SEARCH BLOGS
North Star Mortgage Network Blog – Florida Mortgage Tips & News
Welcome to the North Star Mortgage Network Blog, where Florida homeowners, buyers, and investors come for honest mortgage advice.
Each article is written to help you make smarter financial decisions. Whether you’re exploring loan options, comparing rates, or watching the real estate market, you’ll find simple explanations and practical tips you can use.
At North Star Mortgage Network, we believe in keeping things clear and personal — no jargon, no confusion, just the truth about what’s happening in Florida’s housing and mortgage world.
What You’ll Find on the North Star Mortgage Network Blog
The North Star Mortgage Network Blog covers everything you need to understand the mortgage process in Florida.
You’ll find:
-
Rate updates and Federal Reserve insights.
-
Guides for FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and Non-QM loans.
-
Local market trends from Jacksonville, St. Johns, and across Florida.
-
Credit and refinance tips to help you save money.
-
Step-by-step explanations for first-time buyers.
We write every post with one goal — to help you feel informed and confident about your mortgage decisions.
For additional lending and housing resources, visit HUD.gov.
Expert Insights You Can Trust
Our blog is led by Nathan Young, founder and president of North Star Mortgage Network. With over 25 years of experience in Florida lending, Nathan brings real-world knowledge and straight talk to every topic.
We break down complex mortgage topics into easy-to-read articles so you can understand how rates, loan programs, and market changes affect you.
From Jacksonville to Miami, we’ve helped thousands of Floridians buy, refinance, and invest with confidence.
Popular Topics
Here are a few of the topics we cover on the North Star Mortgage Network Blog:
-
FHA and VA loan guidelines made simple.
-
Down payment assistance programs available in Florida.
-
Rate trends and Fed updates that affect your payment.
-
Home equity strategies and refinance opportunities.
-
Tips for real estate investors using DSCR and Non-QM loans.
New posts are added weekly, so check back often for updates.
Why Readers Choose the North Star Mortgage Network Blog
Unlike national mortgage blogs, our content is built specifically for Florida homeowners.
We know the local programs, market conditions, and challenges that borrowers face here. Our advice is based on hands-on experience — not national averages.
When you read our blog, you get information that applies directly to your local market and your financial goals.
Subscribe and Stay Updated
Don’t miss the latest insights from the North Star Mortgage Network Blog.
Sign up for our free newsletter to receive new posts, rate updates, and home loan advice straight to your inbox.
DSCR loans, which Florida investors rely on, allow rental properties to qualify based on cash flow instead of personal income. These loans are designed for real estate investors who want faster approvals, flexible underwriting, and the ability to grow a portfolio without debt-to-income limits. This guide explains how DSCR loans work in Florida, how lenders calculate…
Self-employed mortgage loans Florida borrowers apply for often come with challenges that traditional lenders struggle to solve. Business owners, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs rarely fit neatly into standard underwriting boxes. Income looks different. Tax returns are complex. Cash flow does not always tell the full story. At North Star Mortgage Network, we believe self-employed borrowers…
Soaring credit reporting costs have become one of the most serious challenges facing the mortgage industry in 2026. What was once a routine and affordable step in the loan process has turned into a major expense for mortgage brokers and borrowers alike. Tri-merge credit reports now exceed $200 per borrower. Some brokers report paying as…
50-year mortgage affordability is becoming a serious topic in early 2026 as housing costs remain high and policymakers search for new ways to help buyers enter the market. While the idea of a 50-year mortgage has drawn criticism, supporters argue the math and real-world behavior of homeowners tell a different story. Housing affordability is already…
Understanding how lenders gross up non-taxable income can make a major difference when qualifying for a mortgage. Many borrowers receive income that is not taxed. When handled correctly, that income can be increased for qualification purposes. This can improve buying power and help borrowers qualify for a better loan program. This guide explains how the…
Fed rate cuts and mortgage rates are once again front and center as Federal Reserve officials openly debate how restrictive policy has become and how much relief the economy may need this year. For Florida homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals, this conversation matters far more than headlines alone suggest. Recent comments from outgoing Stephen…
SBA 504 commercial real estate loans Florida business owners use are built for long-term stability. These loans are ideal for purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied commercial property. They offer fixed rates, long amortization terms, and higher leverage than many traditional commercial loans. At North Star Mortgage Network, we help Florida business owners structure SBA 504 commercial…
The topic of fed rate cut mortgage rates keeps coming up as markets expect another cut from the Federal Reserve. Many buyers in Florida are hoping a lower federal funds rate will bring immediate mortgage relief. But the truth is simple and often misunderstood. Even if the Fed cuts rates again, it may not create…
US Housing Affordability 2026 is on track to improve for the first time since the pandemic pushed many borrowers out of the market. After years of rising prices, tight supply, and higher interest rates, the market is finally showing early signs of shifting in favor of homebuyers as 2026 approaches. The improvements will be gradual,…
The new Remarkable DPA Program Florida launched today, and it is set to reshape affordability for first-time homebuyers, community heroes, and families across the state. This program was designed to remove the most common barrier to homeownership: the down payment. With rising home values across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and much of Florida,…
