Some of the most common mortgage questions I get aren’t about rates at all. They’re about family. Can my parents help with the down payment? Can I buy a house for my mom? I work for my uncle’s company, does that count? What happens to the house after a divorce or when a parent passes away? Every one of these has a real answer in the lending guidelines. This guide gathers them in one place.

Getting Help From Family

• Gift funds for your down payment and closing costs. Who can give, how much, and the paperwork: Gift funds: who can give and what you need · Family helping with your down payment? · FHA gift rules · VA gift rules.
• A parent who’s a Realtor. Can they put their commission toward your down payment? Realtor parent gifting their commission.
• Buying the family home from a relative. A gift of equity can cover your down payment: How a gift of equity works.
• A family member co-signing. A relative who won’t live in the home can add their income to help you qualify: Non-occupant co-borrowers.

Buying a Home for a Family Member

• For a parent, or an adult child with a disability. Conventional loan guidelines let you buy a home for a parent, or for an adult child who is disabled, and finance it as a primary residence even though you won’t live there. Some people call this a “family style mortgage.” Full guide: Family Opportunity Mortgage in Florida.
• Mortgage options for people with disabilities. Disability income, programs and accommodations: Mortgage benefits for persons with disabilities in Florida.

Working for Family

If you work for a relative’s business, lenders usually ask for extra documentation, such as tax returns or proof that you don’t own part of the company. It’s very workable when you know what to expect: Employed by a family member: mortgage guidelines.

When the Family Changes

• Divorce. Keeping the house, buying out a spouse, or refinancing someone off the loan: Divorce buyout refinance in Florida.
• Alimony and child support. Using it as income, or paying it: Alimony and child support income · qualifying with alimony or child support.
• Behind on child support? How past-due support affects an FHA loan, and when you don’t have to pay it off first: Past-due child support and FHA loans.
• Refinancing a home you’re not on the loan for. Common after a death, a divorce or a family transfer: Who can refinance when not on the loan.
• Inheriting a home. Keeping it, refinancing it, or buying out siblings: What to do with an inherited house and mortgage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parents give me money for a down payment?

Yes. Conventional, FHA and VA loans allow gift funds from family members for a down payment and closing costs, with a signed gift letter and proof of the transfer. Program guidelines apply.

Can I buy a house for my parents with a mortgage?

Often, yes. Conventional loan guidelines allow you to buy a home for a parent, or an adult child with a disability, as a primary residence even though you won’t live there. Government loans generally require a borrower to live in the home.

Can a family member co-sign my mortgage?

Yes. A relative can be a non-occupant co-borrower, adding their income and debts to the loan to help you qualify. Rules and limits vary by loan type.

Does working for a family business affect my mortgage?

It can mean extra documentation, such as personal tax returns or proof you don’t own part of the business, but it doesn’t stop you from qualifying.

Get started: Free rate quote · Start an application · Call or text 904-880-6741. More guides: Florida Mortgage Guidelines Library · Self-Employed Mortgage Guide.

Available for qualified borrowers. Program guidelines apply and may change, and lender overlays may be stricter. Rates and terms are subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval. Reviewed September 2026.

Nathan Young, NMLS #325206 | North Star Mortgage Network, Inc., NMLS #356789 | 12058 San Jose Blvd, Suite 404, Jacksonville, FL 32223 | 904-880-6741 | Equal Housing Lender