First-Time Home Buyer Resources

Every guide, calculator, loan comparison, and program resource for Tampa Bay first-time buyers — organized in one place. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need answers.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Florida's strongest DPA programs — eligibility, amounts, and how to stack them.

Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000)HFA Preferred Plus (forgivable DPA)FHA Loan + DPA Stacking VA Loan ($0 down, no PMI)USDA Zero-Down Loan Conventional 3% Down FL Assist ($10,000 second mortgage)FL HLP ($10,000 deferred loan)County SHIP Programs National DPA / Chenoa Fund Assumable Mortgages (2.75-3.5% rates)

Loan Comparisons

Side-by-side breakdowns of down payment, insurance, credit requirements, and 30-year cost.

FHA vs Conventional FHA vs VA VA vs USDA All Comparisons Hub

Calculators & Tools

Run the numbers before you call. Free, no login required.

Affordability Calculator Closing Cost Estimator Rent vs Buy Calculator Eligibility Checker (2 min)

Buyer Guides

Step-by-step guides covering every phase of your first home purchase.

True Cost of Buying a Home in Tampa Bay Home Inspections in Florida Down Payment & Loan Options Emergency & Repair Fund Choosing Your Agent & Lender Negotiation & Inspection Leverage Buyer's Remorse Is Normal Location, Layout & Longevity Your Closing Timeline Step by Step Buying Process (8-Step Timeline)

Reference

Glossary, FAQ, neighborhoods, and county guides.

Home Buyer Glossary (40+ terms)FAQ (25+ questions)Tampa Bay Neighborhoods All 8 Counties We Serve First-Time Buyer Blog Testimonials Buyer's Market Strategies

External Resources

Official government and nonprofit resources for Florida home buyers.

HUD Housing Counseling — 1-800-569-4287 ↗Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) ↗FHA Resource Center — 1-800-225-5342 ↗HOPE Hotline — 1-888-995-4673 ↗Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ↗USDA Eligibility Map ↗VA Home Loan Benefit ↗AnnualCreditReport.com (free credit check) ↗

Have a question these resources don't answer?

Barrett walks first-time buyers through every step — free consultation, no pressure.

2-Min Eligibility Check — No Credit Pull

Or call Barrett directly: (813) 733-7907