Sarasota Mortgage Broker — Tony Fitzgerald | The Mortgage Jedi | NMLS #1284924
Sarasota's mortgage broker

Why choose a local Sarasota mortgage broker?

Tony Fitzgerald — The Mortgage Jedi — lives and works in Sarasota. He knows the market, the neighborhoods, the appraisers, and the title companies that close deals here. This isn't generic Florida knowledge. It's Sarasota-specific.

Local market knowledge

From Downtown Sarasota condos to beachfront estates on Siesta Key and Longboat Key — Tony knows what appraisers look for, typical values by neighborhood, flood and wind insurance requirements, and how to structure loans for every property type in Sarasota County. He's financed all of it.

Faster closings

Local relationships with Sarasota title companies, appraisers, and real estate agents mean faster response times and fewer surprises. Tony has closed Sarasota deals in under 3 weeks when everything lines up. He moves at the speed your deal requires.

Personalized service

You work directly with Tony Fitzgerald — not a processor, not an assistant, not a rotating team. From application through closing. He attends inspections and closings when requested. He answers his own phone at (941) 941-5150 — try it.

160+ lenders, one broker

As a broker — not a banker — Tony shops 160+ wholesale lending partners to find the right program for your situation. If one lender won't touch your file, he has 159 more options. The hard file is where he does his best work.

Sarasota Florida waterfront — Tony Fitzgerald mortgage broker NMLS 1284924

Tony Fitzgerald · The Mortgage Jedi · NMLS #1284924 · Same-day pre-approvals

Apply online Call (941) 941-5150
Coverage area

Sarasota neighborhoods we serve

From barrier island luxury to established family neighborhoods — mortgage financing with market-specific knowledge for every community in Sarasota County.

Downtown Sarasota

Luxury high-rise condos to historic bungalows. Walkable urban living, arts district, waterfront dining. Condo HOA and warrantability expertise required daily.

Condo specialist

Lakewood Ranch

One of the nation's top master-planned communities. New construction, excellent schools, resort amenities. Builder contract and construction loan strategy available.

New construction

Siesta Key

World-famous white sand beaches. Beachfront homes, condos, and vacation rentals with strong income potential. Jumbo, DSCR, and short-term rental financing.

Jumbo · DSCR

Longboat Key

Exclusive barrier island. Luxury beachfront estates and condos. High-value financing with barrier island valuation, insurance, and HOA expertise.

Luxury jumbo

The Oaks

Prestigious gated community with custom estates, championship golf, and country club living. Portfolio and jumbo lender access for custom estate financing.

Luxury financing

Palmer Ranch

Master-planned community with townhomes to estate homes. Multiple price points served with multiple loan programs at every level.

All loan types

Gulf Gate

Established family-friendly neighborhood close to Siesta Key. Affordable single-family homes accessible through FHA, conventional, and first-time buyer programs.

FHA · First-time

Bird Key

Private island adjacent to St. Armands Circle. Waterfront estates and luxury properties requiring specialized jumbo and portfolio financing solutions.

Waterfront luxury

Lido Key

Between downtown and St. Armands Circle. Beach access and upscale living. Condo and single-family financing with barrier island market knowledge.

Beach access

Southside Village

Trendy neighborhood near downtown. Charming homes and vibrant local scene. Diverse housing stock, diverse financing options from FHA to conventional.

All loan types
Also serving: Osprey · Nokomis · Venice · North Port · Englewood · Casey Key · and all Sarasota County communities. Tony Fitzgerald · NMLS #1284924 · 1st Response Mortgage · Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota neighborhood aerial view — 1st Response Mortgage serves all Sarasota communities
Sarasota loan programs

Every mortgage program. One Sarasota broker.

Tony Fitzgerald accesses 160+ wholesale lenders to match you with the right program — not the first one that works, the best one for your specific Sarasota situation.

Veterans

VA Loans in Sarasota

Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active military purchasing in Sarasota County. No PMI. Competitive rates. As a former first responder, Tony has deep respect for military service and works to maximize your VA benefit.

