Home loans for Florida nurses, including shift differentials and travel contracts

Base pay is the easy part. Overtime, shift differentials and bonus pay can usually count when there's a history of receiving it and it's likely to continue, which typically means about two years. Per diem and travel nursing income get a closer look at history and continuity. I review your pay stubs and W2s before you make an offer so there are no surprises. If you are comparing healthcare programs, my guide to physician loan affordability in Maine and Florida shows how lenders look at that side. Nurses near the big Tampa Bay hospitals often ask me about Tampa, Bradenton and Punta Gorda, and condo buyers should read about Florida condo special assessments first.

1. Conventional, with 3% down for eligible first time buyers. Not everyone will qualify.
2. FHA, with 3.5% down at a 580 or higher credit score.
3. VA, with no down payment required for eligible veterans with full entitlement, including nurses who served.
4. Florida down payment assistance programs, when you're eligible.

1. Commute and neighborhoods. Nurses working downtown and in Westshore often look at Seminole Heights, Carrollwood, Town 'n' Country and Brandon. Each has a different mix of older homes and newer HOA communities.
2. Insurance. Older homes with older roofs can be hard or expensive to insure. A four point inspection and a wind mitigation report often come up before closing.
3. Flood. Homes in FEMA flood zones need flood insurance on a federally backed loan.
4. Condos. A condo near the hospital needs an association review, including reserves and inspection status.

Send me your last two pay stubs and the area you're looking at, and I'll tell you which programs make sense.