Home financing in Union County.
County-by-county financing guides. No paperwork. No social. No ID.
No institution is headquartered inside the Union County line, but 1 keep an office open here. They are below, by name and by town.
Not this lane? Business FinancingPersonal Financing
The doors in Union County.
The CDFIs, credit unions, and microlenders that actually say yes — county by county, in two languages. We are not a lender. Nobody paid to be listed. And where a county has no good doors, we say so.
Based elsewhere, with a member-facing office inside the Union County line. You can walk in.
- First Florida Credit UnionPersonal · Home · Business capital
- Ascendus Inc.SBA microlenderCommunity lending · Business capital
- Black Business Investment Fund, Inc.SBA microlenderCommunity lending · Business capital
- Solitas House, Inc.Community lending · Business capital
- Community Enterprise Investments, Inc.Business capital
- Partners for Self-Employment, Inc. Working Capital FloridaBusiness capital
- Mission Asset FundAccepts ITIN
Zero-interest lending circles and credit building. SSN or ITIN accepted. Works through nonprofit partners across the country.
Personal - Accion Opportunity FundAccepts ITIN
Nonprofit small-business lender. Accepts ITIN in place of SSN. Serves most states, in English and Spanish.
Business capital - Grameen AmericaAccepts ITIN
Microloans for women entrepreneurs. Requires photo ID and proof of address — no SSN requirement. Branches in major metro areas.
Business capital
3 of the 9 are CDFI-certified.
The U.S. Treasury certifies them to lend to the people banks pass over. It is a loan, not a favour.
3 of these doors accept an ITIN.
They will open an application with an ITIN instead of a social security number. They are marked ACCEPTS ITIN below.
Union County is one of Florida's smallest and most rural counties, and finding the right home financing takes knowing where to look locally. This guide walks you through what home financing means, who qualifies, what paperwork to gather, and which local lenders, credit unions, and community organizations actually serve this area. It also covers Florida-specific programs and warns you about predatory lenders that target rural communities. Take your time — there is no rush, and the right option is out there for you.
What Is Home Financing?
Home financing means borrowing money to buy, build, or improve a home — and agreeing to pay it back over time, usually with interest. The most common form is a mortgage, where the home itself serves as collateral. Here is what you should know from the start:
- 01
**Principal**: The amount you borrow.
- 02**Interest rate**
The cost of borrowing, expressed as a percentage. Fixed rates stay the same; adjustable rates can change over time.
- 03**Loan term**
How long you have to repay — commonly 15 or 30 years.
- 04**Down payment**
The portion of the home's price you pay upfront. Conventional loans often require 3–20%, but some programs in Florida require little to nothing down.
- 05**Closing costs**
Fees paid when the loan finalizes — typically 2–5% of the loan amount.
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Who Qualifies? Local Factors in Union County
Union County's economy is shaped by agriculture, correctional employment (Union Correctional Institution and Florida State Prison are major employers), small business, and family farms. This matters for financing because lenders look at how stable and verifiable your income is.
**You may qualify for home financing if you:**
- Are a W-2 employee (government, corrections, school district, local business)
- Are self-employed or a solo contractor — with at least two years of documented income
- Are a farmworker or agricultural worker with verifiable income
- Have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number — several lenders in the broader North Florida region offer ITIN mortgage products
- Have limited or no credit history — some community lenders use alternative credit data (rent payment records, utility bills)
**Common qualifying factors lenders review:**
- Credit score: Conventional loans typically want 620+; FHA loans accept 580+ (sometimes 500 with a larger down payment); ITIN loans vary by lender
- Debt-to-income ratio: Most lenders want your total monthly debt payments to be under 43% of your gross income
- Employment history: Generally two years in the same field
- Property eligibility: Most of Union County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loan areas — confirm at the USDA eligibility map online
If you are unsure where you stand, a HUD-approved housing counselor (available via phone for Union County residents) can review your situation for free before you approach a lender.
Documents You Will Typically Need
Gathering your paperwork before you meet with a lender saves time and reduces stress. Here is what most lenders in Florida will ask for:
**For W-2 employees:**
- Last two years of W-2 forms
- Last two years of federal tax returns
- Last 30 days of pay stubs
- Two to three months of bank statements
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security Number or ITIN
**For self-employed borrowers and solo contractors:**
- Last two years of personal and business tax returns (with all schedules)
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement
- Business bank statements (12–24 months)
- Business license or registration, if applicable
**For ITIN applicants (no Social Security Number):**
- Valid ITIN letter from the IRS
- Passport or consular ID (matrícula consular)
- 12–24 months of bank statements
- Proof of residence (utility bills, lease)
- Two years of tax returns filed with your ITIN
**For all applicants:**
- Proof of down payment funds and their source
- Landlord contact or 12 months of rental payment records (if renting)
- Documentation of any other assets (retirement accounts, vehicles)
Keep originals and make copies. Do not send sensitive documents over unsecured email — ask your lender about a secure document portal.
Local Lenders, CDFIs, Credit Unions, and ITIN-Friendly Resources That Serve Union County
Union County does not have a dense network of bank branches, but residents have meaningful access through nearby institutions, regional CDFIs, and remote/phone-based services.
