Mortgage broker in Sarasota, FL
Buying, refinancing or tapping your equity in Sarasota? 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 Sarasota buyers and homeowners
Sarasota is the county seat of Sarasota County, a Gulf Coast city of about 57,000 people known for its arts scene, The Ringling museum and nearby beaches on Lido Key and Siesta Key. Downtown offers condos and walkable streets.
The median home value is about $463,000, and many buyers here are buying second homes or downsizing. Gillors compares loan options from multiple lenders, including second-home loans, so you can see the best fit.
Sarasota at a glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
Home purchase loans in Sarasota County, 2021–2025
Lenders made 7,682 home purchase loans in Sarasota County in 2025. That is 36% fewer than in 2021 and 4% more 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, Sarasota County, FL.
Average home purchase loan in Sarasota County
The average purchase loan in Sarasota County grew from about $377,000 in 2021 to $475,000 in 2025, up roughly 26%.
Source: CFPB HMDA data. Average loan amount, originated home purchase loans, Sarasota County, FL.
How Sarasota County borrowers financed their homes in 2025
Share of all home loans made in Sarasota County in 2025 (purchase and refinance), by loan type. Source: CFPB HMDA data.
Refinance loans in Sarasota County, 2021–2025
Refinancing dropped sharply after rates rose in 2022, then started to recover: lenders made 2,663 refinance loans in Sarasota County in 2025, up 34% 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, Sarasota County, FL.
What to know before buying in Sarasota
Conforming vs. jumbo
In 2026 the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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.
Buying a second home
Second-home loans usually need at least 10% down, and the home must be for your own use, not a full-time rental. Investment properties use different loans with different rules.
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.
Sarasota housing news
- Sarasota Rejects Obsidian Tower for Third Time, Despite Warning of Legal BattleSarasota Magazine · Nov 3, 2026
- New College seeks $47.5M for sweeping USF Sarasota-Manatee takeoverTBBW · Nov 2, 2026
- 2133 Burgos Dr, Sarasota, FL 34238Realtor.com · Nov 2, 2026
- Best of Sarasota 2026 Top Vote-Getter: John Cannon HomesSarasota Magazine · Nov 2, 2026
- Sarasota homebuilder opens resort-style amenities in 900-home communitySarasota Herald-Tribune · Nov 1, 2026
Latest local headlines from Google News, updated automatically. Gillors is not affiliated with these publishers.
Questions about mortgages in Sarasota
How much do I need for a down payment in Sarasota?
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 Sarasota median value of about $463,000, even a small down payment can get you started, and assistance programs may help if you qualify.
Can I get a mortgage if I’m retired?
Yes. Lenders can count Social Security, pensions and, in some cases, retirement savings to qualify you. We compare which lenders treat your retirement income most favorably.
Do I need a jumbo loan?
Only if your loan amount is above $832,750, the 2026 conforming limit in Sarasota 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 Sarasota?
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.
