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

Military-Focused Mortgage Broker Serving Tampa & Hillsborough County

Tampa’s real estate market is booming, and for military families stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, first-time homebuyers in historic neighborhoods, and real estate investors, the mortgage landscape has never been more dynamic. As a mortgage broker licensed across all 67 Florida counties, I specialize in connecting borrowers with loan programs that fit Tampa’s diverse neighborhoods—from the military concentration at MacDill to the revitalizing historic communities of Ybor City and the premium Craftsman homes of Seminole Heights.

The Tampa Bay area is home to 16,800+ military personnel at MacDill AFB, the only U.S. military installation hosting two 4-star Combatant Commands: U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This concentration of active-duty and military families represents a significant portion of Tampa’s buyer pool—and a segment often underserved by conventional mortgage lenders who lack the specialized knowledge of VA loan benefits, military PCS timelines, and career-focused financing strategies.

Whether you’re a military family securing your first home near base, a first-time buyer exploring down payment assistance programs in Ybor City, an investor capitalizing on DSCR financing to build rental portfolios in gentrifying neighborhoods, or a conventional buyer in stable communities like Westchase, I work as your advocate to find the right loan product at the right price.

Nick Lazarevic | NMLS #386391 Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator | Statewide Florida Coverage | 67 Counties

Tampa Real Estate Market Snapshot

Tampa’s housing market in 2026 reflects strong buyer demand coupled with increasing inventory—creating opportunity for buyers and refinancers alike.

Market Metrics:

Median Home Price: $445,000–$478,000
Year-over-Year Growth: +4.9% (steady appreciation)
Days on Market: 78 days (balanced market conditions)
Inventory Growth: 4.24 months supply, up 83.38% YoY
Available Homes: 4,335 units (buyers have options)
Conforming Loan Limit: $832,750 (2026)

Why This Matters: The increase in inventory—while still healthy—means less competition in bidding wars compared to 2023–2024. Buyers can take time to find the right home in the right neighborhood. Sellers face slightly more pressure, which may create negotiating leverage for buyers. The consistent YoY appreciation (+4.9%) reflects Tampa’s continued desirability as a destination for military relocation, tech talent, and out-of-state retirees.

Tampa’s Neighborhoods

Seminole Heights ($400K–$600K) Tampa’s crown jewel for renovation enthusiasts and young professionals. Tree-lined streets, 1920s–1950s bungalows, Craftsman homes, and Mid-Century Modern architecture dominate. Walkable to restaurants, boutiques, and breweries along Robles Park area. Perfect for conventional buyers and FHA borrowers seeking character and upside through sweat equity.

Westchase ($400K–$600K) A planned, master-gated community with modern amenities, parks, and a strong HOA presence. Consistent appreciation, low crime, and family-oriented appeal make this a safe bet for conventional mortgage holders and move-up buyers seeking suburban stability.

Ybor City ($200K–$600K+) Historic, immigrant-rooted neighborhood experiencing revitalization momentum. Lofts, renovated historic buildings, art galleries, and nightlife attract investors, young professionals, and owner-occupants. DSCR financing is increasingly popular here as investors acquire multi-unit properties and single-family rentals ahead of continued gentrification.

Hyde Park ($1M+) Tampa’s historic, premium enclave with tree-canopied streets, architectural prestige, and close proximity to downtown. Buyers here typically seek conventional financing; expect complex transactions and higher loan amounts approaching or exceeding the $832,750 conforming limit.

University Square ($100K–$400K) Budget-friendly, central location near University of South Florida (USF) and downtown. Popular with first-time buyers, FHA programs, and investors seeking entry-level rental properties. High density of owner-occupants and landlords make this a DPA program hotspot.

Loan Programs for Tampa Borrowers

VA Loans (Military & MacDill AFB Focus)

If you’re active-duty, a veteran, or the spouse of a military member, VA loans represent the single most powerful mortgage tool available. With 16,800+ military personnel at MacDill AFB driving Tampa’s defense, intelligence, and special operations sectors, VA financing is mission-critical for this community.

VA Loan Advantages:

Zero down payment required (full purchase price financing)
No mortgage insurance premium (PMI)
No prepayment penalties
Favorable interest rates (typically lower than conventional)
Assumable by future VA-eligible buyers (rare advantage)
Funding fee can be rolled into the loan or paid upfront (VA provides guidance)

VA borrowers often relocate due to PCS orders. I specialize in navigating timelines, understanding duty station changes, coordinating with VA processors, and ensuring your loan closes on schedule—critical for military families with fixed move dates.

FHA Loans (First-Time Buyers & Lower Credit Tiers)

FHA financing dominates in neighborhoods like Ybor City, University Square, and parts of Seminole Heights where first-time buyers seek entry into Tampa’s market with manageable down payments and flexible credit requirements.

FHA Highlights:

Down payment as low as 3.5% of purchase price
Credit scores as low as 580 acceptable
Seller concessions available (closing cost assistance)
Streamline refinance options for existing FHA borrowers

Conventional Financing (Westchase, Seminole Heights, Move-Up Buyers)

For borrowers with solid credit (680+), stable income, and 10–20% down, conventional loans offer speed, simplicity, and competitive rates. Westchase and Seminole Heights attract conventional buyers; these communities have strong resale value and stable comps.

DSCR Loans (Ybor City Investors & Gentrification Play)

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) financing is the investor’s secret weapon in Tampa’s rental market. Ybor City, University Square, and Seminole Heights are all experiencing investor interest for buy-and-hold or fix-and-flip strategies.

