Education & Tools
Mortgage Resource Library
Calculators, checklists, and 48+ educational guides — everything you need to understand your mortgage before you sign.
Carlos Matos / CEO & Founder
1st Florida Lending
At 1st Florida Lending, we make it easier for homebuyers and homeowners to understand their mortgage options. Instead of guessing which loan may be right for you, our goal is to give you clear guidance, helpful loan choices, and a simple checklist of the documents you may need before applying for pre-approval. Start with our Mortgage Navigatortm. An easy online tool designed to point you in the right direction. By answering a few quick questions, you can explore loan options from our resource library of more than 112 lending solutions and see which mortgage type may fit your needs. From there, you can review the loan details, understand what documents may be required, and move forward in obtaining a loan pre-approval with more confidence.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Select From Options Below to Start!
Steps to Get Loan Pre-Approval
After you submit our 30 second Loan Pre-Approval questionnaire. A licensed loan officers will contact you to discuss program options, proposed rates and if approved, issue a Loan Pre-Approval Letter
Request a Loan Officer Call Back
Complete our Loan Officer Call Back request form and receive a free consultation with one of our licensed loan officers to discuss program options, rates and closing timelines and more.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Mortgage Fundamentals
The essentials every borrower should read first.
Basic Loan Process
A basic step by step Loan Process guide for most loans
Read guide →Loan Document Checklist
Loan Pre-Approval document checklist for 95 loan programs to help prepare for your mortgage with us.
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
25 of the most frequently asked questions about mortgages.
Read guide →Mortgage Glossary of Terms
Plain-English definitions for every loan term you'll encounter.
Read guide →Realities When Buying a Home
The facts behind obtaining a mortgage.
Read guide →Credit & Qualification
Understanding Your Credit
How credit impacts approval — and how to strengthen yours.
Loans & Programs
Loan Types & Program Details
Deep-dives on specific programs and financing scenarios.
Let's Compare Loan Programs Side by Side
Plain-English side-by-side comparisons of 10 popular mortgage programs.
Read guide →Refinancing Your Loan
When it makes sense and how to compare offers.
Read guide →PMI — Private Mortgage Insurance
What it is, when it applies, and how to remove it.
Read guide →Non-Warrantable Condo
What makes a condo non-warrantable — and how to finance it.
Read guide →Progressive Repayment Program
Structured repayment options for challenging scenarios.
Read guide →Home Evaluation & Insights
Property, Value & Market
Understand the home itself — and the market around it.
Still have questions?
Speak with a licensed Florida mortgage professional — no obligation, no pressure.
Contact Us