florida loan officer

Florida Mortgage Broker | The Loan Nerd | NMLS# 2592315
Florida Mortgage Broker

Home Loans in Florida, Done Right.

The Loan Nerd is an independent mortgage brokerage serving Florida homebuyers and homeowners. With a full team of licensed Florida loan officers, we shop dozens of lenders to find the right loan for your situation.

Florida Market Snapshot
$806,500
2025 Conforming Loan Limit
50+
Lenders We Work With
No
State Income Tax
3
Licensed Loan Officers
The Loan Nerd, LLC  |  NMLS# 2592315  |  Licensed in Florida  |  Equal Housing Lender
Serving Miami Tampa Orlando Jacksonville Fort Lauderdale Naples Sarasota And All of Florida
What We Offer

Loan Programs for
Florida Borrowers

Whether you’re buying in Miami, refinancing in Tampa, or purchasing a vacation property along the Gulf Coast, we have the right program for Florida’s diverse market.

Conventional Loans

Flexible terms and competitive rates for Florida buyers with strong credit. Florida’s diverse market — from urban condos in Miami to Gulf Coast single-family homes — means loan structure matters. We’ll match the right conventional product to your property type and goals.

FHA / VA / USDA

Government-backed programs with lower down payment requirements. Florida has a significant veteran and active-duty military population — VA loans offer exceptional terms for those who’ve served. FHA financing works well in Florida’s mid-tier markets where conventional down payments can be a barrier.

Refinance

Florida homeowners have seen strong equity growth in recent years. Whether you want to lower your rate, shorten your term, or access that equity, we compare options across our full lender network — and factor in Florida’s unique insurance landscape when calculating your total payment.

First-Time Homebuyer

Florida’s Housing Finance Corporation (Florida HFC) offers down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying first-time buyers through the Florida Assist and Florida Hometown Heroes programs. We’ll help you determine which programs you qualify for and how to make the most of them.

The Florida Market

Why Florida Borrowers Choose an Independent Broker

Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and its housing market reflects that. From the competitive Miami metro and the thriving Tampa Bay area to the steady demand along the I-4 corridor, Florida buyers face a market that rewards preparation and the right financing partner.

Florida has unique lending considerations that not every broker understands. Homeowners insurance costs — elevated by hurricane risk and recent market disruptions — have a real impact on your total monthly payment. Flood zone determinations, condo association rules, and coastal property restrictions can all affect your loan options. We know how to navigate these issues before they become closing day surprises.

As an independent broker, The Loan Nerd accesses wholesale rates from dozens of lenders — pricing and programs that retail banks can’t offer. And with three licensed loan officers on your Florida team, you’ll always have someone available to answer your questions.

2025 Conforming Loan Limit $806,500
State Income Tax None
FHA Loan Limit (most counties) $524,225
VA Loan Limit No Cap*
FL HFC Assistance Available
Homestead Exemption Up to $50K
Our License NMLS# 2592315
Your Florida Team

Meet Your Florida
Mortgage Team

Three licensed Florida loan officers, one shared goal: getting you to the closing table with the right loan and no surprises.

John Christoff, Loan Officer
John Christoff
Loan Officer  |  Florida

John Christoff brings 30+ years of mortgage expertise to Florida borrowers. A U.S. Navy veteran with a track record of creative problem-solving, he’s worked with buyers and refinancers in nearly every situation — including complex income scenarios and credit challenges that other lenders won’t touch. His focus on cost-saving strategies and clear communication means Florida clients always know where they stand and what they’re paying for.

NMLS# 674876  |  Licensed in Florida  |  The Loan Nerd, LLC NMLS# 2592315
Corky Christoff Jaster, Loan Officer
Corky Christoff Jaster
Loan Officer  |  Florida

Corky Christoff Jaster brings analytical precision and organized execution to every Florida transaction. With a background in business administration, human resources, and data analytics, she evaluates each borrower’s situation carefully and identifies practical solutions aligned with their financial goals. Clients value her steady communication, attention to detail, and ability to turn a complicated process into clear, manageable steps from application to closing.

NMLS# 2442662  |  Licensed in Florida  |  The Loan Nerd, LLC NMLS# 2592315
Paul Sellers, Loan Officer
Paul Sellers
Loan Officer  |  Florida

Paul Sellers has spent over 30 years helping borrowers navigate the mortgage process — first-time buyers, investors, veterans, and business owners alike. In Florida’s unique lending environment, his range of expertise stands out: he handles conventional, FHA, VA, bank statement, DSCR, and self-employed borrower scenarios with equal confidence. He listens first, explains every option in plain language, and stays engaged from pre-approval to closing. Clients trust him enough to come back — repeatedly.

NMLS# 170458  |  Licensed in Florida  |  The Loan Nerd, LLC NMLS# 2592315
Common Questions

Florida Mortgage FAQs

Questions we hear from Florida borrowers every day.

A bank can only offer its own loan products. As an independent broker, The Loan Nerd works with dozens of wholesale lenders — shopping on your behalf to find better rates and more flexible qualifying than a single institution can offer. In Florida’s competitive market, that advantage is real.
Florida homeowners insurance has become a significant cost factor — particularly in coastal counties. Lenders require proof of insurance before closing, and elevated premiums affect your total monthly payment and debt-to-income ratio. We factor your estimated insurance cost into your pre-qualification from day one so there are no surprises when you’re ready to make an offer.
Yes, but Florida condos have specific lending requirements — particularly following changes to condo approval guidelines after the Surfside collapse. Lenders now scrutinize condo association financials, reserve funds, and building inspection reports more closely. We know which lenders work well with Florida condos and how to structure the loan properly.
Florida HFC offers several programs including Florida Assist (up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a 0% deferred loan) and the Florida Hometown Heroes program for essential workers. Income limits and purchase price caps apply. We’ll walk you through eligibility and help you layer these programs with the right loan type to maximize your buying power.
Yes. The Loan Nerd, LLC is a licensed residential mortgage brokerage (NMLS# 2592315) licensed to operate in Florida. All three of our Florida loan officers are individually licensed and registered with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System. Verify our credentials at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Ready to Find Your Florida Home Loan?

Start with a no-obligation pre-qualification. Our Florida team will review your situation, explain your options, and tell you exactly where you stand — no pressure, no runaround.

Start Your Pre-Qualification

The Loan Nerd, LLC | NMLS# 2592315 | Licensed Mortgage Broker | Florida | John Christoff NMLS# 674876 | Corky Christoff Jaster NMLS# 2442662 | Paul Sellers NMLS# 170458

This is not a commitment to lend. All loan approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, credit approval, and property eligibility. Loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan application or guarantee of financing.

*VA loans have no set loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. Lender limits and eligibility requirements apply. Florida HFC program details, income limits, and availability are subject to change. Verify current program terms at floridahousing.org.

Verify our license: nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Equal Housing Lender. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.

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