Orlando, FL Home Loans
Orlando Home Loans for Residents, Investors and Vacation Buyers
Central Florida attracts everyone from theme-park employees and nurses to investors chasing short-term rental income. We match Orlando mortgage options to your goal, whether that is a starter home in Sanford, a vacation property near Kissimmee or a bungalow in Winter Park.
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Your Orlando Lender
Mortgages Across Central Florida
Orlando is a tourism and investment-property hotspot, home to world-famous theme parks, a major convention center and a fast-growing health care and technology sector around Lake Nona and the University of Central Florida. That mix creates two distinct buyer pools: households purchasing a place to live and investors acquiring vacation or long-term rentals. Through our Florida lending program, we finance both, with Sterling Smith personally guiding each borrower through the process.
Central Florida's location is a draw for buyers relocating within the state, too. Some compare Orlando with the Gulf Coast around Tampa, a straightforward drive west along the interstate, while others weigh it against Jacksonville and the Atlantic coast. Pre-qualification requires no hard credit pull, and pre-approval decisions are often ready within 24 hours. We help you compare options with realistic numbers, including HOA dues, district assessments and insurance for each location.
Start your Orlando pre-approval →Neighborhoods & Nearby
Communities we serve around Orlando
- Kissimmee
- Sanford
- Winter Park
- Lake Nona
- Clermont
Local Market Notes
What Orlando Buyers Should Know
Housing in the metro ranges from historic bungalows around Winter Park and College Park to sprawling master-planned communities in Lake Nona, Horizon West and Clermont. Many newer developments include HOA dues and community development district assessments that affect your monthly payment. Areas southwest of the city near Kissimmee and Davenport include communities zoned specifically for short-term vacation rentals. Those homes can work well for investors.
Short-term rental rules differ by city, county and HOA, so investors must confirm zoning before buying. Central Florida sits inland, which may reduce some coastal storm surge concerns, but hurricanes and heavy rain still affect insurance and drainage. Roof age and wind mitigation features influence premiums. The region's sinkhole history in some areas makes a thorough inspection worthwhile. Ask about any prior claims.
Loan Programs
Programs That Fit Orlando
DSCR and investment loans for vacation rentals
Orlando vacation rental loans often use DSCR financing, which qualifies primarily on a property's expected rental income rather than your personal income. Conventional investment loans are another route. Down payment and reserve requirements are higher than for owner-occupied homes, and zoning must allow your rental plans.
FHA for hospitality and health care workers
Many Orlando buyers work in hospitality, health care and education. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% with qualifying credit and flexible guidelines that suit first-time buyers with limited savings. Gift funds may be used, subject to documentation and program requirements.
Financing new construction in growth corridors
New homes continue to rise in Lake Nona, Horizon West and the western suburbs. If you are building, a one-time-close construction-to-permanent loan can simplify financing. For builder inventory homes, we coordinate rate locks with projected completion dates, subject to program guidelines.
Before You Buy
Orlando Buying Tips
- Before buying a vacation rental, confirm that the community is zoned for short-term rentals and review HOA rules. A property that cannot legally rent nightly will not support your DSCR projections.
- Ask whether a newer home includes a community development district assessment. It can add a noticeable amount to your annual property tax bill and your monthly escrow payment.
- Comparing a primary home to a rental purchase? Our loan comparison tool helps you see how down payment and rate differences affect the monthly picture.
Answers
Orlando mortgage questions
Can I finance a short-term rental near the theme parks?
Yes, if the property is in an area zoned for short-term rentals and the HOA allows them. Investment loans and DSCR financing are commonly used for these purchases. Expect a larger down payment than for a primary residence, and plan for furnishing and management costs when projecting returns.
What is a DSCR loan, and does it work for Orlando properties?
A DSCR loan qualifies you based mainly on whether the property's rental income covers its mortgage payment, taxes and insurance, rather than on your tax returns. It is popular with Orlando investors who own several properties or have complex income. Pricing and requirements vary, so we compare it with conventional options.
Do you lend in Winter Park, Sanford and Lake Nona?
Yes. We serve buyers throughout the Orlando metro and Central Florida, including Winter Park, Sanford, Lake Nona, Kissimmee and Clermont. Each area has a different housing mix, from historic homes to new master-planned communities, and we tailor financing to the specific property you choose.
Can I buy an Orlando home as a second home instead of an investment?
If you will use the property personally and not run it as a full-time rental, a second-home loan may be possible, often with better terms than investment financing. Occupancy rules apply. Read our mortgage FAQ for more on occupancy types, then talk with us about your plans.
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Talk with Sterling Smith about your Orlando purchase or refinance: a clear comparison of the programs you qualify for and a timeline that fits your contract.