Mortgage Broker in Gainesville, FL

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Your Gainesville Mortgage Lender — Home Loans, Refinancing & Pre-Approvals

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Gainesville, FL — Home Loans, Refinancing & Pre-Approvals

Looking for a mortgage lender in Gainesville, Florida? Nick Lazarevic (NMLS #386391) with 1st Capital Group serves Gainesville and all of Alachua County with conventional, FHA, VA, and specialty loan programs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a UF faculty member, or a rental property investor, get pre-approved in as little as 24 hours.

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Gainesville

Gainesville buyers have access to statewide DPA programs plus Alachua County local assistance that can be combined for $45,000+ in total help toward your down payment and closing costs.

Statewide Programs Available to Gainesville Buyers

  • Hometown Heroes: Up to $35,000 — 0% interest deferred loan, no monthly payments. For teachers, nurses, first responders, military, and 50+ eligible professions.
  • FL Assist: Up to $10,000 — 0% interest deferred second mortgage, no monthly payments.
  • FL HLP: Up to $10,000 — 3% interest, 15-year repayment.
  • Salute Our Soldiers: Up to $35,000 — for veterans and active military. Veterans don’t need to be first-time buyers.

Alachua County Local Programs

Alachua County receives SHIP funding from the state and may offer additional local DPA programs. Program amounts and availability change throughout the year. I track which programs are currently funded and accepting applications in Gainesville and the surrounding area.

Gainesville DPA Stacking Example

  • Hometown Heroes: $35,000 (state)
  • FL Assist: $10,000 (state)
  • Alachua County SHIP/local programs: varies
  • Total potential: $45,000+ depending on local availability

I specialize in finding and stacking every DPA program you qualify for. Contact me for a personalized breakdown based on your income, occupation, and where you’re buying in Gainesville.

2026 Conforming Loan Limit in Alachua County

The conforming loan limit for Alachua County in 2026 is $832,750 for a single-family home. Loans up to this amount qualify for conventional financing with the best available rates. Gainesville’s affordable market means virtually all purchases fall well within the conforming limit.

Frequently Asked Questions — Gainesville Mortgages

What are the current mortgage rates in Gainesville, FL?

Mortgage rates change daily and depend on your credit score, loan type, down payment, and property type. Contact us for a personalized rate quote based on your specific situation.

How much do I need for a down payment to buy a home in Gainesville?

It depends on the loan program. Options range from zero down (VA and USDA for eligible borrowers) to low down payment programs (FHA and conventional). Gainesville offers up to $30,000 in local DPA plus statewide assistance — making it one of the most accessible markets in Florida for first-time buyers.

Can I get a mortgage for an investment property near UF?

Absolutely. Conventional investment property loans and DSCR loans are both available. DSCR loans are popular for student rental properties near the University of Florida because they qualify you based on the property’s rental income rather than personal income.

Does Gainesville qualify for USDA loans?

Parts of Alachua County outside the Gainesville urban area qualify for USDA financing, which offers zero down payment for eligible buyers. Contact us to check if a specific property qualifies.

Does Gainesville have down payment assistance programs?

Yes — some of the best in the state. The City of Gainesville offers up to $30,000 in assistance, plus buyers can access statewide programs like Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000) and FL Assist ($10,000). These can often be stacked for maximum help.

Serving All of Alachua County

In addition to Gainesville, Nick serves homebuyers and homeowners throughout Alachua County and the surrounding North Central Florida region. Licensed statewide.

Gainesville’s Mortgage Market

Gainesville is defined by the University of Florida — the state’s flagship university and the city’s largest employer. This creates a unique real estate dynamic: a steady stream of first-time homebuyers among UF faculty, hospital staff, and graduates choosing to stay in the area, alongside strong demand for investment rental properties near campus. The neighborhoods surrounding UF — from the tree-lined streets of Duckpond to the newer communities off Archer Road and Newberry Road — each attract different buyer profiles.

Beyond the university, Gainesville’s healthcare sector (UF Health Shands Hospital is one of the state’s top medical centers) and growing innovation economy support a stable housing market. Home prices remain well below the state average, making Gainesville one of the most accessible markets in Florida for first-time buyers. For investors, the constant flow of students and young professionals creates consistent rental demand that supports both traditional and DSCR financing approaches.

Available Loan Programs in Gainesville

  • Conventional Loans — Competitive rates and flexible terms for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. The most common choice for Gainesville buyers with established credit.
  • FHA Loans — Low down payment options with flexible credit requirements. Extremely popular with first-time buyers in the Gainesville market, including UF employees and recent graduates.
  • VA Loans — Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty military. Gainesville’s veteran community uses VA loans to enter homeownership with no down payment.
  • DSCR / Investor Loans — Qualify based on rental income. Gainesville’s proximity to UF creates year-round rental demand, making DSCR loans attractive for student housing investors.
  • USDA Loans — Zero down payment in eligible rural areas. Parts of Alachua County outside the Gainesville urban core qualify for USDA financing — an outstanding zero-down option.

Ready to Get Started in Gainesville?

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or investing in Gainesville real estate, I’m here to help you find the best financing option.

Call: 954-300-1287
Email: [email protected]
Apply Online: Start Your Application

Nick Lazarevic | NMLS #386391 | 1st Capital Group as dba of GFL Capital Mortgage Inc | Company NMLS #64367 | Equal Housing Lender | Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. All loans subject to credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org