A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Northeast Florida

By Lily Tran · 2026-08-25

Helping first-time homebuyers is the part of this work Lily is asked about most, and the single biggest predictor of a smooth first purchase is starting the financing conversation earlier than feels necessary.

Pre-approval does more than tell you a number. It tells you which loan products fit your situation, what your monthly payment actually looks like once taxes and insurance are included, and how much room you have for closing costs. In Florida, insurance in particular deserves a real estimate rather than a rule of thumb.

From there the process is manageable: search, offer, inspection, appraisal, and closing. What first-time buyers most often say afterward is that they wanted someone who would explain each step without making them feel rushed – which is exactly the standard Lily built her practice around.

Questions About This Topic

How much do I need for a down payment in Florida?

It depends on your loan program – several options require far less than 20%. Lily can connect you with trusted local lenders to review your specific situation.