Clear2 Mortgage is licensed in Florida and works with Tampa homebuyers across every loan type, from VA loans near MacDill Air Force Base to jumbo financing in South Tampa. We shop 50+ wholesale lenders to find the rate your bank won't offer.
Tampa's housing market has shifted in buyers' favor. With 53.8% of listings carrying price reductions and days on market stretching to 41, 52 days, buyers have genuine negotiating leverage right now. That does not mean you can afford a slow lender. A pre-approval letter that reflects your full buying power, delivered the same day you find a home, still matters.
Clear2 is licensed in Florida and serves Tampa buyers remotely from our office in Troy, Michigan. As an independent broker, we shop more than 50 wholesale lenders to find the rate and program that fits your situation, whether that is a VA loan near MacDill Air Force Base, a bank statement loan for a self-employed professional relocating from the Northeast, or a jumbo for a South Tampa purchase above the conforming limit.
One factor Tampa buyers often miss: insurance. Hillsborough County flood zone designations vary significantly by zip code. Inland neighborhoods can cost $2,000, $3,500 per year to insure, while coastal properties can run $5,000, $8,000 or more. We factor insurance into your payment estimate from the start so there are no surprises at closing.
Mortgage Broker
NMLS 2576985 | Company NMLS #1911663
Mitchell Young works with buyers across a range of loan types and transaction complexities, bringing a client-focused approach to every step of the mortgage process. He is committed to helping borrowers understand their options and reach the closing table on schedule.
With access to 50+ wholesale lenders, Clear2 offers every loan program available in Florida, including programs many Tampa buyers do not know they qualify for.
VA loans are one of Tampa's most active mortgage products. MacDill Air Force Base, home to US Central Command and US Special Operations Command, drives consistent demand. $0 down, no PMI, competitive wholesale rates through our VA-approved lender network.
3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. The Hillsborough County FHA limit is $541,287, covering most starter and mid-range homes in Tampa. Pairs well with the Florida Assist down payment program for qualified first-time buyers.
Down payments as low as 3%. No PMI at 20% down. The conforming limit is $832,750, covering most of Westchase, New Tampa, and Seminole Heights. The right fit for move-up buyers and relocators with strong credit.
12, 24 months of bank statements replace tax returns. Built for self-employed professionals relocating from high-cost metros who show strong cash flow but complex taxable income. Common among Tampa's growing business community.
Qualify on rental income, not personal income. Tampa's rental demand from USF students, Tampa General Hospital staff, and MacDill personnel creates steady investment fundamentals. No tax returns required.
For purchases above the $832,750 conforming limit. South Tampa, Hyde Park, and premium waterfront properties routinely exceed this threshold. Jumbo financing through our wholesale network at rates retail banks rarely match.
Tampa is not one market. Price range, buyer profile, insurance exposure, and loan program fit vary significantly across the city. Here is what Clear2's loan officers see on the ground.
Tampa's most prestigious addresses, with historic oak canopy, waterfront access, and a concentration of executives and corporate relocators. Jumbo financing is standard here. Buyers should compare coastal flood zones carefully before making an offer.
Craftsman bungalows, independent restaurants, and local breweries define Tampa's fastest-moving submarket. Young professionals are the dominant buyer profile. Conventional loans are the most common fit in this price range.
A master-planned suburban community with top-rated schools and consistent demand from Northeast and Midwest relocating families. Median around $509K, $570K. Conventional is the dominant loan type; FHA works at the lower end of the range.
More affordable than South Tampa with excellent A-rated schools, making it a strong draw for families prioritizing education. Conventional and FHA both work here. One of the best values for buyers priced out of Westchase.
Urban waterfront living adjacent to Amalie Arena, with a growing restaurant and nightlife scene. Condos and townhomes dominate the inventory. Conventional is common; DSCR is active among investors targeting the rental market here.
Tampa's most affordable eastern suburbs with a broad range of $280K, $400K. First-time buyers using FHA and VA buyers taking advantage of $0 down are both active. Inland location also means meaningfully lower insurance costs than coastal neighborhoods.
Five-star reviews from Clear2 clients on Google.
"Donavin was straightforward and a breeze to work with. Communication was quick and easy. The whole process was seamless and he was available for guidance or questions. I would not hesitate to use Clear2 Mortgage in the future."
"Alex was absolutely amazing from the beginning. He was patient and thorough with all of our questions. He even followed up after the process was finalized to ensure everything was still good. I would recommend him to everyone!"
"The process was seamless and every question I had as a first-time home buyer was answered. My loan officer gave me his professional opinion based on my specific circumstances to personalize my loan."
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Tampa?
Most conventional loans require a minimum 620. FHA allows 580 with 3.5% down. VA loans technically have no minimum from the VA itself, though most lenders look for 620. Clear2 works with multiple wholesale lenders and can often find options for borrowers outside those ranges.
How does MacDill AFB affect the Tampa housing market?
MacDill is home to US Central Command and US Special Operations Command, two of the most significant military installations in the country. This drives consistent demand for VA loans across Hillsborough County, particularly in South Tampa, Brandon, and Riverview. VA buyers make up a meaningful share of active purchase transactions in these areas.
How much does insurance cost for a Tampa home?
It varies significantly by location. Inland Tampa zip codes typically run $2,000, $3,500 per year. Coastal and flood-zone properties in Hillsborough County saw 30, 50% increases in 2024, 2025 and can now cost $5,000, $8,000 or more annually. Clear2 factors insurance into your monthly payment estimate at the start of the process so there are no surprises.
Are there first-time buyer programs in Hillsborough County?
Yes. The Florida Assist program offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance for qualified first-time buyers. Florida also provides a Homestead Exemption of up to $50,000 off assessed value for primary residence owners, which reduces your property tax bill starting the year after you close.
How competitive is the Tampa market right now?
More buyer-friendly than it was in 2021, 2022. As of 2024, 2025 data, 53.8% of active listings have had at least one price reduction, days on market average 41, 52 days, and the sale-to-list ratio is around 97%. Buyers have real negotiating leverage, but a clean pre-approval letter still matters for getting offers accepted.
Does Clear2 lend in Florida?
Yes. Clear2 Mortgage is licensed in Florida and serves Tampa buyers remotely from our office in Troy, Michigan. We handle everything via phone, video, and secure document upload. Reach us at (248) 970-0040, Monday, Friday 9am, 6pm ET, or submit a rate quote request any time.
Can I get a HELOC in Tampa?
Yes. Clear2 offers HELOCs up to 90% combined loan-to-value (CLTV) in Florida, including Tampa. You can draw on the line as needed during a 10-year draw period and make interest-only payments. It's a strong option for homeowners looking to fund renovations, consolidate high-interest debt, or cover major expenses without refinancing. See our full HELOC program details.
No obligation, no hard credit pull. Just a clear picture of what you qualify for from a team licensed in Florida and experienced across every loan type active in this market.
Clear2 Mortgage, LLC. NMLS #1911663. Licensed Mortgage Broker. 2600 W Big Beaver Rd, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084. Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, property appraisal, and underwriting guidelines. Rates and terms subject to change without notice.
Clear2 Mortgage | Company NMLS #1911663 | Mitchell Young, Mortgage Broker, NMLS 2576985 | 2600 W Big Beaver Rd, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084 | Licensed to originate mortgage loans in Florida. This is not an offer to lend. All loans subject to credit approval and property qualification. Rates and programs subject to change without notice.
