Florida Mortgage Lender
The lender your realtor wishes you had called first
Pride Lending is a Florida mortgage lender serving buyers across the state. Offering FHA, VA, conventional, USDA, and portfolio loans for first-time buyers, self-employed borrowers, LGBTQ+ buyers, and anyone the mortgage industry has overlooked.
Why Borrowers Choose Pride Lending
Meet Your Florida Loan Officer
Melody Rose
- NMLS: 2041459
- Phone: 407.885.5444
- Email: melrose@pridelending.com
- Licensed In: FL, NV
What Our Borrowers Say
I had the pleasure of working with Pride Lending for the purchase of my home, and Melody was truly outstanding. She is knowledgeable, efficient, and genuinely cares about her clients. From start to finish, she communicated clearly, anticipated potential hurdles before they became issues, and ensured everything stayed on track for a smooth closing. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the entire process seamless and stress-free. We closed without a hitch, and I would confidently recommend Melody and Pride Lending to anyone looking for a well-managed, smooth home financing experience. I will be absolutely be using her for future mortgage lending transactions!
– Reanne T.
Melody Rose with Pride Lending has the utmost professionalism and integrity of anyone that I have met in the Mortgage Industry. Regardless if the customer is a First Time Homebuyer, someone looking to upsize, or even refinance, she meets them exactly where they are at and walks them through the entire process. She is a rockstar Mortgage Professional and I urge any current or future homeowner to contact her for their mortgage needs.
– Tyler A.
Melody Rose provided exceptional service throughout my entire financing process. She was knowledgeable, attentive, and consistently went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly. Her ability to clearly explain each step made the experience far less stressful, and her approachable personality made it easy to ask questions. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a reliable and professional loan officer.
– Michele H.
The Florida Housing Market Right Now
Florida’s housing market is in a better position for buyers today than it has been in several years. Inventory has grown significantly, prices have stabilized after years of rapid appreciation, and sellers are more open to negotiation than they were at the peak.
Southern Florida
Median Home Price
$580,000
Avg. Days on Market
95 days
Homeownership Rate
58%
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Click a region to explore market data.
See What Your Monthly Payment Could Look Like in Florida
01
Get Pre-Approved Online
Fill out a short application and we will get to work on your file right away.
02
Your Loan Officer Reaches Out
We review your file and contact you. We will walk you through your options and answer every question.
03
Find Your Home and Close on Time
We keep the process moving so your closing date is the date you actually close.
Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida
Florida Hometown Heroes
For full-time Florida employees including teachers, nurses, first responders, and veterans. Qualified buyers can receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through a zero-interest deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments until you sell or refinance.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Offers several programs for first-time buyers and those who have not owned a home in the past three years. Options include forgivable second mortgages and deferred loans that stack with FHA, VA, conventional, or USDA first mortgages. Program availability and funding amounts vary by county.
Florida Homeownership Loan Program
Provides up to $10,000 as a low-interest second mortgage repaid over 15 years. Works alongside a Florida Housing first mortgage and helps cover both your down payment and closing costs when larger grant programs have limited funding or are temporarily unavailable to buyers in your county.
Helpful Insights for Florida Homebuyers
Why Value Driven Real Estate Agents Choose Pride Lending
Real estate agents do not just need a lender who can close a loan. They need a lending
November 21, 2025
Trump’s Proposed 50 Year Mortgage Is Not the Solution We Need
The President’s latest idea to “solve” the housing affordability crisis is a 50-year mortgage. On the surface, it
November 14, 2025
Trump Is Undermining the CFPB, And Borrowers Will Pay the Price
Let’s be clear. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is being dismantled before our eyes. Under President Trump’s leadership,
November 7, 2025
Florida Mortgage Questions, Answered
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Florida?
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans allow a minimum score of 580 with 3.5 percent down, or as low as 500 with 10 percent down. Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. VA and USDA loans have their own guidelines. If you are not sure where your credit stands, a quick conversation with your loan officer will tell you exactly where you are and what, if anything, needs to happen before you apply.
How much is a down payment on a house in Florida?
It depends on the loan. FHA requires as little as 3.5 percent. Conventional can start at 3 percent for qualified buyers. VA and USDA loans require zero down for eligible borrowers. With Florida’s current median home price around $420,000, a 3.5 percent FHA down payment is roughly $14,700. If you qualify for a Florida down payment assistance program, you may be able to cover some or all of that amount.
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida?
For 2026, the FHA loan limit for most Florida counties is $541,287 for a single-family home. High-cost areas including Monroe County go up to $990,150. Counties around Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach can also exceed the standard floor. Your limit depends on the county where you are buying.
Does Florida have down payment assistance for first-time buyers?
Yes, and there are more programs than most buyers realize. The Florida Hometown Heroes program offers up to $35,000 for eligible working Floridians. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers several additional programs including forgivable loans and deferred second mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, occupation, and whether you have owned a home in the past three years. We will find the ones that apply to you.
Can I get pre-approved before I find a home in Florida?
Yes, and you should. In competitive Florida markets, well-priced homes still attract multiple offers. A pre-approval letter tells the seller you are serious and your financing is already in motion. It also gives you a real budget before you start touring rather than guessing. You can start your pre-approval right here.
What makes Pride Lending different from other mortgage lenders in Florida?
Most lenders will process your loan. We will actually work for you. Pride Lending was built to serve buyers who have not always felt welcome in this industry, including LGBTQ+ buyers, BIPOC communities, first-time buyers, and self-employed borrowers. Melody Rose has been serving Florida buyers for years and is connected to the Orlando and South Florida communities through The Pride Chamber and ORRA. You are not getting a call center. You are getting someone invested in your outcome.