1st Florida Lending — When Banks Say No! We Say Yes!
Florida's Top-Rated Direct Mortgage Lender48 + loan programs with 112 lending solutions We are A+ Rated with Better Business Bureau 4.8★ Google rated with 100's of reviews CALL OR TEXT US AT 407-300-2558
1st Florida Lending Testimonials — Real Stories. Real People. Real Results.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

What our clients said before Google

4.8· 100+ Google reviews
“Before Google Reviews became the norm, our clients shared their experiences in a personal way, by writing to us directly through an online form on our website. Many of the reviews below are from those early years, when a handwritten thank-you or heartfelt online note meant everything to a small and growing 1st Florida Lending. We’ve kept them because they reflect the true story of our humble beginnings — it was neighbors helping neighbors, one closing at a time. Today, we’re grateful for every Google review our clients post, but the original testimonials to a growing company will always have a special place here.”
— Carlos Matos, CEO & Founder
See us on Google

Original Testimonials

From our earliest clients

Written notes sent directly to us through our website, long before Google Reviews.

We are extremely happy with the service we received from Carlos Matos at 1st Florida Lending. Carlos explained our loan options in detail, guided us through the documentation process, and responded quickly whenever we had questions. The loan process can be stressful, but we always felt reassured that we were in good hands. We highly recommend 1st Florida Lending to anyone looking for a home loan.
Rich & Rene
I had not had much luck getting a home loan in the past and had nearly given up searching. Then I met Carlos at Florida Direct Lenders, and everything changed. The service throughout the loan process was impeccable, and the entire team was professional, kind, and patient until the loan closed. Thank you, Florida Direct Lenders—you are the best.
Jim & Susan
When I was looking to purchase my first home, I found 1st Florida Lending online and was amazed by their loan programs. Carlos Matos explained everything clearly, answered all of my questions, and closed my loan on time. Carlos earned my trust, and I would recommend 1st Florida Lending to anyone looking for a home loan.
Fernando de la Cruz
Carlos Matos, at 1st Florida Lending worked with me from beginning to end. They stayed in contact every step of the way and worked hard to help me secure a great interest rate and mortgage payment. I am extremely happy with my custom-built home and grateful to have had 1st Florida Lending as my lending company.
Evelynlinda Rodriguez
I highly recommend 1st Florida Lending. They walk you through the entire mortgage process and take the time to explain every detail. Carlos Matos was quick to respond, even on nights and weekends. I began this journey thinking I would not qualify for a mortgage, but Carlos found the perfect loan program for me, and I am now a proud homeowner.
Jake & Sally
Buying a house can be stressful, and choosing the right lender can make a big difference. My experience with 1st Florida Lending was smooth from start to finish. They provided a clear pre-approval, offered a competitive rate, and were always upfront with no hidden fees. I definitely recommend 1st Florida Lending if you are buying a house.
Danny & Teressa
I would highly recommend 1st Florida Lending to my family and friends. From the first time we met Carlos Matos, my husband and I felt we were in good hands. He made the loan process less stressful and created a wonderful experience. That is true customer service.
Judith M.
1st Florida Lending saved the day. After our bank denied our loan with only days left before closing, their team quickly understood our situation and offered a bank statement loan that did not require tax returns. They provided conditional approval within seven days, helped us receive our extension, and we closed on our home. We strongly recommend them.
Jacob & Olivia
We truly appreciated the fast response and assistance with our loan. The settlement company even mentioned how quickly your team responded to their requests. We were able to spend our first night in the house, and we absolutely love it. Thank you again for helping us have a home we can call our own.
Tyler & Joni
Our experience with this company was great. Carlos and his team were welcoming, reviewed our information, and told us they could get us approved. After another lender had turned us down, they stayed true to their word, pre-approved us the same day, and helped us get approved for the home we wanted.
Katrina & Hannibal
Carlos, thank you for helping me get financing for my new home. It is people like you who help people like us keep our hopes and dreams alive and achieve them. It was a pleasure doing business with you and your team.
Rod & Sandy
Obtaining a same-day pre-approval was incredibly helpful in winning the bid on our new home. We want to thank Mr. Matos for providing a simple pre-approval process that allowed us to make an offer before making a full commitment. Our offer was accepted, and our loan was approved.
Juan & Dolores
After completing the Loan Eligibility Application, we were contacted by 1st Florida Lending within 20 minutes. They quickly reviewed our credit and bank statements the same day and sent us a pre-approval letter that helped us negotiate our first home purchase.
Tim & Beth
We wanted to move our family to a better neighborhood with great schools and found an incredible house at a bargain price. After completing the Loan Eligibility Application, Jorge quickly verified our credit and tax returns and provided a same-day pre-approval letter. The seller accepted our offer.
Tony & Maria
After finding the house we really wanted, we needed to make an offer but were not sure if we had the borrowing power to move forward. We found 1st Florida Lending's website and completed their Loan Eligibility Application. Carlos and his team delivered flawlessly on the pre-approval letter, followed by a loan commitment. We closed within 15 days and are very happy in our new neighborhood and family home.
