Get Pre-Approved for Your Miami Home in 24 Hours — Explore All Your Loan Options

Aerial view of Miami Florida skyline

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

Get Pre-Approved for Your Miami Home in 24 Hours — Explore All Your Loan Options

Miami’s real estate market is competitive, but your financing doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a first-time buyer exploring FHA options in family-friendly Aventura, an international investor seeking DSCR financing, or a cash-out refinancer in Coral Gables, Nick Lazarevic and the 1st Capital Group team have the expertise and loan products to match your specific situation.

With over 15 years in Florida mortgage lending and a statewide NMLS license covering all 67 counties, Nick (NMLS #386391) has closed loans for thousands of Miami borrowers. The Miami real estate market moved 6.1 million units last year, with 51% cash buyers and intense competition for financing. That’s where we come in: we offer conforming, jumbo, FHA, DSCR, foreign national, and condo-specific loans—all backed by down payment assistance programs that can stack for up to $45,000 or more in assistance.

Located in Miami-Dade County and serving all of South Florida and beyond, 1st Capital Group combines local market knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Submit your information, and you’ll receive a pre-approval decision within 24 hours. No pressure. No surprises. Just clear, competitive terms and a lender who understands Miami’s diverse buyer base.

The Miami Real Estate Market: Numbers, Neighborhoods, and Opportunity

Miami-Dade County remains one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets. Here’s what today’s borrowers face:

Market Snapshot (March 2026):

  • Median home price: $565,000–$574,000 for single-family homes ($699,990 for single-family detached properties)
  • Year-over-year change: Volatile (overall -5.83%, but monthly swings indicate buyer uncertainty)
  • Days on market: 86 days (slower than 2024, giving buyers time to shop and secure financing)
  • Active inventory: 6,781 homes, up 78.54% year-over-year (more choices, less competition for listings)
  • Buyer composition: 51% cash buyers, 49% financed purchases—meaning that mortgage financing remains critical for half the market

The Neighborhood Deep-Dive: Where Miami Buyers Are Buying

  • Coral Gables ($856,600 median) — The Crown Jewel

Miami’s most prestigious neighborhood, anchored by Miracle Mile’s walkable shops and restaurants. Tree-lined streets, Mediterranean architecture, and highly-rated schools make Coral Gables the first choice for affluent families. Home to executives, physicians, and international business leaders. Expect jumbo financing for $1M+ estates and strong appreciation potential.

  • Coconut Grove ($592,500 median) — Village Life in the City

A bohemian-meets-upscale enclave with galleries, village shops, and waterfront dining. Crime rates here run 60% lower than Miami overall, attracting young professionals and established families alike. Excellent walkability, proximity to downtown, and neighborhood character command a premium.

  • Aventura ($354,100 median) — Family-Friendly New Construction

North of Miami, Aventura is booming with new developments, shopping centers, and parks. Popular with first-time buyers and young families seeking modern homes, good schools, and suburban convenience at mid-market prices. FHA and conventional financing thrive here due to new construction and strong rental demand.

  • Little Havana ($411 per square foot) — Cultural Heart, Affordable Entry

One of Miami’s most vibrant and historically significant neighborhoods, Little Havana offers walkable streets, authentic restaurants, and strong community ties. The most affordable entry point for first-time buyers and investors, with significant appreciation potential as gentrification continues.

  • Miami Gardens ($216,500 median) — The Budget-Conscious Choice

Miami’s most affordable neighborhood, serving buyers priced out of central Miami. Growing population, improving schools, and strong single-family rental demand make it attractive to real estate investors and second-time buyers. DSCR and investment loans perform well here.

Loan Products Designed for Miami Buyers

Miami’s market is diverse, and one loan program doesn’t fit all. We offer a curated suite of products tailored to local conditions:

FHA Loans (First-Time & Repeat Buyers) FHA financing dominates first-time buyer programs nationwide, and Miami is no exception. With down payment requirements as low as 3.5%, FHA loans unlock homeownership for buyers in Aventura, Miami Gardens, and emerging neighborhoods. FHA also allows cash-out refinancing, making it ideal for borrowers who need to access equity for renovations or debt consolidation. We streamline FHA underwriting and can close in 30–45 days.

