Will checking my mortgage options hurt my credit score?

No. We start with a soft pull only — zero impact to your credit score. A hard pull only happens once you decide to move forward.

I was already denied by my bank. Can I still get approved?

Yes. Banks use rigid guidelines. We have flexible programs including bank statement loans, DSCR, and non-QM products. A denial from them is not a denial from us.

I'm self-employed and my taxes show low income. Can I qualify for a mortgage?

Yes — we qualify self-employed borrowers using 12 or 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns. We look at actual cash flow, not write-offs.

How fast can you close a mortgage loan?

Most loans close in 21–30 days. For buyers in contract with qualifying issues we move as fast as possible — call us directly for your specific timeline.

Do I need a 20% down payment to buy a home?

No. We have programs starting at 3–3.5% down and can often pair them with down payment assistance programs.

What is the best loan for Tampa homebuyers?

It depends on income, down payment, and goals. FHA works well for first-time Tampa buyers at 3.5% down, conventional suits buyers with strong credit, VA offers 0% down for eligible veterans — a major factor in Tampa given MacDill AFB — and DSCR is the go-to for Tampa investors.

Are DSCR loans available for Tampa investment properties?

Yes. Tampa investors regularly use DSCR loans for long-term rentals and short-term rental properties. Qualification is based on the property's rental income rather than personal tax returns — well suited to Tampa's strong rental market.

What down payment is required to buy a home in Tampa?

Requirements vary by program. FHA requires as little as 3.5% down, conventional may allow 3% for qualified buyers, and VA offers 100% financing for eligible veterans. Many Tampa buyers also use down payment assistance programs or seller concessions to reduce upfront costs.

How long does mortgage pre-approval take in Tampa?

Most Tampa buyers can be pre-approved within 24 hours, often the same day. A fast pre-approval matters in competitive Tampa neighborhoods where multiple offers are common.

Are jumbo loans available for Tampa luxury homes?

Yes. Traditional jumbo and non-QM jumbo programs are available up to $5,000,000, commonly used for South Tampa, Davis Islands, waterfront, and Westshore-area luxury properties.

Can I get approved for a Tampa mortgage with less-than-perfect credit?

Yes. FHA loans and non-QM programs allow more credit flexibility, and loans have closed for buyers with scores starting at 580. The full financial picture matters more than a single score.

Tampa Mortgage Lender | FHA, VA, DSCR & Home Loans | The Galli Team

Home › Tampa Mortgage Lender

Tampa Bay Lender · 29+ Years · 4.9★ Rating

Tampa's Mortgage Lenderfor Buyers Who Move Fast.

Q: Do you offer DSCR loans for real estate investors?

Yes, DSCR loans are a specialty of ours. They qualify based on the property's rental income, not your personal tax returns — ideal for investors with multiple properties.

Tampa Bay expertise, every loan type. Fast pre-approvals that win offers in competitive neighborhoods. FHA, VA, DSCR, bank statement, jumbo, and down payment assistance — from South Tampa to New Tampa, we know this market.

Get Pre-Approved Today → 📞 (941) 529-1040

Tampa Bay lender Same-day pre-qual VA loan specialists Response in 2 hours

Chris Galli - Region Manager, Novus Home Mortgage, The Galli Team

"I've helped Tampa Bay families, veterans, and investors close for 29 years. Deep roots on this coast — and answers within two hours, not two days."

Chris Galli · Region Manager · Bradenton, FL · NMLS# 13152

29+

Years Experience

4.9★

Client Rating

Top 1%

Nationally

Living & Buying in Tampa

Florida's Fastest-Moving Big-City Market.

Tampa keeps drawing families, professionals, veterans, and investors — a booming job market, no state income tax, championship sports, and neighborhoods for every lifestyle. From historic bungalows in Seminole Heights to waterfront estates on Davis Islands and new construction in Wesley Chapel, Tampa Bay offers something for every buyer.

We provide mortgage lending throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the greater Bay area. With MacDill AFB in the city, we're especially proud of our VA loan work for veterans and active-duty service members — zero down, no monthly mortgage insurance.

Based just down the coast in Bradenton, with deep experience in Sarasota and St. Petersburg — buyers can compare the whole Gulf Coast without changing lenders.

Tampa, Florida

Neighborhoods We Serve

Tampa's Best Communities.

South Tampa

Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Bayshore Boulevard — Tampa's most sought-after established neighborhoods.

Davis Islands & Harbour Island

Waterfront luxury living minutes from downtown. Popular with executives and medical professionals.

Seminole Heights

Historic bungalows, craft breweries, and one of Tampa's fastest-appreciating areas.

Westchase & Carrollwood

Family-friendly master-planned communities with top schools in northwest Tampa.

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel

New construction, growing communities, and excellent value north of the city.

Downtown & Water Street

High-rise condos and walkable urban living in Tampa's booming downtown core.

Tampa Loan Programs

Every Type of Loan, Under One Roof.

Whatever your situation — first-time buyer, veteran, investor, self-employed, or relocating — we have a Tampa mortgage program built for you.

🏠

Conventional

As low as 3% down for qualified Tampa buyers.

🇺🇸

VA Loans

0% down for veterans & MacDill service members.

🏡

FHA / USDA

3.5% down FHA; USDA in outlying areas.

💎

Jumbo up to $5M

Davis Islands, Bayshore, and waterfront estates.

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Bank Statement

Self-employed buyers — qualify on deposits, not tax returns.

🏘️

DSCR Investor

Qualified by rental income — built for Tampa's rental market.

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Condo Financing

Downtown & Water Street towers, including non-warrantable.

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100% Financing

With DPA, zero out of pocket is possible for eligible buyers.

🆔

ITIN Loans

For Tampa buyers without a Social Security Number.

🔨

Renovation Loans

Buy & renovate — perfect for Seminole Heights bungalows.

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1099 / 1-Yr Returns

Contractors and 1099 earners — one year of returns.

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Construction Loans

Single-close construction-to-permanent options.

Down Payment Help

Tampa Down Payment Assistance Programs.

Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles to buying in Tampa. The good news: there are programs available right now that can dramatically reduce — or even eliminate — what you bring to closing.

We work with the major down payment assistance programs available to Tampa buyers, and program funding changes throughout the year — so we always check current availability for your specific situation.

See What You Qualify For →

Florida Housing

State-level down payment assistance for eligible Florida buyers, pairing with FHA and conventional first mortgages.

Hillsborough County Programs

County-level assistance for eligible Tampa-area buyers. Funding varies by year — we check current availability for you.

Chenoa Fund

Nationwide down payment assistance available in Tampa. Often pairs with FHA for 100% financing.

FHLB

FHLB Grant Program

Federal Home Loan Bank grants for eligible Tampa homebuyers.

Tampa Questions

Tampa
Mortgage FAQs.

Straight answers from a Tampa Bay lender — not vague corporate speak.

Get My Pre-Approval →

Depends on your income, down payment, and goals. FHA is great for first-time Tampa buyers (3.5% down). Conventional works for those with strong credit. VA is unbeatable for eligible veterans (0% down) — a big deal in Tampa with MacDill AFB. DSCR is the go-to for Tampa investors. We'll match you to the best one for your situation.

Very. With MacDill Air Force Base and one of Florida's largest veteran communities, VA loans are one of the most-used programs in Tampa. Eligible veterans and active-duty members buy with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance — and we handle VA files every week.

Yes — Tampa's strong rental market makes it a DSCR hotspot. Qualification is based on the property's rental income, not your personal income or tax returns. Perfect for investors building portfolios across Tampa Bay.

Varies by program. FHA requires as little as 3.5% down. Conventional may allow 3% for qualified buyers. VA offers 100% financing for eligible veterans. Many Tampa buyers also use assistance programs or seller concessions to reduce upfront costs further.

Most Tampa buyers can get pre-approved within 24 hours, often the same day. In competitive neighborhoods like Seminole Heights and South Tampa, a fast pre-approval is often the difference between winning and losing the house.

Yes. Traditional jumbo and non-QM jumbo programs up to $5,000,000. Common uses: Davis Islands waterfront, Bayshore Boulevard estates, Harbour Island, and Westshore-area luxury homes.

Yes — we help relocators every week. With a signed offer letter and a start date within 60 days of closing, we can often use your new income to qualify. You don't have to wait until you're physically working in Florida.

Yes. FHA loans and non-QM programs allow more flexibility — we've closed loans for buyers with scores starting at 580. Your full picture matters more than a single number.

Tampa Resources

Helpful Local Links for Tampa Buyers.

Useful resources for anyone buying, selling, or relocating to Tampa, Florida.

City & County Services

Schools & Community

Nearby Service Areas

Looking in Nearby Areas?

St Petersburg Bradenton Sarasota Lakewood Ranch Venice Wellen Park

Same-Day Pre-Approval · Tampa Bay Lender · 29+ Years

Your Tampa Home
Starts Here.

Tell us your situation — we'll have a clear path forward within 2 hours. Local expertise, fast approvals, every loan type.

Get Pre-Approved Today → 📞 Call (941) 529-1040

Tampa Bay lender No hard credit pull Response within 2 hours No obligation

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