0% down · No PMI · Multi-unit eligible · Second VA use
First-time buyers

FHA Loans in Sarasota

Down payments from 3.5% with flexible credit requirements. Florida down payment assistance programs also available for qualified Sarasota buyers. The most accessible first-time buyer program in the market.

3.5% down · 580+ credit · Down payment assistance available
Self-employed

Bank Statement Loans

For Sarasota's business owners, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals. Qualify using 12 or 24 months of bank statements. No tax returns required. Your income is real — let's prove it the right way.

12 or 24 months · No tax returns · P&L programs also available
Investors

DSCR Loans — Sarasota

Purchase Sarasota rental properties — including short-term vacation rentals on Siesta Key and Longboat Key — without personal income verification. Qualification based on rental income potential.

No income verification · Short-term rental eligible · Portfolio-friendly
Luxury

Jumbo Loans — Sarasota

High-value financing above conforming limits for luxury properties on Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, The Oaks, Bird Key, and premier Sarasota locations. Portfolio lender access available.

Above $766,550 · Barrier islands · Gated estates · Portfolio lenders
Traditional

Conventional Loans

Standard financing for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties throughout Sarasota County. Down payments from 3–20% depending on property type and situation.

3–20% down · Primary · Second home · Investment
Complex files

Non-QM Programs

Alternative financing for unique Sarasota situations — recent credit events, foreign nationals purchasing in Sarasota, complex income, asset depletion qualification, and ITIN loans.

Foreign nationals · Credit events · Asset depletion · ITIN
Renovation

Renovation Loans

Finance purchase and renovation in one loan. Perfect for updating older Sarasota homes, adding hurricane upgrades to coastal properties, or improving Gulf Coast investment properties.

Purchase + renovation combined · Hurricane hardening · Coastal upgrades
Existing owners

Refinancing in Sarasota

Rate reduction, ARM to fixed conversion, cash-out equity for renovations or investment, PMI elimination. Multiple refinance options for Sarasota homeowners — same speed as a purchase.

Rate & term · Cash-out · PMI removal · ARM conversion
Local market knowledge

Sarasota real estate market insights

Tony Fitzgerald has financed properties across every Sarasota neighborhood. Here's what you need to know about Sarasota's market before you buy — and why local expertise matters in every decision.

Coastal vs. inland

Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Casey Key command premium prices and typically require jumbo financing. Wind mitigation, flood insurance, and HOA reserve requirements vary significantly by location. Tony navigates these every day — not just occasionally.

Condo financing

Downtown Sarasota and barrier island condos have specific HOA financial health, owner-occupancy ratio, and building insurance requirements that vary by lender. Many Sarasota buildings require non-warrantable financing. Tony knows which buildings qualify for which programs.

New construction — Lakewood Ranch

Sarasota's new construction boom — especially in Lakewood Ranch and North Port — involves builder contracts, construction timelines, rate lock strategy, and builder incentive evaluation. Tony helps buyers compare builder-preferred lenders vs. outside financing honestly.

Sarasota investment market

Sarasota's short-term rental market — especially Siesta Key and Longboat Key — creates strong DSCR loan opportunities. Tony structures investor financing around actual or projected rental income, opening opportunities that personal-income-based underwriting blocks.

Seasonal market timing

Sarasota's peak season runs January through April when snowbird activity peaks and inventory tightens. Getting pre-approved before season — ideally by December — puts you in a position to move fast when the right property appears. Being first matters here.

Relocating to Sarasota

Moving from another state while selling your current home is a coordination challenge. Tony manages both transactions — connecting you with a Barrett Financial Group team member in your state while handling your Sarasota purchase directly as your single point of contact throughout.

Sarasota Florida real estate — Tony Fitzgerald The Mortgage Jedi NMLS 1284924

160+ lenders · VA · FHA · Self-employed · Investors · Jumbo · Non-QM · Same-day pre-approvals

Apply now Call (941) 941-5150
What sets Tony apart

Why Sarasota buyers choose Tony Fitzgerald

There are a lot of mortgage brokers in Sarasota. There is one Fire Lieutenant, EMT, marine rescue diver, offshore powerboat safety diver, and Fire Academy instructor who became a mortgage broker. That's Tony Fitzgerald — The Mortgage Jedi.

