Mortgage broker in Tampa, FL
Buying, refinancing or tapping your equity in Tampa? 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 Tampa buyers and homeowners
Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and home to about 402,000 people. From the Riverwalk and downtown to neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Seminole Heights and historic Ybor City, the city offers a wide range of homes and prices.
MacDill Air Force Base is in South Tampa, and lenders made about 3,200 VA loans in Hillsborough County in 2025. With a median home value of about $420,000, Gillors compares VA, FHA and conventional loans from multiple lenders.
Tampa at a glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
Home purchase loans in Hillsborough County, 2021–2025
Lenders made 17,344 home purchase loans in Hillsborough County in 2025. That is 39% fewer than in 2021 and 3% 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, Hillsborough County, FL.
Average home purchase loan in Hillsborough County
The average purchase loan in Hillsborough County grew from about $394,000 in 2021 to $428,000 in 2025, up roughly 9%.
Source: CFPB HMDA data. Average loan amount, originated home purchase loans, Hillsborough County, FL.
How Hillsborough County borrowers financed their homes in 2025
Share of all home loans made in Hillsborough County in 2025 (purchase and refinance), by loan type. Source: CFPB HMDA data.
Refinance loans in Hillsborough County, 2021–2025
Refinancing dropped sharply after rates rose in 2022, then started to recover: lenders made 7,371 refinance loans in Hillsborough County in 2025, up 19% 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, Hillsborough County, FL.
What to know before buying in Tampa
Conforming vs. jumbo
In 2026 the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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.
VA loans
With MacDill Air Force Base nearby, many local buyers are service members or veterans. Eligible buyers can use a VA loan with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
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.
Tampa housing news
- Tampa Election Day 2026 Voting Guide: Where, How To Vote; CandidatesPatch · Nov 3, 2026
- Tampa healthcare company bets big on 6 unapproved peptides after federal policy shiftTBBW · Nov 2, 2026
- From Paris to Bayshore: The Fausto Group Introduces a New Chapter in Tampa Bay Luxury Real EstateTampa Magazine · Nov 2, 2026
- Downtown Tampa’s former Gen X Tavern reopens with new Japanese restaurant conceptTBBW · Nov 2, 2026
- Castor says Tampa has surpassed 10,000-unit affordable housing goalwww.tampabaybeacons.com · Nov 1, 2026
Latest local headlines from Google News, updated automatically. Gillors is not affiliated with these publishers.
Questions about mortgages in Tampa
How much do I need for a down payment in Tampa?
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 Tampa median value of about $420,000, even a small down payment can get you started, and assistance programs may help if you qualify.
Do I need flood insurance in Tampa?
If the home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. Even outside those zones, many Tampa homeowners choose it. Check the flood zone and get a quote before you make an offer.
Do I need a jumbo loan?
Only if your loan amount is above $832,750, the 2026 conforming limit in Hillsborough 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 Tampa?
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.
