{"id":4405,"date":"2025-06-27T17:16:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T17:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amerantbank.com\/ofinterest\/?p=4405"},"modified":"2025-08-04T05:30:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T05:30:06","slug":"guide-first-time-home-buying-tips-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amerantbank.com\/ofinterest\/guide-first-time-home-buying-tips-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to First-Time Home Buying: Tips from Amerant Mortgage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Buying your first home can be an overwhelming experience. With the right guidance and preparation, the path to homeownership becomes much clearer. Recently, Tony Eeelman, EVP and President of Amerant Mortgage, shared valuable insights on 10 Tampa Bay&#8217;s Great Day Live. He spoke about what those who are experiencing first-time home buying need to know before taking this important step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-true-cost-of-homeownership-0\"><strong>Understanding the True Cost of Homeownership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest mistakes first-time home buyers make is focusing solely on the monthly mortgage payment. Tony, who has been working with first-time home buyers for 28 years, emphasizes a crucial point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not just about the mortgage payment. We try to get through to clients all of the expenses that go along with homeownership, including HOA dues, repairs, and unexpected circumstances that may come up with home ownership.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Amerant Mortgage Helps First-Time Home Buyers | Tony Eelman on 10 Tampa Bay&#039;s Great Day Live\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1su49qTXuc4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-h-hidden-costs-every-first-time-home-buyer-should-consider\"><strong>H<\/strong><strong>Hidden Costs Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When budgeting for your new home, factor in these additional expenses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Homeowners Association (HOA) dues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular maintenance and repairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Property taxes and insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utility costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency home repairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landscaping and seasonal maintenance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-down-payment-assistance-programs-making-homeownership-accessible\"><strong>Down Payment Assistance Programs: Making Homeownership Accessible<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many first-time home buyers assume they need a large down payment, but numerous assistance programs can help bridge this gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available Down Payment Assistance Options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>State and Local Programs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Florida state down payment assistance programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local municipality assistance programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>County-specific first-time buyer incentives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Amerant Mortgage Financial Assistance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up to $17,500 for first-time home buyers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up to $20,000 for essential workers, including &#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First responders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firefighters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Law enforcement officers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Military personnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teachers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Amerant Mortgage has products that can help, but also down payment assistance programs are available through the state of Florida, as well as through local municipalities,&#8221; Tony explains.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-credit-score-strategies-for-first-time-home-buyers\"><strong>Credit Score Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your credit score does not have to meet a specific high number to qualify for a mortgage. Amerant Mortgage takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating potential homeowners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Let Your Credit Score Hold You Back<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tony offers encouraging advice for first-time homebuyers worried about their credit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t get stuck if you have a 580 or 616. Reach out to us, and we can talk to you about what options you have and how we can help you get where you need to be.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Steps to Improve Your Credit Score<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get Your Free Credit Report:<\/strong>&nbsp;Download your credit report to understand what&#8217;s affecting your score<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Identify Problem Areas:<\/strong>&nbsp;Review the report for errors or areas needing improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work with Mortgage Professionals:<\/strong>&nbsp;Amerant Mortgage provides tools and resources to model credit improvement scenarios<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a Credit Improvement Plan:<\/strong>&nbsp;Focus on specific actions that will have the biggest impact<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-amerant-mortgage-advantage-three-key-benefits\"><strong>The Amerant Mortgage Advantage: Three Key Benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Comprehensive Banking Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of Amerant Bank, customers gain access to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deposit products and savings plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local branch support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrated financial planning services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Loan Path Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This innovative tool helps first-time home buyers prepare by providing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Credit education resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credit score management guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budgeting assistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personalized homeownership preparation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Flexible Mortgage Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amerant Mortgage offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Programs for various credit score ranges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple down payment options &amp; interest rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialized programs for different buyer types<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete spectrum from first-time buyers to experienced investors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Preparation: The Key to Successful Home Buying<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tony emphasizes the importance of meeting with mortgage professionals early in the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We want to make sure that we meet with clients early on so that we can&nbsp;coach them and prepare them for the mortgage process and financial well-being.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Benefits of Early Mortgage Consultation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understanding your buying power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identifying areas for financial improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gauging loan amounts and monthly payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning about available assistance programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating a realistic timeline for purchase<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding common first-time buyer mistakes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-taking-the-next-step-toward-homeownership\"><strong>Taking the Next Step Toward Homeownership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey to homeownership doesn&#8217;t need to be overwhelming. With proper education, financial preparation, and the right mortgage partner, first-time home buyers can navigate the home purchasing process successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re considering homeownership or ready to begin the mortgage application process, professional guidance can make all the difference. Knowledge is your most powerful tool in the home buying process. From understanding hidden costs to leveraging down payment assistance programs, it&#8217;s better to have an expert help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to explore different types of first-time home buying options with a mortgage lender? Visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Famerantmortgage.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CNTrujillo%40amerantbank.com%7C82823920fc134eaa434c08ddb59baa4b%7C7a0a8bb17da543239c1f04de3cc16564%7C0%7C0%7C638866402360680521%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=1mXocHxQddpDOxVPoNWA4%2BVeyHafV%2FdXUpiLSZzaVBg%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">amerantmortgage.com<\/a>\u00a0to learn more about mortgage solutions tailored for first-time home buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying your first home can be an overwhelming experience. With the right guidance and preparation, the path to homeownership becomes much clearer. Recently, Tony Eeelman, EVP and President of Amerant Mortgage, shared valuable insights on 10 Tampa Bay&#8217;s Great Day Live. He spoke about what those who are experiencing first-time home buying need to know &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4569,"featured_media":4407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_block_theme_hide_title":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[822,828,838,43],"wizard-purpose":[1987],"class_list":{"0":"post-4405","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-personal-finances","8":"tag-first-time-home-buyer","9":"tag-mortgage","10":"tag-mortgage-loans","11":"tag-mortgages","12":"wizard-purpose-buying-or-financing-a-home","14":"with-featured-image"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Complete Guide to First-Time Home Buying: Tips from Amerant 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