28

Years fire service

Fire Lieutenant, EMT, marine rescue diver, and offshore powerboat racing safety diver. Structure fires, technical rescues, mass casualty events. The same calm judgment that kept people safe on the fireground shows up in every mortgage file he works.

160+

Lending partners

Self-employed income, complex assets, credit challenges, foreign nationals, unique properties — Tony specializes in files that require strategy. He is a solution looking for a problem. The harder the file, the more useful he becomes to your deal.

24/7

Available always

Just like when he was on call as Lieutenant. Your deal timeline doesn't stop at 5pm and neither does Tony. Evenings, weekends, holidays — he responds because your closing date doesn't care what day of the week it is.

HAI

Human Advantage Institute

Tony founded the Human Advantage Institute — AI training for Sarasota real estate professionals. He uses AI tools to move faster for every client, while keeping the human judgment, relationships, and accountability that technology cannot replace.

Tony Fitzgerald — The Mortgage Jedi. Sarasota Florida mortgage broker. NMLS 1284924. Fire Lieutenant and EMT.
The full story

The Mortgage Jedi

"My job is to take what feels like an emergency and turn it into something manageable."

Tony Fitzgerald is a licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #1284924) operating as The Mortgage Jedi through 1st Response Mortgage, powered by Barrett Financial Group in Sarasota, Florida.

Before mortgages, Tony spent 28 years in fire service — rising to Fire Lieutenant and working as an EMT. He's a marine rescue diver, an offshore powerboat racing safety diver, a Fire Academy instructor, and has done film and stunt work including the production Water Lords. He trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Manasota Jiu-Jitsu and attends Bayside Community Church in Lakewood Ranch.

He founded the Human Advantage Institute — an AI training program for real estate professionals — and works alongside his wife Valentina Kvamme, a Sarasota area realtor. When you call 1st Response Mortgage in Sarasota, you're calling a household that runs on real estate and mortgages every single day.

Fire Lieutenant · EMT Marine rescue diver NMLS #1284924 The Mortgage Jedi Human Advantage Institute Sarasota, Florida Manasota Jiu-Jitsu Offshore powerboat safety Fire Academy instructor Water Lords film
Read Tony's full story
Tony Fitzgerald working with Sarasota real estate agents — 1st Response Mortgage

First responders and veterans — this one's personal

Tony spent 28 years on the job as a Fire Lieutenant and EMT. He knows what it means to serve, and he knows that the people who run toward emergencies deserve a mortgage broker who takes their file as seriously as they took their mission. Specialized programs, genuine respect, and a personal commitment to getting you the best terms available.

Call Tony directly — (941) 941-5150
  • VA loans — zero down, no PMI, competitive rates
  • First responder mortgage programs available
  • Available 24/7 — same as when he was on the job
  • Plain language, calm under pressure, no jargon
  • Fire Lieutenant · EMT · 28 years fire service
  • Tony Fitzgerald · NMLS #1284924 · Sarasota, FL
For real estate agents

Working with Sarasota real estate agents

Agents refer to Tony because he makes them look good. Fast, communicative, and he solves problems before they become your problem. Toenails to trees — his Sarasota network runs as deep as yours.

What agents get

  • Same-day pre-approvals — Most letters within hours. Your client shops with confidence from day one.
  • Proactive communication — Agents hear from Tony before they have to ask. No chasing. No silence at critical moments.
  • Local Sarasota presence — Tony attends inspections and closings throughout Sarasota County when it matters to the deal.
  • Complex file expertise — Self-employed, investors, VA, foreign nationals. He closes what other brokers walk away from.
  • 160+ lender access — If one program doesn't fit, 159 more options. Deals don't die on his watch.
  • 24/7 availability — Because your buyers call at 9pm on Sunday, and so does Tony.

"If I can keep people safe in a fire, I can keep your friends safe in a mortgage."

