With a Conversation

You don't need perfect credit. You don't need all the answers. You just need to take the first step. Book a free planning session with START Mortgage — in English or Spanish. No cost. No commitment. No pressure.

Free · No obligation · Bilingual · NMLS# 1631454