The snowbird's mortgage broker.
One broker, both states. I help Mainers buy their winter place in Florida, Floridians grab a summer escape up north, and everyone in between figure out the financing without juggling two lenders.
Travis Penny, mortgage broker, NMLS 1649161.
Can you finance a Florida second home as a Maine resident?
Yes. A snowbird or second home in Florida can be financed while you keep your primary home in Maine. Qualifying looks at your income and both properties, and the down payment and terms differ from a primary purchase. I review these files with Maine clients.
Financing a snowbird seasonal home in Florida
I can arrange financing for a Florida winter home you use yourself while you keep your Maine primary home. I review your income and both properties to find a program that fits your seasonal use. Call or text 207-615-7770. I also cover renting, buying and splitting time in Sun City Center in my local guide.
Retiring to Florida from Maine or the Northeast
I arrange primary and second home loans in Florida for buyers coming from Maine or the Northeast. I start with whether Florida will be your own home or a seasonal place, and review the financing around that use. Call or text 207-615-7770.
Who I help
Built for the life in two states
Mainers heading south
Keep the house up north and add a winter place in FL, Naples, Sarasota, the Keys, anywhere the sun hits.
Floridians escaping summer
Grab a cottage on the coast or a camp on the lake. I plan the timeline with you early so the closing fits your Maine summer.
Half the year in each state
You already split time. Let's restructure the financing so it actually fits how you live.
The snowbird playbook
How we'll structure it
A few proven paths depending on whether you're keeping both homes, selling one, or planning to rent out the off-season.
Second Home Financing
Second home financing typically starts at 10% down for eligible clients, with pricing closer to a primary home than an investment property. Best when you're keeping both and using the second yourself.
Using Equity in Your Primary Home
Tap the equity in your Maine (or Florida) home to fund the down payment on the other. One closing, no juggling banks.
DSCR / Investor Loans
Want to rent it out the months you're not there? Qualify on the property's rental income, not your tax returns.
Bridge Loans
Closing dates don't always line up. A bridge loan lets you buy now and sell later without panic.
Why one broker matters
Two states, one phone number.
I'm licensed in Maine and Florida. So when you call, you're not getting a call center, a transferred call, or a banker who's never seen a Florida flood disclosure.
- No bouncing between a Florida lender and a Maine lender
- I know both markets, both insurance landscapes, both timelines
- For investors: DSCR loans across the states listed on my Licensing page if you want to expand
- Call or text me directly about your plans
What you'll need to get preapproved
Snowbird files are mostly the same as a primary purchase. Here's the short list:
- Last 2 years employment records or tax returns (or rental income docs for DSCR)
- 2 most recent pay stubs
- Recent statements showing down payment + reserves
- Photo ID and a quick credit pull
- Insurance quote on the new property (I can connect you with agents)
This information is general education, not a loan offer or a commitment to lend. Down payment and credit requirements vary by client, property, and lender, and program guidelines change. For your own numbers, call or text me at (207) 615-7770 or email Travis@travis.mortgage.
Snowbird FAQ
Quick answers
How much do I need to put down on a second home?
Second home financing typically starts at 10% down for eligible clients, rather than 20%. Occupancy, credit, and the property affect the requirement. See vacation home loans for the full picture, and we'll walk through what makes sense for your numbers.
Can I rent it out when I'm not there?
It depends on how you'll use it. A second home loan is for a place you use yourself. Under Fannie Mae's rules a second home can't be rental property, and rent can't be used to qualify. If you plan to rent it out regularly, it's an investment property, and a DSCR loan is usually the better fit.
Do I have to fly down to close?
No. We use remote online notarization and overnight closings when available. We can discuss the closing options for your property.
What about hurricane and flood insurance?
I'll flag flood risk early in underwriting and connect you with Florida insurance insurance agents so you don't get blindsided two weeks before closing.
Can I use my Maine home's equity for the Florida down payment?
Absolutely. A cash out refinance or HELOC on the primary is one of the cleanest ways to fund a snowbird purchase. We'll model both.
Ready to chase the sun (or the snow)?
Start an application online, or just call me. You'll work with one broker in both states, with no nonsense.
Average of my loans from submission to clear to close. Not a guarantee; individual timelines vary. Clear to close means underwriting is done. Closing is scheduled after that.