— Tony Fitzgerald · The Mortgage Jedi · NMLS #1284924 · Sarasota, FL

The human advantage

  • Jedi Report — Daily market intelligence tool built specifically for Tony's Sarasota agent partners
  • SmartList marketing — Hyper-local buyer list building and co-marketing systems for Sarasota agents
  • Human Advantage Institute — Tony's AI training program for Sarasota real estate professionals. Six modules, real tools.
  • Toenails to trees referrals — Tony's Sarasota network runs deep across every professional tier in the community.
  • Valentina Kvamme partnership — Tony's wife is a Sarasota area realtor. This household understands your world completely.
  • Same-day second opinions — Client got a quote elsewhere? Tony reviews it fast and gives a straight answer.
Let's connect — (941) 941-5150 Send a client my way
How it works

The Sarasota mortgage process

Eight steps. Plain language. No surprises. This is what working with Tony Fitzgerald at 1st Response Mortgage looks like from first call to closing day.

1

Initial consultation

Tony talks through your situation, goals, timeline, and concerns — no pressure, no pitch. Honest conversation about your real options in the current Sarasota market.

2

Pre-approval

Documentation collected, credit run, income and assets verified. Pre-approval letter issued. Most Sarasota clients get theirs the same day they apply.

3

Program selection

Tony shops 160+ lenders to match you with the right loan type and best available terms — not the first thing that works, the best fit for your specific situation.

4

Home shopping

Pre-approval in hand, you work with your Sarasota agent. Tony stays available throughout — running scenarios, answering questions, updating your letter as needed.

5

Purchase contract

Offer accepted. Tony begins processing — appraisal ordered, title initiated, documentation collected. Clock starts and he moves at deal speed.

6

Underwriting

Complete loan package submitted. Conditions addressed the same day they arrive. You and your agent stay informed at every stage — no radio silence.

7

Clear to close

Underwriting approved. Tony reviews your Closing Disclosure with you, confirms every number, and coordinates with the title company to schedule signing.

8

After closing

Keys in hand — and Tony is still your mortgage resource. First payment questions, future refinancing, next investment property. He stays available for life.

First-time homebuyers

Buying your first home in Sarasota

Buying your first home is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Tony slows it down, explains every step in plain language, and walks beside you from pre-approval to closing day — without ever making you feel behind for asking a question.

  • 1

    Get pre-approved first

    Before you look at a single home, know what you qualify for and what your payment actually looks like. Tony issues most pre-approval letters the same day.

  • 2

    Understand your real budget

    A pre-approval number and a comfortable payment are different things. Tony walks you through the real monthly cost — principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA — before you fall in love with a property.

  • 3

    Explore down payment options

    You don't need 20% down. VA loans require zero. FHA starts at 3.5%. Florida has down payment assistance programs. Tony identifies every option available to you before you decide.

  • 4

    Plan for closing costs

    Down payment is one thing. Closing costs are another. Tony explains exactly what you'll need at the table — and how to structure your offer to minimize out-of-pocket costs using seller credits.

  • 5

    Close with confidence

    30–45 days from accepted contract to keys in hand. Tony keeps you informed at every stage so closing day feels like the celebration it's supposed to be — not a surprise.

First-time buyer programs

VA Loan
Veterans & active military
0% down
FHA Loan
Flexible credit · 580+ score
3.5% down
Conventional
Standard financing
3% down
FL DPA Program
Down payment assistance
Ask Tony

Tony's first-time buyer promise

No question is too basic. No step gets skipped. You will understand every document you sign before you sign it. That's the standard.

Call Tony — (941) 941-5150
Common questions

Sarasota mortgage FAQs

Plain answers to the questions Tony gets asked every week in Sarasota.