Foreign National Loans (International Buyers) Miami’s international buyer pool reached $4.4 billion in 2025—a 15% slice of the market. If you’re a non-U.S. citizen with an ITIN, passport, and a qualifying down payment, we can structure financing. We work with foreign nationals purchasing investment properties, primary residences, or luxury homes across Miami-Dade. No Social Security number required; yes, we accept international credit reports.

Condo Financing (Warrantable & Non-Warrantable) Miami’s condo market is massive, but condo loans are notoriously difficult to find. We underwrite both warrantable buildings (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac approved) and non-warrantable condos (investor-friendly programs). We review HOA documentation, reserve studies, and litigation history—the items that tank other lenders’ deals. If your condo is owner-occupied and your HOA is solvent, we can close your loan.

DSCR Loans (Real Estate Investors) Miami’s single-family rental and multi-unit markets attract national and international investors. DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans qualify based on the property’s rental income, not your W-2 income—perfect for portfolio builders. We offer rates on 1–4 unit properties, allow 20–30% down, and close in 45 days. DSCR investors in Miami Gardens, Little Havana, and emerging neighborhoods see strong cap rates and appreciation.

Jumbo Loans ($832,750+) For Coral Gables estates, Miami Beach waterfront, and Brickell penthouses, conforming loans max out at $832,750 in Miami-Dade County (2026 limit). Jumbo programs start there and go up to $7.5M+. Expect competitive rates (within 0.5–1% of conforming), strong approval odds for credit scores 700+, and a 30-year amortization. No PMI, no loan caps—just straightforward jumbo financing for luxury properties.

Down Payment Assistance: Stack Multiple Programs for Up to $45,000+

Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida offer generous down payment assistance programs. Most borrowers don’t realize these programs can be stacked, turning a 10% down payment into a zero-down scenario with assistance covering your down payment and closing costs.

Miami-Dade Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program Up to $35,000 in interest-free second mortgage assistance. Borrower pays back the loan only when the property sells or refinances—no monthly payments. Available for owner-occupied purchases up to $644,320 (2026 limit). No income cap; asset limits apply. Primary keyword: first-time and repeat buyers.

Miami-Dade Emergency Assistance Program (HAP) Up to $28,000 in zero-interest deferred assistance. Designed for borrowers facing hardship or returning to homeownership after foreclosure. Deferred payment forgiveness after 30 years of on-time mortgage payments. Available for refinances and purchases.

SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) Florida’s statewide program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified low-to-moderate income borrowers. Amounts vary by county and program, but Miami-Dade typically provides $10,000–$25,000. Combined with Miami-Dade DPA, you can approach $50,000–$60,000 in assistance.

Hometown Heroes Program Up to $35,000 (5% of loan amount, minimum $10,000) for active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. Interest-free second mortgage, forgiven after 30 years of on-time payments. No income limits. This program moves faster than standard DPA.

FL Assist (Florida Housing Finance Corporation) $10,000 second mortgage for down payment and closing cost assistance. No monthly payments, deferred at sale or refinance. Available statewide for qualified borrowers purchasing owner-occupied homes. Can be layered with Hometown Heroes, Miami-Dade DPA, and SHIP.

Real-World Example: Stacking for Maximum Assistance Maria, a first-time buyer and healthcare worker, finds a $450,000 condo in Coconut Grove. She has $25,000 saved (5.5% down).

  • Hometown Heroes: $35,000 (hero status as RN)
  • FL Assist: $10,000
  • SHIP: $15,000
  • Total Assistance: $60,000

Maria’s effective down payment: $25,000 + $60,000 = $85,000 (18.9% down), with zero out-of-pocket for closing costs. She closed in 45 days with a 30-year conventional mortgage and deferred second mortgages forgiven after 30 years.

Miami-Dade County Conforming Loan Limit: $832,750 (2026)

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set the conforming loan limit at $832,750 for Miami-Dade County homes (2026). This means loans up to $832,750 enjoy the best rates, fastest underwriting, and broadest lender competition.

