Florida down payment assistance programs — including up to $35,000 through the Hometown Heroes program — are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. Pools open and close throughout the year. The buyers who secure assistance aren't smarter or luckier. They simply started earlier.

If you learn best by doing (and most new loan officers do), in-person training can be a gamechanger.

Gather your financial documents early and complete any required education courses. This preparation speeds up your application process and improves your chances of approval.