Mortgage broker in St. Petersburg, FL
Buying, refinancing or tapping your equity in St. Petersburg? 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 St. Petersburg buyers and homeowners
St. Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County, with about 263,000 people. Its downtown waterfront, museums and neighborhoods like Old Northeast and Historic Kenwood draw buyers looking for a walkable lifestyle on Tampa Bay.
St. Petersburg has some of the oldest housing we see, with a median build year of 1969, and after the 2024 hurricane season, elevation, flood zones and insurance are front of mind for buyers. Gillors compares loan options from multiple lenders and helps you plan for the full monthly cost.
St. Petersburg at a glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
Home purchase loans in Pinellas County, 2021–2025
Lenders made 10,442 home purchase loans in Pinellas County in 2025. That is 41% fewer than in 2021 and about the same as 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, Pinellas County, FL.
Average home purchase loan in Pinellas County
The average purchase loan in Pinellas County grew from about $336,000 in 2021 to $462,000 in 2025, up roughly 38%.
Source: CFPB HMDA data. Average loan amount, originated home purchase loans, Pinellas County, FL.
How Pinellas County borrowers financed their homes in 2025
Share of all home loans made in Pinellas County in 2025 (purchase and refinance), by loan type. Source: CFPB HMDA data.
Refinance loans in Pinellas County, 2021–2025
Refinancing dropped sharply after rates rose in 2022, then started to recover: lenders made 5,213 refinance loans in Pinellas County in 2025, up 22% 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, Pinellas County, FL.
What to know before buying in St. Petersburg
Conforming vs. jumbo
In 2026 the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Pinellas 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 Pinellas 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.
Flood zones and elevation
Ask for the home’s flood zone and, if available, an elevation certificate. Both affect what flood insurance costs, and lenders require flood insurance for homes in high-risk zones.
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.
St. Petersburg housing news
- St. Petersburg voters approve all five ballot measures, including $600M infrastructure bondFlorida Politics · Nov 4, 2026
- Charlie Crist ousts Ken Welch to become St. Petersburg’s next MayorFlorida Politics · Nov 4, 2026
- Jabil expands St. Petersburg operations with new warehouse spaceThe Business Journals · Nov 2, 2026
- Cathie Wood Is Bringing Another Silicon Valley Heavyweight to St. PetersburgTBBW · Oct 29, 2026
- Charlie Crist, Ken Welch offer competing visions in St. Petersburg Mayor’s raceFlorida Politics · Oct 28, 2026
Latest local headlines from Google News, updated automatically. Gillors is not affiliated with these publishers.
Questions about mortgages in St. Petersburg
How much do I need for a down payment in St. Petersburg?
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 St. Petersburg median value of about $371,000, even a small down payment can get you started, and assistance programs may help if you qualify.
Can I buy an older home that needs work?
Yes. Renovation loans such as the FHA 203(k) and conventional renovation programs let you finance the purchase and the repairs together, based on the home’s value after the work.
Do I need a jumbo loan?
Only if your loan amount is above $832,750, the 2026 conforming limit in Pinellas 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 St. Petersburg?
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.
