ST. PETERSBURG MORTGAGE BROKER
Mortgage Broker in St. Petersburg, FL
Creative 1st Mortgage helps homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors compare mortgage options without being limited to one bank or one set of loan programs.
We are located in downtown St. Petersburg and built around a simple idea: understand the situation first, then find the financing that fits it.
★★★★★ 5.0 Google Rating • 131 Reviews
Downtown St. Petersburg
Ryan Speltz
Broker/Owner
Creative 1st Mortgage
NMLS # 1277170
5.0
Google Rating
131
Google Reviews
Downtown
St Petersburg Office
Broker-Owned
Local Mortgage Guidance
Creative 1st Mortgage LLC • 447 3rd Ave N, Suite 210 • St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Why a Broker?
More Options. More Ways to Solve the Problem.
Creative 1st Mortgage is a mortgage brokerage, which means we are not limited to the products and guidelines of one bank.
We work with multiple lending partners so we can compare different loan programs, underwriting approaches, and financing structures based on the borrower and the property.
That matters because a first-time homebuyer, a self-employed borrower, and a real estate investor may all need completely different solutions.
The goal is not to push every client into the same mortgage. The goal is to find the financing that fits the situation.
BANK OR RETAIL LENDER
One Lending Box
One institution.
One set of products.
One set of underwriting guidelines.
You may get a good solution.
But you only get the solutions that institution offers.
CREATIVE 1ST MORTGAGE
More Places To Look
Multiple lending partners.
More loan programs.
More ways to structure the financing.
We can compare options based on your actual scenario instead of trying to fit every borrower into the same box.
More options do not automatically mean a better loan. They give us more places to look for the right one.
mortgage options
Financing Options for St. Petersburg Buyers and Investors
Different borrowers need different tools. We help clients compare financing based on the borrower, the property, and what they are trying to accomplish.
Conventional Loans
A flexible option for many primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. Conventional financing can offer several down-payment and mortgage-insurance structures depending on the borrower.
FHA Loans
FHA financing may offer additional qualification flexibility and can allow eligible borrowers to purchase with as little as 3.5% down. St. Petersburg condo and property requirements can make early review especially important.
VA Loans
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses may have access to VA financing with powerful benefits, including the possibility of no required down payment.
DSCR & Investor Loans
Investment-property financing does not always need to rely on traditional personal-income qualification. DSCR programs can evaluate eligible rental properties using the property’s income potential.
Bank Statement & Non-QM
Self-employed borrowers do not always fit neatly into conventional income calculations. Bank-statement and other Non-QM programs may provide additional ways to document an eligible borrower’s ability to repay.
Renovation & Jumbo Loans
Some buyers need financing for a property that needs improvements. Others require financing above standard conforming loan limits. We can evaluate renovation, jumbo, and other specialized options when the scenario calls for them.
Local Knowledge Matters
Buying in St. Petersburg Comes With Different Financing Questions
The mortgage is only part of the equation. The property itself can affect the financing, the monthly payment, and which loan programs make sense.
Condos
St. Petersburg has a large condo market, and condo financing involves more than qualifying the borrower.
Association finances, insurance, litigation, reserves, property condition, and loan-program requirements can all affect whether a unit qualifies.
We would rather identify a condo issue before you are deep into the transaction.
Insurance & Flood Zones
Purchase price is not the whole monthly payment.
Homeowners insurance, flood insurance when required, property taxes, HOA dues, and condo fees can materially change what a property actually costs each month.
Those numbers belong in the mortgage conversation from the beginning.
Older Homes
Older St. Petersburg homes can come with character, and financing questions.
Roof age, electrical systems, repairs, property condition, insurance eligibility, and appraisal requirements may affect which loan options work.
The property needs to fit the financing too.
Investment Properties
A property can look attractive and still be a bad deal once the financing is included.
Projected rent, cash flow, reserves, renovation costs, DSCR, and the eventual exit or refinance strategy all matter.
The loan should support the investment strategy, not undermine it.
Local office. Local market. More financing options.
Client Experiences
What Clients Say About Creative 1st Mortgage
A mortgage company can say anything it wants about itself. We would rather let our clients describe their experience.
Creative 1st Mortgage has earned a 5.0 Google rating with 131 reviews, with clients frequently mentioning communication, responsiveness, education, and help navigating difficult financing situations.
Every mortgage is different. Every client still deserves clear communication and straight answers.
Meet The Broker
Ryan Speltz
Broker / Owner, Creative 1st Mortgage
Ryan Speltz is the Broker/Owner of Creative 1st Mortgage and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
His approach to mortgage lending starts with understanding what the borrower is actually trying to accomplish.
That might mean helping a first-time buyer compare FHA and conventional financing. It might mean finding a better solution for a self-employed borrower. Or it might mean determining whether the numbers on an investment property actually work.
Ryan's job is not to sell every borrower the same mortgage.
It is to ask the right questions, explain the tradeoffs, and help the client make a confident financing decision.
Ryan Speltz | NMLS #1277170
How Can We Help?
What Are You Trying to Accomplish?
The financing strategy should start with the goal.
Buying a Home?
Whether this is your first home or your fifth, the process should start with understanding the numbers before choosing the loan.
We can help you compare:
Conventional Financing
FHA Loans
VA Loans
Down Payment Options
Condo Financing
Renovation Financing
Jumbo Loans
The goal is not simply getting approved. It is understanding what you are approved for, what it will cost, and whether the financing fits your plans.
Building a Real Estate Portfolio?
Investment financing is a numbers game. The property, the rent, the financing, and the exit strategy all need to work together.
We can help you compare:
DSCR Loans
Conventional Investment Loans
Renovation Financing
Ground-Up Construction Financing
BRRRR Strategies
Multi-Unit Financing
Non-QM Financing
We want to understand how the property performs before deciding how the property should be financed.
ST. PETERSBURG MORTGAGE FAQ
Common Mortgage Questions From St. Petersburg Buyers
A strong mortgage plan starts with clear answers. Here are several questions we regularly hear from local buyers, homeowners, and investors.
Do you work with first-time homebuyers in St. Petersburg?
Yes. We regularly help first-time buyers compare loan programs, understand estimated costs, and prepare before making an offer.
How quickly can a mortgage close?
Timing depends on the program, property, appraisal, documentation, and underwriting. Many purchases fit a 21-to-30-day contract period, but every transaction is different.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit requirements vary by program and lender. Credit is only one part of the full qualification review.
Do you help self-employed borrowers?
Yes. Depending on the scenario, options may include conventional documentation, bank-statement programs, or other Non-QM financing.
What makes St. Petersburg condo financing different?
The association, insurance, reserves, litigation, property condition, and other project details may need review in addition to the borrower.
How does pre-approval work?
We generally review income, assets, credit, debts, and supporting documents to establish a realistic purchase range and financing plan.
Are down-payment assistance programs available?
Programs may be available depending on location, income, occupation, loan type, and other eligibility requirements. Availability and terms can change.
What documents are usually needed for pre-approval?
Common documents include photo identification, income records, asset statements, and authorization to review credit. Some files require additional documentation.
Still have a question about your scenario?
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Creative 1st Mortgage, LLC | NMLS# 2614631 | Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MN, TN, TX | 727-914-9397 | [email protected] | 447 3rd Ave N #210 Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 | Equal Housing Opportunity | Pursuant to the requirements of Section 157.0021 of the Mortgage Banker Registration and Residential Mortgage Loan Originator License Act, Chapter 157, Texas Finance Code, you are hereby notified of the following: CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. | COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV
. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEB SITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV