Tampa Bay Mortgage Broker

Skyline Mortgage helps buyers and homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the rest of Tampa Bay compare loan options from multiple lenders. We serve the Tampa Bay area from our office in Palm Coast, and we work with borrowers by phone, video and secure document upload. We do not have a Tampa office.

As a licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #2386002), we help you compare programs and Loan Estimates. The lender you choose underwrites, approves and funds the loan.

Tampa Bay financing considerations

  • Check the flood zone before you tour. Much of Tampa Bay sits low along the bay, the Gulf and the Hillsborough River. Look up the exact address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, ask the seller for any elevation certificate and flood claim history, and get a flood quote before you make an offer. If the home is in a FEMA special flood hazard area and the loan is federally backed or regulated, flood insurance is generally required. Read our Florida flood insurance guide.
  • Buying a home that needs major work. In a flood hazard area, local floodplain rules can require large repairs or improvements to bring the whole building up to current flood standards. Ask the county or city floodplain office before you budget a renovation.
  • Homeowners insurance comes first. Lenders need proof of a policy before closing. Roof age, a 4-point inspection and wind mitigation features can decide whether a carrier will write the policy and what it costs. See homeowners insurance and mortgage approval.
  • Several counties, different numbers. Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties each have their own property appraiser, tax rates and homestead filing. Confirm the county before you compare estimates, and read how Florida property taxes reset after you buy.
  • MacDill AFB and VA buyers. Many Tampa buyers are active-duty, Guard, Reserve or veterans. We can explain how PCS timing, housing allowance and entitlement affect a purchase. See VA loans in Florida.
  • Condos in St. Pete, Clearwater and downtown Tampa. Florida's condo safety laws mean lenders look closely at the association's reserves, special assessments, milestone inspections and insurance. Some buildings won't meet a lender's rules. Read our Florida condo mortgage guide.
  • Higher-priced neighborhoods. Homes in parts of South Tampa, the beaches and other higher-priced areas may exceed the county conforming loan limit, which changes the loan options. See jumbo loans in Florida.
  • Outlying areas. Some areas outside the urban core may be eligible for USDA loans. Eligibility depends on the exact address and your household income. See USDA loans in Florida.
  • New construction and CDDs. Many newer communities in Hillsborough and Pasco have HOA dues and Community Development District assessments that count in your payment. If a builder offers incentives, compare the total cost and terms. You may choose your own lender.

Hurricane season and your closing date

When a named storm threatens the area, insurers may pause writing new policies until it passes. If you're closing between June and November, bind your homeowners and flood policies early, keep proof ready for the lender, and build a few extra days into the contract.

Loan options for Tampa Bay borrowers

Florida guides for Tampa Bay buyers

How it works from Palm Coast

  1. Call or request a consultation. Tell us the area, the price range and your timeline.
  2. Review documents. We list what the lender will likely need and review your income, assets and credit.
  3. Compare options. We walk through Loan Estimates from the lenders that fit, including costs, not just the payment.
  4. Apply, underwrite and close. You sign with a Tampa Bay title or closing agent, and we keep the file moving remotely.

See our Florida mortgage broker page for statewide information.

Call (407) 663-4743 or contact us to talk about a Tampa Bay purchase or refinance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Skyline Mortgage have an office in Tampa?

No. Our office is at 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Unit C211, Palm Coast, FL 32164. We serve Tampa Bay borrowers from Palm Coast by phone, video and secure online document upload.

Do I need flood insurance to get a mortgage in Tampa?

If the home is in a FEMA special flood hazard area and the loan is federally backed or regulated, flood insurance is generally required. Homes outside those areas can still flood, so many owners buy coverage anyway. Check the address on FEMA's flood map and get a quote before you make an offer.

Can Skyline Mortgage help with a VA loan near MacDill AFB?

Yes. We help eligible veterans and service members compare VA loans from multiple VA-approved lenders. Skyline Mortgage is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Which Tampa Bay counties does Skyline Mortgage serve?

We work with borrowers throughout Tampa Bay, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, and across the rest of Florida. Each county has its own property appraiser and tax rates, so confirm the county before you compare estimates.

What if the home costs more than the conforming loan limit?

A loan above the county conforming limit is generally a jumbo loan, which follows lender-specific rules for credit, assets and reserves. FHFA publishes the conforming limit for each county every year.

Can I finance a condo in St. Petersburg or Clearwater?

Often, yes, but the lender reviews the building as well as you. Expect questions about reserves, special assessments, milestone inspections, insurance and litigation. Some buildings don't meet a given lender's requirements, which can narrow the options.

Contact us(407) 663-4743