Worcester, MA β Sarasota & Bradenton, FL
Moving to Sarasota & Bradenton from Massachusetts
So did we.
One mortgage team with an office in Worcester and an office in Bradenton. We've made the move ourselves, we lend in both states, and we'll have you pre-approved for Florida before you get on the plane, whether you sell first, buy first, or do both at once.
How do you get a mortgage in Florida when you still live in Massachusetts? Get pre-approved by a lender licensed in both states before you travel, decide whether you'll sell your Massachusetts home first or buy in Florida first (there are loan structures for both), and close remotely with a Florida online notary. The Galli Team at Novus Home Mortgage has offices in Worcester, MA and Bradenton, FL and lends in all 50 states, so one team handles the Massachusetts sale-side questions, the Florida purchase, the property tax and insurance differences, and the timing in between.
The money differences
Six things that surprise Massachusetts buyers.
None of them are deal-breakers. All of them belong in the budget before you fall in love with a lanai.
No state income tax
Massachusetts takes 5% (more on income over $1M). Florida takes nothing. On a $200K household that can be roughly $10,000 a year back toward a payment.
Property tax resets at sale
The tax figure on the listing is the seller's capped bill. Yours resets to your purchase price. Budget roughly 1.2β1.8% of price per year; homestead and the 3% Save Our Homes cap protect you after that.
Insurance is a real line item
Wind and, in some zones, flood. Newer inland homes in Lakewood Ranch, Parrish and Wellen Park often price far better than older homes on the water. We get a quote before you write.
HOA & CDD fees
Master-planned communities often carry a CDD assessment on the tax bill plus HOA dues. Both count in your qualifying payment, so we model them up front.
Homestead exemption
File once after closing for up to $50,000 off your assessed value. Your assessed value then can't rise more than 3% a year. Massachusetts has nothing like it.
Seller credits are on the table
When sellers are offering credits, a seller-paid 2-1 buydown can lower your year-one payment while you settle in. See how β
Timing
Sell first, buy first, or both at once. There's a loan for each.
| Path | How it works | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Sell MA first | Close in Massachusetts, bring the equity, and buy in Florida with a clean file. Short-term rental or family in between. | You need the MA equity for the down payment and can handle a gap. |
| Buy FL first (keep MA for now) | Qualify carrying both payments, or offset the MA payment with a signed lease. A HELOC on the MA home can fund the Florida down payment. | Strong income or assets, and you want to move once, not twice. |
| Buy FL first, then recast | Close in Florida with a smaller down payment, sell MA, then apply the proceeds to the Florida loan. The payment drops without a refinance. | You want the Florida house now and the lower payment later. |
| Bridge-style financing | A short-term loan secured by the MA home's equity to close in Florida, paid off when the MA home sells. | Equity-rich, timing-tight, and the MA home will sell quickly. |
Every path is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. We map the one that fits your numbers on the first call.
Where New Englanders land
The Suncoast, by what you're looking for.
Lakewood Ranch
Master-planned living, new construction and 55+ villages. A favorite with Massachusetts families and retirees. Watch the CDD line. Lakewood Ranch β
Venice & Wellen Park
Newer homes, often lower insurance, and a walkable downtown. Popular with pre-retirees who want new and low-maintenance. Wellen Park β
Bradenton & Palmetto
Strong value near the water, about 15 minutes to Anna Maria. Our home office is here. Bradenton β
Parrish & North River Ranch
New construction, bigger lots, lower price points, and USDA-eligible pockets with $0 down. USDA loans β
Sarasota & the keys
Downtown condos, West of Trail, Siesta and Longboat. Condo review and jumbo are the two things to get right. Condo Β· Jumbo β
Self-employed?
Moving your business south often means write-offs that shrink your taxable income. A bank statement loan qualifies you on deposits instead. Bank statement loans β
Not sure yet? Most families visit two or three times before choosing. Get pre-approved once; we'll re-run the numbers for each neighborhood.
Budget translator
What does your Massachusetts house buy in Florida?
Rough, honest math: your equity plus your income, with Florida taxes, insurance and the income-tax savings folded in.
Illustration only, using an example rate, 43% DTI, Florida taxes ~1.5% and insurance ~0.6% of price, and MA income tax at 5%. Not a quote or approval.
"We're from New England. We made this exact move. Get the Florida pre-approval and the insurance quote done before the house-hunting trip, and the trip is fun instead of frantic."Chris Galli Β· Region Manager Β· Novus Home Mortgage Β· NMLS #13152 Β· Worcester, MA & Bradenton, FL
For agents on both ends
One lender for the Massachusetts listing and the Florida purchase.
Massachusetts agents
Your seller is moving to Florida. Refer them to us and we'll coordinate the Florida purchase around your Massachusetts closing and keep you in the loop. Our MA office β
Florida agents
Relocation buyers who show up pre-approved, insurance-quoted and clear on taxes make cleaner offers. Send us your out-of-state buyers before they fly down.
Builders & new-construction reps
Lakewood Ranch, Wellen Park, North River Ranch: we work relocation buyers through your timelines and explain CDD and HOA early.
Get started Β· No hard credit pull
Get pre-approved for Florida, from Massachusetts.
Tell us how to reach you and where you're looking. We'll call to map your timing and numbers.
Rather talk now? Call (941) 529-1040 or book a call.
Quick answers
Massachusetts-to-Florida mortgage FAQ.
Can I get pre-approved for a Florida home while I still live in Massachusetts?
Do I have to sell my Massachusetts home first?
Will my property taxes really be higher than the listing says?
How much is homeowners insurance in Sarasota or Bradenton?
Can I close without flying down?
Does Florida have down payment assistance for people moving from out of state?
Where do you have offices?
Related
Everything for the move.
Ready when you are
One call. A real answer.
Fifteen minutes with Chris or the team, no hard credit pull, and you'll know where you stand and what to do next.