Why DSCR Matters:

Income verification based on rental income, not personal W-2s
No self-employment tax returns required (harder for conventional banks)
Perfect for real estate portfolio builders
Rates slightly higher than conventional, but far more flexible

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs – Stack Up to $75K+

This is where Tampa borrowers gain maximum leverage. Hillsborough County and Florida state DPA programs can stack, meaning a first-time buyer can combine multiple grants and forgivable loans to eliminate or dramatically reduce out-of-pocket down payment and closing costs.

Stacking Example: The $75K Power Move

Borrower Profile: First-time buyer, household income $65K–$85K, targeting $350K home in University Square or Ybor City.

Real-World Impact: A borrower with $350K purchasing power can walk into closing with zero out-of-pocket down payment, zero closing costs, and the only cash needed is earnest money. Over 5 years, the forgiven amounts slowly reduce as the borrower builds equity—turning DPA assistance into genuine homebuilding.

Program Details

Home Sweet Home Hillsborough Up to $15,000 at 0% interest, forgivable over 5 years. Administered by Hillsborough County; no competing liens or second mortgages allowed. Perfect for clean first-time closings.

Hillsborough County SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) Up to $30,000 for borrowers at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Forgivable in full upon occupancy; if borrower sells or refinances within the forbearance period, repayment may be required. Ideal for true first-time buyers planning to stay 5+ years.

Hometown Heroes Up to $35,000 for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, health care professionals, and military members. Forgivable over time; excellent program for MacDill-adjacent borrowers with qualifying professions.

FL Assist $10,000 grant available statewide. Can be used to supplement county programs; combines well with SHIP or Home Sweet Home.

Stack Intelligently: The art of DPA stacking is sequencing the programs correctly. Typically, we layer SHIP first (largest, most forgiving), then add Hometown Heroes (if eligible), then cap with FL Assist. Each program has unique occupancy and timeline requirements; I manage the complexity so you focus on moving in.

Conforming Loan Limit – Know Your Ceiling

For 2026, the conforming loan limit is $832,750 in Hillsborough County. This is the maximum loan amount that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase on the secondary market. Loans above this limit (“jumbo loans”) carry higher rates and stricter requirements.

For borrowers targeting homes in Hyde Park or premium Westchase properties approaching $1M, jumbo financing is an option—but comes with a rate premium. Most Tampa borrowers stay comfortably below the conforming limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m military at MacDill AFB with a PCS move in 6 months. What’s my best option? A: VA loans are tailor-made for your situation. Zero down, assumable (great for buyers who follow you), and no prepayment penalties if you’re transferred again. I coordinate closings around PCS timelines and work with VA processors to avoid delays. Many military families use VA financing to buy near base, then rent out if they PCS—VA loans don’t require occupancy beyond the initial purchase.

Q: I’m a first-time buyer with $20K saved. Where can I buy in Tampa? A: Depending on your credit and income, University Square or Ybor City are within reach. FHA financing gets you in at 3.5% down, and if you qualify, DPA stacking could cover all remaining down payment and closing costs—meaning your $20K stays in savings or goes to repairs/furniture. We’d target $280K–$350K range to maximize DPA benefit.

Q: I own two rental properties in Ybor City. Can I refinance or buy a third using DSCR? A: Absolutely. DSCR financing keys off the actual rental income from your properties, not your W-2. If your two existing rentals generate $3,500/month combined and your target property will generate $1,800, that income counts toward qualification. DSCR rates are 0.5–1% higher than conventional, but the flexibility makes it worth it for investors building portfolios.

Q: What’s the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank? A: Banks originate loans using their own capital; brokers like me access multiple lenders and loan programs, shopping your application to find the best fit for your specific situation. This means more programs, more rates, more flexibility—and I advocate for you rather than pushing a single bank’s products.

Q: Do I need to live in Tampa to qualify for these DPA programs? A: No. DPA programs require that the property be in Hillsborough County and that you occupy it as your primary residence (with rare exceptions for owner-occupants in multi-unit buildings). Your current residence location doesn’t matter.

Q: How long does a mortgage take from application to closing? A: Standard timeline is 30–45 days. FHA loans can occasionally extend to 45–60 days due to appraisal timelines. VA loans typically run 30–45 days. DSCR loans are 30–45 days. I manage the process to keep you informed every step.

Q: I’m self-employed. Can I still get approved? A: Yes, but conventional lending gets harder. DSCR financing is ideal if you own rental properties (income counts from the rentals, not your business). If you’re self-employed and owner-occupant, FHA with 2 years of tax returns is standard; conventional requires deeper documentation. We’ll explore which path suits your financials.

Service Area

I’m licensed across all 67 Florida counties and specialize in Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay region. Whether your home is in Seminole Heights, Westchase, Ybor City, Hyde Park, University Square, or any surrounding community—I’ve got you covered. Statewide licensing means you benefit from my expertise regardless of where in Florida you’re buying.

Ready to Finance Your Tampa Home?

Whether you’re a military family at MacDill AFB seeking zero-down VA financing, a first-time buyer in Ybor City exploring DPA stacking, or an investor building wealth through DSCR rental acquisition, I’m here to navigate Tampa’s mortgage landscape with you.

Contact me today for a free consultation.

Nick Lazarevic | NMLS #386391 Mortgage Loan Originator | Statewide Florida Coverage

1st Capital Group as dba of GFL Capital Mortgage Inc | Company NMLS #64367 Equal Housing Lender

Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in the State of Florida. All loans subject to credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend. Terms and conditions apply.

NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Loan products, terms, rates, and DPA program eligibility vary by borrower profile and market conditions. Please consult with a qualified mortgage professional to discuss your specific situation.