Mortgage broker in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Buying, refinancing or tapping your equity in Fort Lauderdale? Gillors is a licensed Florida mortgage broker comparing options from multiple lenders, with a real person guiding you to closing.
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Home loans for Fort Lauderdale buyers and homeowners
Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward County, home to about 186,000 people. Nicknamed the “Venice of America” for its canals, it mixes beachfront high-rises, waterfront homes and neighborhoods along Las Olas Boulevard.
Many Fort Lauderdale homes are older, with a median build year of 1973, and many are near the water, so insurance and flood zones matter as much as the rate. Gillors compares loan options from multiple lenders and helps you estimate the full monthly cost before you make an offer.
Fort Lauderdale at a glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
Home purchase loans in Broward County, 2021–2025
Lenders made 16,955 home purchase loans in Broward County in 2025. That is 47% fewer than in 2021 and 9% fewer than in 2024. Higher rates since 2022 have kept many owners in place, so buyers today often face less competition than in 2021.
Source: CFPB, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. Originated home purchase loans, Broward County, FL.
Average home purchase loan in Broward County
The average purchase loan in Broward County grew from about $392,000 in 2021 to $513,000 in 2025, up roughly 31%.
Source: CFPB HMDA data. Average loan amount, originated home purchase loans, Broward County, FL.
How Broward County borrowers financed their homes in 2025
Share of all home loans made in Broward County in 2025 (purchase and refinance), by loan type. Source: CFPB HMDA data.
Refinance loans in Broward County, 2021–2025
Refinancing dropped sharply after rates rose in 2022, then started to recover: lenders made 8,690 refinance loans in Broward County in 2025, up 20% from 2024. If your rate is higher than today’s, it may be worth checking whether a refinance makes sense.
Source: CFPB HMDA data. Originated refinance and cash-out refinance loans, Broward County, FL.
What to know before buying in Fort Lauderdale
Conforming vs. jumbo
In 2026 the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Broward County is $832,750. Loans above that are jumbo loans, which usually need a larger down payment and more savings in reserve.
Florida homestead exemption
If it will be your main home, apply with the Broward County Property Appraiser by March 1. The exemption can take up to $50,000 off the assessed value, and Save Our Homes limits yearly increases in assessed value to 3% or inflation, whichever is lower.
Closing costs in Florida
Buyers usually pay documentary stamp tax on the mortgage ($0.35 per $100 borrowed) and intangible tax (0.2% of the loan). Deed stamps are $0.70 per $100 of the price and are typically paid by the seller.
Condo financing
Since Florida’s 2022 condo safety law, buildings three stories and taller need milestone inspections and structural reserve studies. Lenders review these, along with the association’s budget and insurance, before approving a condo loan.
Insurance and flood zones
Lenders require homeowners insurance with wind coverage, plus flood insurance if the home is in a high-risk flood zone. Get quotes early, because premiums can change what you can afford.
Fort Lauderdale housing news
- Walmart-anchored retail sale in Fort Lauderdale marks second deal in a week for Miami Heat co-owner’s firmThe Real Deal · Nov 3, 2026
- Alta Developers Receives $140M For Fort Lauderdale High-RiseMultifamily Housing News · Nov 3, 2026
- Alta Developers nabs $140M construction debt for Fort Lauderdale rental project after years of delaysThe Real Deal · Nov 2, 2026
- EXCLUSIVE: Inside Fort Lauderdale's Most Expensive Condo—Where $21 Million Buys the Top Floor of a Luxury Building and Oceanfront ViewsRealtor.com · Nov 2, 2026
- Alta New River Tower Secures $140 Million Construction Loan for 400 Apartments in Fort LauderdaleConstruction Review · Nov 2, 2026
Latest local headlines from Google News, updated automatically. Gillors is not affiliated with these publishers.
Questions about mortgages in Fort Lauderdale
How much do I need for a down payment in Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on the loan. Conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA loans at 3.5% and VA loans at 0% for eligible veterans. On a home near the Fort Lauderdale median value of about $487,000, even a small down payment can get you started, and assistance programs may help if you qualify.
Can I buy a waterfront home with a regular mortgage?
Usually, yes. Waterfront homes often need flood insurance and sometimes a closer look at seawalls and docks, and higher-priced homes may need a jumbo loan. We’ll flag these early.
Do I need a jumbo loan?
Only if your loan amount is above $832,750, the 2026 conforming limit in Broward County. We compare jumbo and conforming options for you, including putting more down to stay under the limit.
How long does it take to close on a home?
Most purchases close about 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. Getting pre-approved first helps you move quickly when you find the right home.
Ready to buy or refinance in Fort Lauderdale?
Start with a few quick questions. There’s no credit check to start, and a real person follows up.
What homeowners say
Real reviews from homeowners who worked with Netta Li Fidderer, Senior Loan Officer at Gillors.
Highly recommend Netta Li! It was my first home and the first loan. Netta Li patiently and professionally guided me through the whole process, explaining every term, every detail. Netta Li is very good at communicating! She has always responded very quickly to my texts, emails and calls. …
This is our second deal with Netta Li and like last time she was great, patient and responsive every day, helped us go through the obstacles all the way to a successful deal. Thank you!
I highly recommend Netta Li Fidderer! She is extremely professional, patient, accommodating, and was able to explain the complicated details. I'm happy with the loan that I was able to get with good rates, thanks to her.
