Tool

Mortgage calculator

Estimate your monthly payment with taxes, insurance, and HOA included. A guide only — get a real pre-approval with a lender.

Estimated monthly payment

$0

Principal & interest
$0
Taxes
$0
Insurance
$0

Loan amount: $0

Estimated calculation for informational purposes. Not a loan offer or pre-approval.

What others forget to include

Property tax by county

Florida property tax is set per county: on average roughly 1.06% of value in Palm Beach, 1.12% in Broward, and 1.00% in Miami-Dade (effective rates). The calculator estimates it from the county you pick — and you can override it by hand.

Home insurance (and flood insurance)

Insurance in South Florida runs above the national average because of hurricane risk. Near the coast, your lender may also require flood insurance. Budget for both from day one.

HOA and condos

Many gated communities and nearly all condos charge a monthly HOA fee ranging from $50 to $1,000+. It is not part of the mortgage, but it is part of your real monthly payment — always include it.

Foreign buyer: higher down payment

Foreign-national loans for buyers without a US credit history typically require 25–30% down and a somewhat higher rate. Adjust the down payment and rate in the calculator to see your real scenario.

South Florida property tax by county (on a $500,000 home)
CountyEffective ratePer yearPer month
Palm Beach1.06%$5,300$442
Broward1.12%$5,600$467
Miami-Dade1.00%$5,000$417
Average effective rates as of mid-2026. Your actual figure varies by city, special districts, and exemptions — the homestead exemption lowers the taxable base on a primary residence.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need in Florida?

It depends on the loan: conventional loans start at 3–5% for residents with good credit, FHA at 3.5%, and foreign-national loans usually require 25–30%. Below 20% down you typically also pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Can I buy a home in Florida as a foreigner without US credit?

Yes. Foreign-national loan programs do not require a US credit history: they ask for a passport, valid visa, bank reserves, and a larger down payment (25–30%). Buying in cash is also very common among international buyers.

How much is property tax in Palm Beach?

The average effective rate in Palm Beach County is around 1.06% of the property value per year (it varies by city and exemptions). A $500,000 home pays roughly $5,300 a year. If it is your primary residence, the homestead exemption can lower it.

What is an HOA and do I have to pay it?

The HOA (Homeowners Association) fee maintains the community: common areas, security, amenities. It is mandatory in communities that have one. Condo fees tend to be higher because they include part of the building insurance.

Is this estimate a pre-approval?

No. It is an informational estimate to orient you. A real pre-approval comes from a lender after reviewing your income and documents — Paola can recommend bilingual lenders who work with foreign buyers.

The next step

Do the numbers work for you?

Paola connects you with bilingual lenders and walks with you from pre-approval to keys.