Jim & Sandy
We want to thank Carlos Matos and his team for all of their efforts in helping us obtain a loan to purchase our investment property in Florida. We were happy to know that loans for citizens of Venezuela are possible, and we will be recommending your loan services to friends and colleagues.
Domingo & Margarita
As Canadian citizens looking for a second home in Florida, we first considered our banks' U.S. affiliate options. To our surprise, they were very limited. We found 1st Florida Lending online, and they offered several foreign national loan programs at very competitive rates. Their team was knowledgeable and processed our loan in less than a month.
Gabriel & Tristan
As non-U.S. citizens, we had difficulty finding a bank to finance a property in Florida, even though we had good income, credit, and plenty of equity in London. Our Realtor referred us to 1st Florida Lending, and the rest was easy, from uploading our documents to working with their staff. 1st Florida Lending was the best.
Andrew & Emma
1st Florida Lending is the best. We never thought we would be able to borrow money in the U.S. to purchase our condo in the Florida Keys. Carlos Matos was incredibly knowledgeable and offered us a loan program that matched our budget. He got it done.
Mannie & Marcela
1st Florida Lending is one of the best mortgage companies. Their staff is friendly, trustworthy, and knowledgeable about VA loans. They made our loan process easier despite the approval requirements.
Alan & Jodi
I contacted 1st Florida Lending not knowing what to expect. By the end of my first call with Carlos, I felt confident and wondered why I had not called sooner. I was also happy to learn there was no down payment with a VA loan. Carlos and his processors were responsible and resourceful.
Rick & Sharon
When looking for a VA loan lender, I wanted to work with a company that was simple, helpful, and patient. My first call was to 1st Florida Lending rather than one of the large companies that advertise on TV. We did not realize the process would move so quickly, and it pleasantly surprised us.
Carlos & Brenda
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the team at 1st Florida Lending. After completing the application and speaking with Carlos, we knew we were in good hands. He took the time to explain every step in detail and answer all of our questions.
Matt & Lynn
It was quick and easy to sign up with 1st Florida Lending and get approved for our VA loan to purchase our new home. We were very pleased with the terms of our loan and the outcome of our purchase.
Glenn & Susan
After seeing all the TV commercials, I wanted more information but preferred a company where I would be treated like a person, not just another number. I found 1st Florida Lending online, and they offered reverse mortgages as direct lenders. To our relief, it was the solution to our problems.
Linda & Ralph
My Realtor sent me an email about 1st Florida Lending and their reverse mortgage options. I made the call, and to my amazement, the process was smooth, quick, and easy. I did not even have to leave the comfort of my home.
Tim & Beth Collins
Carlos, we were very satisfied with how our reverse mortgage was handled by you and your wonderful staff. You were patient, helpful, and answered all of my questions. Thanks to you, the process was smooth, and I would certainly recommend you to anyone considering a reverse mortgage.
Robert & Whitney
I worked with Margerita, who was the best. She answered all of my questions and returned my calls promptly. I would definitely recommend 1st Florida Lending. Thank you for a job well done.
Joanne & Richard
We could not have been more pleased with the service we received from the staff at 1st Florida Lending. Each step was explained, our questions were answered, and the process was smooth with very few delays.
Stephanie & Wayne
Getting married led my wife and me to make important decisions about buying a home and starting our family. We had accumulated some debt, which affected our credit scores, but 1st Florida Lending was able to provide us with a loan. My wife and I are very thankful.
Jeff & Donna
1st Florida Lending made it possible for us to become homeowners. Not only was my interest rate much lower than what I was quoted by other lenders, but the process was easy and completed online. We did not have to visit an office to fill out paperwork, and my loan was fully funded within 18 days.
Derrick & MaryAnne
Most banks and mortgage companies rely on strict formulas and criteria when reviewing loan applications. After hitting a wall with them, I turned to 1st Florida Lending. They looked at every aspect of my loan and were able to think outside the box. I am very pleased with their service and highly recommend them.
Jeremy & Ana
It has been a pleasure doing business with 1st Florida Lending. From the start, they were very helpful in providing the best solution for my home loan. The process was efficient, and they helped us resolve unexpected underwriting conditions in the shortest time possible. I would definitely use them again.
Javier & Sylvia
I have sold everything from entry-level homes to multi-million-dollar properties, and every transaction is important. Finding a reliable lender for high-value properties with self-employed clients is not easy, but 1st Florida Lending Corp. delivered. Carlos, Sonia, and Mark reassured me from the beginning that the loan would close and they made good on that promise. My client was extremely happy, and I was impressed with a job well done.
Marianne T. Secontine, P.A., The K Company Realty, LLC
My experience with 1st Florida Lending, Carlos Matos, and his office staff was truly exceptional. Carlos guided me on how to improve my credit score to receive a better rate and terms, then stepped in when a last-minute closing delay put my deposit at risk. He reassured the Realtor and seller, explained the delay in writing, and helped secure the extension I needed to purchase my home. Carlos is a man of his word, and everyone involved in processing my loan was by my side. This is an honest lender that truly cares about its customers.
Debra & Rob