Loans above $832,750 move into jumbo territory—a separate market with slightly higher rates, larger down payment requirements (often 20%+), and more rigorous underwriting. However, jumbo rates remain competitive, especially for borrowers with credit scores 720+.

If you’re purchasing a property in Miami worth less than $832,750, conforming financing applies. If your property is valued above that (common in Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Brickell), jumbo loans offer seamless financing with terms nearly identical to conforming loans.

Frequently Asked Questions: Miami Mortgage Financing

Q: What rates are you offering for Miami mortgages? A: We offer competitive rates that adjust daily based on market conditions, credit score, loan type, and down payment. Rather than quote a static rate here (rates move hourly), we invite you to get pre-approved—you’ll receive a personalized rate quote good for 120 days. Contact us for today’s rates on 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, 5/1 ARM, and 7/1 ARM products.

Q: How fast can I close on a Miami mortgage? A: Standard conventional and FHA loans close in 30–45 days from application to funding. If you’re buying a new construction home or refinancing an existing loan, we can often close in 21–30 days. DSCR loans typically take 45 days. We prioritize speed without sacrificing accuracy—no surprise issues at the title company.

Q: Can I get down payment assistance if I’m buying in Miami Gardens or Little Havana? A: Absolutely. Down payment assistance programs cover all owner-occupied residential properties in Miami-Dade County, regardless of neighborhood. Miami Gardens and Little Havana borrowers often qualify for Miami-Dade DPA ($35,000), SHIP ($10,000–$25,000), and sometimes Hometown Heroes ($35,000). If you’re a first-time buyer with moderate income, stacking can net you $45,000–$60,000 in assistance.

Q: What’s the difference between warrantable and non-warrantable condo loans? A: Warrantable condos (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac approved) have blanket approval from the GSEs—meaning we underwrite your personal finances but not the building itself. Non-warrantable condos require us to review the HOA, reserves, litigation, and occupancy rules. Both are financeable, but non-warrantable condos have slightly higher rates and larger down payment requirements. Most Miami condos are warrantable; we can advise after a quick review.

Q: Do you finance condos that are less than 50% owner-occupied? A: Non-warrantable condo programs do. If your building is 40% owner-occupied and 60% investor-occupied, we can still close your loan using investor-friendly programs. Rates may be slightly higher than warrantable condos, and a larger down payment is typically required. This is common in Miami Beach and Brickell investment buildings.

Q: I’m a foreign national. Can I get a mortgage in Miami? A: Yes. We finance non-U.S. citizens purchasing primary residences, second homes, and investment properties across Miami-Dade. Requirements: valid passport or ITIN, proof of legal U.S. entry (visa or green card), down payment of 30–50%, proof of funds, and international credit report or bank references. No Social Security number required. We’ve closed loans for buyers from 40+ countries purchasing $200K starter homes and $5M+ luxury estates.

Q: I’m an investor. Can you finance a 4-plex in Miami? A: Yes, via DSCR loans. If the 4-plex generates rental income (or projected income for new construction), we qualify based on the building’s cash flow, not your personal W-2 income. You’ll need 20–25% down, credit score 640+, and the property should be in Miami-Dade or an adjacent county. DSCR loans are ideal for building a rental portfolio across Miami’s diverse neighborhoods.

Our Service Area: Miami-Dade, South Florida, and Beyond

While we’re based in Miami-Dade County and specialize in South Florida real estate, Nick Lazarevic holds a statewide mortgage license covering all 67 Florida counties. We regularly close loans in Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, Duval, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties, and we have reciprocal lending agreements covering Georgia, South Carolina, and select other states.

Whether you’re buying in downtown Miami, a retirement community in Tampa, or a waterfront home on the Gulf Coast, we can help.

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

Miami’s market is moving fast. If you’re thinking about buying or refinancing—whether it’s your first home in Aventura, an investment property in Miami Gardens, or a luxury estate in Coral Gables—submit your application today and get a pre-approval decision within 24 hours.

No obligation. No pressure. Just honest answers and the lowest rates we can offer.

Get Pre-Approved Now → Contact 1st Capital Group for your free consultation.

Compliance Footer

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

Serving Miami-Dade County, South Florida, and all 67 Florida counties.