Florida State-Specific Programs and Regulatory Notes
Florida has several programs that directly benefit home buyers in rural counties like Union County. Here is what matters most: **Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing)** Florida Housing offers below-market first mortgage products and down payment assistance programs statewide. Key programs include: - **Florida First**: A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with below-market interest rates for first-time buyers. - **HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage**: Conventional and FHA loans paired with down payment assistance grants. - **Florida Assist**: Up to $10,000 in deferred, zero-interest down payment assistance — no monthly payment required until you sell, refinance, or pay off the home. These programs require you to work through a participating lender. Ask any local or regional lender if they are a Florida Housing-approved originator. **SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership)** Union County receives SHIP funds from the State of Florida annually. These funds are administered locally and can be used for down payment assistance, closing cost help, or rehabilitation. Availability changes year to year — contact the Union County Board of County Commissioners office in Lake Butler directly. **Homestead Exemption** Once you own a primary residence in Florida, you can apply for the Homestead Exemption through the Union County Property Appraiser's office. This reduces your taxable property value by up to $50,000, lowering your annual property tax bill. **Florida Regulatory Protections** - Florida law requires lenders to provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application — review it carefully. - The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) licenses and oversees mortgage lenders operating in the state. You can verify any lender's license at the OFR website or through the NMLS Consumer Access portal. - Florida has a three-day right of rescission on refinances of primary residences — you can cancel within three business days without penalty. **Property Insurance Note** Florida's property insurance market is stressed statewide. In Union County, premiums can be significant. Always get insurance quotes before finalizing your purchase — your lender will require proof of insurance at closing, and the cost affects your total monthly payment.
What to Avoid: Predatory Patterns and Common Traps
Rural counties like Union County can be targeted by predatory lenders because access to mainstream financing is more limited. Here is what to watch for — and walk away from:
**Rent-to-own contracts with hidden terms**
Some sellers in rural areas offer 'rent-to-own' or 'contract for deed' arrangements. These can look like homeownership but leave you with no legal title and no protections if the seller defaults or sells the property. Always have a licensed Florida real estate attorney review any contract before signing.
**High-pressure urgency tactics**
Legitimate lenders do not pressure you to sign 'today only' or warn you that rates will jump if you wait. Take the time you need. A good loan officer welcomes your questions.
**Title loan or land equity scams**
Some companies target homeowners who own rural land outright — offering quick cash loans against land value with balloon payments or extremely high interest. These can result in loss of land that has been in families for generations.
**Loan flipping**
This is when a lender convinces you to repeatedly refinance, each time adding fees and resetting your loan term. Ask how much equity you will lose and how much the total cost increases before agreeing to any refinance.
**Excessive fees and points**
Watch for origination fees above 1–2%, or discount points that don't meaningfully lower your rate. Compare Loan Estimates from at least two or three lenders.
**Unlicensed 'notario' services**
In some Latino communities, notarios (notary publics) offer immigration or loan help they are not legally authorized to provide. In Florida, only a licensed attorney or licensed mortgage originator can give you legal or mortgage advice. Verify licenses at the NMLS Consumer Access website.
**Signs of a trustworthy lender:**
- Gives you a written Loan Estimate before asking for money
- Has a verifiable NMLS number
- Does not pressure you
- Answers your questions clearly and completely
- Is licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Plain-Language Summary: Your Next Steps in Union County
Buying a home in Union County, Florida is very possible — even if you are self-employed, have an ITIN, have limited credit history, or have a modest income. The key is connecting with the right local and regional organizations before signing anything.
**Here is a simple path forward:**
1. **Start with free counseling.** Call a HUD-approved housing counselor (NeighborWorks Jacksonville or GreenPath Financial Wellness) before talking to any lender. It costs nothing and helps you understand exactly where you stand.
2. **Check USDA eligibility.** Most of Union County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans — which offer zero down payment for eligible borrowers. Contact the USDA Rural Development Gainesville office.
3. **Ask Union County about SHIP funds.** Down payment and closing cost help may be available locally. Call the Union County offices in Lake Butler.
4. **Gather your documents.** Use the list in this guide to get organized before your first lender meeting.
5. **Compare at least two lenders.** Look at VyStar Credit Union, Florida Housing-approved lenders, and ITIN-friendly lenders like New American Funding if applicable. Compare their Loan Estimates side by side.
6. **Verify licenses.** Before working with any lender, confirm their NMLS number at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
7. **Apply for the Homestead Exemption after closing.** File with the Union County Property Appraiser's office to reduce your property taxes.
You deserve honest information and a fair process. There is no urgency. The right home and the right loan are worth the time it takes to do this carefully. Origen Capital is here as a directory to help you find the right doors — not to sell you anything.
Same county, another question.
Business FinancingLoans, lines of credit, and capital for small businesses and contractorsSEE IT IN UNION COUNTY →
Personal FinancingPersonal loans, credit building, and ITIN-friendly financing optionsSEE IT IN UNION COUNTY →62FL COUNTIES WITH DOORSThe whole stateEvery county in Florida, in this same lane.109 institutions fund home financing inside Florida county lines.OPEN THE STATE →
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