Florida Mortgage Lender for Midwest Buyers | Second Homes & Retirement

I'm licensed in Florida, and a lot of my Florida clients are Iowans and Midwesterners: families buying a winter getaway, retirees making the move south, or people relocating for work. I can help with the Iowa side and the Florida side of your move.

Where I help in Florida

Tampa BaySarasota & Siesta KeyFort Myers & Cape CoralNaplesOrlandoJacksonvillePensacola & the PanhandleTallahasseeGainesvilleSouth Florida

Second homes and winter homes

Conventional loans can finance a second home for your own use, with different down payment and credit requirements than a primary residence. If you're thinking about keeping your Iowa home and adding a Florida place, I'll show you how both payments fit your budget before you start looking.

Retiring to Florida

Buying in retirement works a little differently. Income from Social Security, pensions and retirement accounts can be used to qualify, and many buyers use proceeds from selling their Midwest home. Florida also has no state income tax, which matters for many retirees. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.

What's different about buying in Florida

Insurance is a big line item. Wind and flood coverage can make insurance a much larger share of the payment than in Iowa, especially near the coast. Roof age and inspections like a wind mitigation or four-point inspection affect pricing. Get quotes early. Here's more on budgeting for insurance.
Flood zones. Homes in certain flood zones require flood insurance for most loans.
Condos. Florida condo buildings face inspection and reserve requirements that can affect financing and HOA dues. Check a building's status before you fall in love with a unit.
Homestead exemption. If Florida becomes your permanent home, apply for the homestead exemption with the county property appraiser, generally by March 1.

Florida homebuyer assistance

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation runs statewide programs for eligible buyers, and some counties offer local assistance. Availability depends on the program and lender participation, so ask which options fit your purchase.

Loan programs I offer in Florida

Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA in eligible areas, first-time buyer loans and refinancing.

Buying in Florida? Let's talk. I'll help you plan the numbers before you book your house-hunting trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can an Iowa lender do my Florida mortgage?

Yes. Louie Wickett is licensed in Florida. Applications, documents and disclosures are handled electronically, and closing takes place with a Florida title company or attorney.

Can I get a mortgage on a Florida second home?

Yes. Conventional loans can finance second homes, with different down payment and credit requirements than a primary residence. The home generally needs to be for your own use, not a full-time rental.

What's different about homeowners insurance in Florida?

Insurance is often a much bigger part of the monthly payment than in the Midwest, especially near the coast. Wind coverage, flood zones, roof age and inspections like wind mitigation and four-point inspections all affect the premium. Get quotes early.

Does Florida have a homestead exemption?

Yes. Florida offers a homestead exemption for a permanent primary residence, applied for with the county property appraiser, generally by March 1. It doesn't apply to second homes.