Mortgage Broker Sarasota FL

Sarasota sits at the intersection of Florida’s arts culture and its luxury Gulf Coast real estate market, a city that draws retirees, artists, seasonal residents, and investors to its white-sand beaches, world-class performing arts scene, and consistently strong property values. Whether you’re purchasing a primary residence in downtown Sarasota, a beachfront home on Siesta Key, or a vacation rental on Longboat Key, Lena Polnet is your licensed Florida mortgage broker.

Lena is licensed in both Pennsylvania and Florida (NMLS #17225, Company NMLS #17144) and brings 28+ years of mortgage experience to the Sarasota County market. She works across the full spectrum, from first-time buyers to high-net-worth retirees and DSCR investors, and structures financing that fits both the property and the buyer. Call (215) 364-7171 to begin.

Home Loans in Sarasota FL

Sarasota’s real estate market is one of Florida’s most dynamic, strong demand from retiring baby boomers, a robust arts and cultural community that attracts year-round residents, and a vacation home segment centered on Siesta Key (frequently ranked the #1 beach in the U.S.) and Longboat Key. Lena’s product lineup is tailored to this market:

• Jumbo Loans, essential for Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and waterfront Sarasota properties exceeding the $806,500 conforming limit
• Conventional Loans, the standard for retirees and move-up buyers in mainland Sarasota, Palmer Ranch, and Lakewood Ranch
• VA Loans, zero-down financing for veterans; Sarasota has a strong veteran community and Lena is experienced with VA in this market
• FHA Loans, accessible entry-point for buyers in Sarasota’s more affordable inland neighborhoods
• Second Home / Vacation Loans, conventional and jumbo second-home financing for seasonal buyers and part-time Sarasota residents
• Asset Depletion Loans, for high-net-worth retirees with significant investment portfolios but limited W-2 income
• Bank Statement / Non-QM Loans, for Sarasota’s self-employed professionals, artists, and business owners whose tax returns don’t reflect actual income

Real Estate Investors in Sarasota FL

Siesta Key and Longboat Key are among Florida’s most competitive short-term rental markets, Siesta Key’s quartz sand beach drives premium nightly rates and consistently high occupancy, while Longboat Key’s exclusive profile attracts high-end vacation renters willing to pay a premium. Lena finances both entry-level investment properties and luxury STR acquisitions.

• DSCR Loans, no personal income or tax returns; qualify on the property’s rental income using AirDNA market data to document STR revenue for Siesta Key and Longboat Key properties
• LLC / Entity Vesting, hold investment properties in an LLC or trust for liability protection and estate planning
• No Tax Return Qualification, for investors whose returns reflect depreciation, pass-through losses, or complex structures that understate cash flow
• Cash-Out Refinance (Jumbo), access equity from existing Sarasota County rentals to fund new acquisitions
• Portfolio Loans, multi-property financing for investors scaling a Sarasota STR portfolio across multiple barrier island communities

Call (215) 364-7171 to discuss vacation rental and investment property financing in Sarasota.

Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs

First-time buyers in Sarasota County can access Florida’s state-backed down payment and rate assistance programs. Lena layers every available source to minimize upfront costs:

• Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FL Housing), below-market 30-year fixed rates for income-qualified first-time buyers in Sarasota County
• Florida Assist ($10,000 DPA), deferred second mortgage with zero interest and no monthly payment; repaid only on sale or refinance
• HFA Preferred Grant, 3 to 4% non-repayable grant layered with an FL Housing first mortgage for eligible buyers
• Sarasota County Local Programs, additional workforce housing and DPA initiatives may be available at the county level; Lena coordinates all funding sources

Income and purchase price limits apply. In the Sarasota market, these programs are most applicable in the North Sarasota, Newtown, and South Sarasota submarkets where prices fall within FL Housing limits.

Sarasota FL Mortgage FAQ

Can I use AirDNA data to qualify for a DSCR loan on a Siesta Key vacation rental?

Yes. Lena works with DSCR lenders that accept AirDNA market rent data as the basis for income documentation on short-term rental properties. Siesta Key’s strong occupancy rates and premium nightly pricing typically support favorable DSCR ratios for well-priced acquisitions. No personal income verification is required, the property’s projected income does the work.

Are Jumbo loans competitive in Sarasota compared to conventional financing?

Jumbo loan rates have converged significantly with conventional rates over the past few years. In the current environment, portfolio lenders offering Jumbo products are often competitive with conforming Fannie Mae rates, especially for well-qualified borrowers. Lena shops multiple Jumbo lenders on your behalf to find the most competitive rate and terms for your Sarasota purchase.

What financing options are available for a Longboat Key second home that I’ll also rent out seasonally?

This depends on the frequency and structure of your rentals. Properties rented for less than 15 days per year may still qualify as a second home under conventional guidelines. For properties rented more frequently, a DSCR investment property loan is the cleanest solution, no occupancy requirements, qualification based on rental income, and no restriction on rental frequency. Lena evaluates your specific situation to determine the optimal loan structure.

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.