Tony Fitzgerald (NMLS #1284924) is a licensed mortgage broker in Sarasota, Florida operating as The Mortgage Jedi through 1st Response Mortgage, powered by Barrett Financial Group (NMLS #181106). He is a former Fire Lieutenant and EMT with 28 years of fire service, a marine rescue diver, offshore powerboat racing safety diver, Fire Academy instructor, and founder of the Human Advantage Institute — an AI training program for real estate professionals. He specializes in VA loans, self-employed bank statement loans, DSCR investor loans, and complex mortgage files throughout Sarasota County and all of Florida. His wife, Valentina Kvamme, is a Sarasota area realtor.
For self-employed buyers in Sarasota, Tony Fitzgerald typically recommends bank statement loans — either 12 or 24 months. These programs qualify you based on actual deposits rather than tax returns, which means business owners who write off significant expenses aren't penalized for being smart with their taxes. Tony also offers P&L only programs and asset depletion qualification for the right situations. Call (941) 941-5150 to find out which program fits your specific income picture.
Yes. Tony Fitzgerald is a VA loan specialist serving veterans and active military purchasing throughout Sarasota County and all of Florida. VA loans offer zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates for eligible borrowers. As a former first responder himself, Tony has deep respect for military service. He also assists with second-time VA use, multi-unit VA purchases, and VA loan entitlement restoration for Sarasota veterans who have used their benefit before.
A DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loan qualifies based on a rental property's income potential rather than your personal income. If the property generates enough rental income to cover the mortgage payment — typically at a 1.0 to 1.25x ratio — you can qualify without personal income verification. Tony Fitzgerald offers DSCR loans for Sarasota investment properties including short-term vacation rentals on Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and throughout Sarasota County. This is one of his most-used programs for real estate investors.
Most pre-approvals through Tony Fitzgerald at 1st Response Mortgage are issued same day when documentation is provided. Tony is available 24/7 — call or text (941) 941-5150 to start the process now. Even for complex files (self-employed, multiple income sources, investors with portfolios), Tony provides an initial review and action plan the same day you reach out.
Yes, but condo financing in Sarasota requires specific expertise. Lenders evaluate HOA financial health, owner-occupancy ratios, and building insurance requirements differently for each building. Some Sarasota condo buildings are warrantable (eligible for standard Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac financing) and some are not. Tony Fitzgerald works with condo financing in Sarasota daily and knows which buildings require non-warrantable or portfolio lending — and which programs are available for each situation.
It depends on your loan type and situation. VA loans for eligible veterans require 0% down. FHA loans start at 3.5% with a 580+ credit score. Conventional loans start at 3% for primary residences. Jumbo loans for luxury Sarasota properties (above $766,550) typically require 10–20% down. Down payment assistance programs are also available for qualified Florida buyers. Tony Fitzgerald reviews every option available to you before you commit to a program.
Tony Fitzgerald provides mortgage services throughout all of Sarasota County — Downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, The Oaks, Palmer Ranch, Gulf Gate, Bird Key, Lido Key, Southside Village, Casey Key, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, North Port, Englewood, and all surrounding communities. He also serves Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and all of Florida through 1st Response Mortgage powered by Barrett Financial Group.
5.0  ·  60 Google reviews  ·  Every single one is 5 stars.
Florida homebuyers · Veterans · Investors · Self-employed borrowers · Sarasota agents

Ready to get started in Sarasota?

First home or tenth investment property — Tony Fitzgerald guides you through every step. Available now. No office hours. No voicemail jail.

Apply online now Call or text Send a message
Phone / Text(941) 941-5150
Apply onlinesrqfitz.com
Email[email protected]

Tony Fitzgerald · The Mortgage Jedi · NMLS #1284924 · 1st Response Mortgage · Sarasota, Florida · Powered by Barrett Financial Group LLC · NMLS #181106 · Florida License #MLD1880 · Equal Housing Lender · Available 24/7 · Fire Lieutenant · EMT · Marine Rescue Diver

Mortgage Disclaimer:
Tony Fitzgerald | NMLS #1284924

Sarasota Mortgage Broker

Serving Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, Bradenton, Venice & Port Charlotte

📞 (941) 941-5150

Powered by Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C.

NMLS #181106 | Florida License #MLD1880

Equal Housing Opportunity | Equal Housing Lender

1st Response Mortgage is a DBA of Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval.

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