Google Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying Now on Google

4.8based on 100's of Google reviews

"As the buyer's agent, I had the pleasure of working with Jose while he handled the financing for my clients. His communication was outstanding from start to finish, and he consistently kept both my clients and me informed throughout the process. Jose's professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication helped create a stress-free experience for my clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a lender who genuinely cares about their clients and gets the job done."

Tiffany Steck

a month ago · via Google

"Working with Carlos Matos is always a pleasure. He guided me through the entire process with patience, professionalism, and genuine care. Carlos took the time to thoroughly explain all my options, answered every question, and secured me an incredible rate that saved me thousands. If you're in Central Florida and need a mortgage or refinance, look no further than 1st Florida Lending. Hands down the best experience I've ever had with a lender!"

Anna Prince

7 months ago · via Google

"Carlos was incredible to work with. This was one of the most difficult deals I've had as a new home sale agent, and after multiple lenders were unable to get the buyer qualified, Carlos stepped in and made it happen. His communication, persistence, and problem-solving were outstanding throughout the entire process. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a lender who truly knows how to get deals done."

Paul Kurpiewski

4 months ago · via Google

"I can't say enough good things about my experience with 1st Florida Lending! From start to finish, the process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. A huge thank you to Carlos Matos and Jose for going above and beyond. Thanks to their help, I was able to close on my mortgage with confidence and peace of mind. If you're looking for a team that truly cares and delivers outstanding service, I highly recommend 1st Florida Lending!"

Alvaro Terron

7 months ago · via Google

"I just closed on my third home and my go-to people are Carlos, Jose and Mari at 1st Florida Lending. I've continued to use their services again and again. I cannot express the excellence in their work and making sure you have the best chance at getting the right loan. Very honest and they will do everything in their power to do what's in your best interest. I highly recommend their services."

Lilly Gonzalez

4 months ago · via Google

"Huge shoutout to Jose, the lender I worked with on my latest closing! Communication is everything in a real estate transaction, and Jose was phenomenal from start to finish. He stayed on top of every step of the process, kept everyone informed, and made sure our buyer got to the closing table smoothly. I definitely recommend Jose to anyone looking to purchase a home!"

Marlene Peralta

a month ago · via Google

"We cannot say enough good things about our experience with 1st Florida Lending and Jose Peñaherrera. His knowledge of mortgage lending was impressive, and he always took the time to explain our options. What stood out most was his dedication, responsiveness, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we successfully closed on our dream home without any issues. Five stars all the way!"

Amber Wiemer

a month ago · via Google

"Being self employed doesn't make it easy to secure a mortgage. Carlos made it happen. He was very professional and personable. I would highly recommend. Thank you Carlos!"

Kevin Benner

3 months ago · via Google

"Carlos and his team were fantastic to work with. Great communication, and the whole time I felt assured that they would get the job done. Just closed a deal with them and I will definitely be working with them again. I highly recommend them!"

Gabriel Galvez

3 months ago · via Google

"I highly recommend 1st Florida Lending. From the very first moment, they helped me get approved and closed in less than two weeks. Mari provided excellent service, always attentive to every detail and keeping me updated on my loan application every day. Carlos also provided excellent service, explaining the steps involved and always offering the best options. I will definitely contact them again in the future."

Carolina Parada

7 months ago · via Google

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