Short answer

First-time buyers in Nassau County have one advantage many Jacksonville buyers don’t: parts of western Nassau, around Callahan, Hilliard and Bryceville, may qualify for USDA loans with $0 down. Elsewhere, FHA (3.5% down), conventional (3%) and VA ($0) are the main options, and Florida Hometown Heroes, FL Assist or Nassau County SHIP may help with the down payment when funds are available.

Last updated October 2026. From new construction in Yulee to land in Hilliard, Nassau County offers some of the best first-home value around Jacksonville. Here’s how to make the numbers work.

Your Main Loan Options

Loan Down payment Best for
USDA $0 Eligible rural addresses and household income limits; check the address first
FHA 3.5% Scores 580+; 2026 limit $580,750 (FHA loans in Nassau County)
Conventional first-time buyer 3% Good credit; mortgage insurance can come off later
VA $0 Veterans and service members, including Kings Bay families (VA loans in Nassau County for Kings Bay families)

Down Payment Help

  • Florida Hometown Heroes for eligible workers, with income limits.
  • FL Assist deferred second mortgage through Florida Housing.
  • Nassau County SHIP purchase assistance when funded, with income and price limits.
  • Seller credits and gifts.

Local Things First-Time Buyers Miss

  • Wells and septic in western Nassau may need inspections or water tests.
  • Flood zones near the marsh and the Amelia River affect insurance.
  • HOA and CDD fees in some Yulee and Wildlight communities.
  • Manufactured homes on land are common; FHA, VA and USDA can finance many of them if they meet requirements.

A Realistic Path to Your First Home

  1. Soft pre-qualification, no Social Security number to start.
  2. Check USDA eligibility for the addresses you like.
  3. Compare programs side by side, including assistance.
  4. Pre-approval letter your agent can count on.
  5. Close, often in 30 days or less depending on appraisal, title and documents.

Why Work With North Star

  • Independent broker since 2000. North Star Mortgage Network has served Florida borrowers for 25+ years. You can verify our license on NMLS Consumer Access (company NMLS #356789).
  • Many wholesale lenders, one application. We compare options side by side instead of selling you one bank’s menu.
  • Free second look at your Loan Estimate. Already have an offer from another lender? Send it over. We’ll review it at no cost and tell you plainly whether we can improve it. As a broker with lower overhead, we often can. If we can’t, we’ll tell you that too.
  • Built to close on time. We regularly close purchase loans in 30 days or less. Timing depends on the appraisal, title, underwriting and how quickly documents come in, so we can’t guarantee a date, but you’ll get a realistic timeline up front and updates along the way.
  • Recognized by our industry. 2025 NAMB Mortgage Broker of the Year and 2026 NAMB Influencer of the Year, with hundreds of 5-star Google reviews.
  • You talk to Nathan. Not a call center, and not a different person every week.

Related Guides

Common Questions

Can I get a $0 down loan in Nassau County?

Possibly. USDA loans offer $0 down in eligible areas, which include parts of western Nassau County, if your household income qualifies. VA is $0 down for eligible veterans.

Is there down payment assistance in Nassau County?

Florida Hometown Heroes and FL Assist are available statewide, and Nassau County SHIP may offer purchase assistance when funded. Income and price limits apply.

What credit score do I need?

FHA allows 3.5% down with 580+. USDA and conventional programs usually look for 620–640 or more. Lender overlays vary.

Can I buy land with a manufactured home as a first-time buyer?

Often, yes, if the home is permanently attached to land you own and meets program requirements.

How long does it take to close?

We regularly close purchase loans in 30 days or less. USDA files can take longer because of the agency’s review.

Do I need to live in the home?

Yes. FHA, VA, USDA and first-time buyer programs require the home to be your primary residence.

Talk to North Star

Call or text 904-880-6741, request a quote, or apply online. Already have a Loan Estimate? Email it to nathan@nsmn.com for a free second look.

North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. | Company NMLS #356789 | Nathan Young NMLS #325206 | 12058 San Jose Blvd, Suite 404, Jacksonville, FL 32223 | 904-880-6741 | nathan@nsmn.com | Equal Housing Opportunity. Down payment assistance programs have income, price and funding limits and may change or close without notice. FHA, VA, USDA and agency guidelines may change; lender overlays may be stricter. Rates, payments and terms are estimates based on the information provided and are subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval. Available for qualified borrowers; program guidelines apply. This is not a commitment to lend.

Posted in blog, Mortgage Types