Mortgage Broker Clearwater FL

Clearwater is one of Florida’s most sought-after coastal communities — white sand beaches, a thriving retiree population, and a strong vacation rental market that draws investors from across the country. Whether you’re purchasing a beachfront condo, refinancing a waterfront home, or acquiring a short-term rental property on Clearwater Beach, Lena Polnet is your licensed Florida mortgage broker with the experience to close your loan efficiently.

Lena is licensed in both Pennsylvania and Florida (NMLS #17225, Company NMLS #17144) and has been helping buyers, retirees, and real estate investors secure financing for 28+ years. She understands the Pinellas County market — the mix of primary residences, snowbird second homes, and income-producing short-term rentals — and matches each client to the right loan program. Call (215) 364-7171 to get started.

Home Loans in Clearwater FL

Clearwater’s housing market reflects its coastal appeal: median prices above the national average, strong demand from retirees relocating from colder states, and an active second-home segment. Lena offers the full spectrum of mortgage products suited to this market:

• Conventional Loans — ideal for retirees and move-up buyers with strong credit and down payments of 5–20%
• Jumbo Loans — for higher-priced Clearwater Beach and Island Estates properties exceeding conforming limits
• FHA Loans — low down payment options for buyers establishing roots in the Pinellas County area
• VA Loans — zero-down financing for eligible veterans, a substantial benefit in this competitive coastal market
• Second Home / Vacation Home Loans — conventional financing for part-time residences with favorable second-home rates
• Reverse Mortgages / HECM — for Clearwater retirees 62+ looking to access home equity without monthly payments
• Bank Statement Loans — for self-employed buyers who can’t document income via traditional tax returns

Real Estate Investors in Clearwater FL

Clearwater Beach and the surrounding Pinellas County corridor are among Florida’s top-performing short-term rental (STR) markets. Properties near the beach, Pier 60, and Island Estates generate strong nightly rates and high occupancy — making DSCR financing an ideal tool for investors.

• DSCR Loans (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) — qualify based on the property’s rental income, not your personal income or tax returns. Lena uses AirDNA market data to document projected STR revenue for lender underwriting.
• LLC Vesting — purchase investment properties in your LLC or entity for liability protection and portfolio structuring
• No Tax Return Qualification — DSCR loans require no personal income documentation, ideal for investors with complex returns
• Cash-Out Refinance — pull equity from existing Clearwater rentals to fund your next acquisition
• Portfolio Loans — finance multiple investment properties under one structured facility

Whether you’re buying your first Clearwater Beach vacation rental or scaling a multi-property STR portfolio in Pinellas County, Lena structures financing around the property’s income potential. Call (215) 364-7171.

Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Florida offers meaningful assistance for first-time buyers entering the Clearwater market. Lena is familiar with all active state programs and helps buyers layer grants with mortgage financing:

• Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FL Housing) — offers 30-year fixed-rate loans at below-market interest rates for income-qualified first-time buyers in Pinellas County
• Florida Assist ($10,000 DPA) — a deferred second mortgage of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs; no monthly payment, no interest, due only on sale or refinance
• HFA Preferred Grant — a 3–4% grant (not repaid) layered on top of FL Housing first mortgage for eligible buyers
• Pinellas County Local Programs — additional down payment assistance may be available through county housing initiatives; Lena coordinates these with state programs

Income and purchase price limits apply. Lena will determine your eligibility and maximize the assistance available to you.

Clearwater FL Mortgage FAQ

Can I use STR income from AirBnB to qualify for a mortgage in Clearwater?

Yes — through DSCR financing, the property’s projected or actual short-term rental income (documented via AirDNA market reports or existing lease agreements) is used to qualify. Your personal income and tax returns are not required. Lena works with DSCR lenders experienced in the Clearwater Beach vacation rental market.

Are there special loan programs for buying a second home on Clearwater Beach?

Conventional second-home financing is available with as little as 10% down, typically at rates slightly above primary residence loans. Properties must be occupied by the borrower for a portion of the year and not be structured as a rental business. If the property will be primarily rented, an investment property loan (or DSCR) applies. Lena helps you determine the right classification for your specific situation.

What’s the jumbo loan threshold in Pinellas County for 2025?

The 2025 conforming loan limit for Pinellas County is $806,500 for a single-family home. Loans above this amount are considered jumbo and require separate underwriting. Lena works with jumbo lenders offering competitive rates for Clearwater’s higher-priced coastal properties.

Lena Polnet, NMLS #17225 | Dynamic Funding Solutions, NMLS #17144 | Licensed in Pennsylvania and Florida. This is not a commitment to lend. Loan approval subject to credit, income, and property qualification. Equal Housing Lender.