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Mortgages in St. Johns County, Florida

St. Johns County stretches from the historic city of St. Augustine and the beaches to Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Julington Creek and other fast-growing communities just south of Jacksonville. Our office is close to the Julington Creek and Bartram Park area, and we help buyers, homeowners and investors across the county.

The area at a glance

  • St. Johns County has its own property tax rates and its own property appraiser, so the same price can mean a different monthly payment than in neighboring Duval County. Check the St. Johns County Property Appraiser's website for the home you are considering.
  • Many homes here are in planned communities. HOA dues and, in some of them, community development district (CDD) fees are often added to the monthly cost, and CDD assessments can appear on the property tax bill. Ask for the full monthly cost, not only the price.
  • Flood zones along the coast, the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River can add flood insurance to the payment, and lenders require it in high-risk zones. Check the flood zone and get homeowners and wind insurance quotes before you make an offer.
  • Newer homes, historic homes in St. Augustine and beachside condos each come with different lender requirements, so tell your loan officer which kind of home you are looking at early.

Typical property types

  • Single-family homes

    The most common purchase, often in master-planned communities. Conventional, FHA and VA programs can all fit, depending on the buyer and the property. Check the loan limits for the county.

  • Condos and townhomes

    Common near the beaches and in St. Augustine. Lenders review the association's budget, reserves and insurance, and some condos need specific loan programs. Ask for the condo documents early.

  • Historic and older homes

    Homes in St. Augustine's historic areas can have special insurance, inspection and renovation considerations. Ask for a four-point or wind mitigation inspection when your insurer requires one.

  • Investment and short-term rentals

    DSCR loans can qualify a rental on the property's rent instead of your personal income. Short-term rental rules vary by city, community and HOA, so confirm them before you buy.

Local closing cost notes

  • On a purchase loan, the buyer usually pays Florida's documentary stamp tax on the mortgage ($0.35 per $100 of the loan) and the intangible tax (0.2% of the loan).
  • Who pays for the owner's title insurance policy varies by county and by contract, so check your contract.
  • Florida property taxes are paid in arrears, so expect a deposit toward property taxes at closing if your loan has an escrow account.
  • If the home will be your primary residence, you can apply for the Florida homestead exemption with the St. Johns County Property Appraiser. You must own and live in the home on January 1 and apply by March 1 to qualify for that tax year.
Florida closing costs →Payment & affordability →Debt-to-income →

Buying or refinancing in St. Johns County, Florida?

Talk to a licensed loan officer. No obligation, and no credit check for the first conversation.

Get pre-qualified(904) 209-6664