Mortgage Guidelines for Non-Permanent Residents & Foreign Nationals
Understanding mortgage guidelines for non-permanent residents and foreign nationals is essential if you’re not a U.S. citizen and want to buy a home. At North Star Mortgage Network, we guide clients through these specific requirements every day. Whether you’re a visa holder, Green Card resident, or using foreign income, this guide will help you understand…
Read MoreShould I Buy a Home in 2025?
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I buy a home in 2025?”—you’re not alone. Many potential buyers are watching the market closely, wondering if now is the right time to make the move. While mortgage rates remain higher than the record lows of recent years, other factors have shifted in your favor, making 2025 a surprisingly…
Read MoreWritten Verification of Rent: What Lenders Require
At North Star Mortgage Network, we often work with borrowers who don’t have a traditional credit score or who are building credit using alternative methods. In these cases, one of the most important pieces of documentation is a written verification of rent (WVOR). But not all rental history qualifies—and not all documentation is created equal.…
Read MoreUnderstanding Credit Scores and Why They Matter for Homebuyers
At North Star Mortgage Network, we talk a lot about the importance of credit scores—and for good reason. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or applying for a second property, your credit score will influence your options, your interest rate, and your approval timeline. In this guide, we’ll explain what credit scores are, how…
Read MoreCompare Mortgage Rates in Florida Before You Sign Anything
Before you commit to a mortgage lender, take a step back—and compare. Many buyers don’t realize they could save thousands simply by shopping their loan around. In this blog, we’ll show you why it’s essential to compare mortgage rates in Florida and how North Star Mortgage Network helps buyers get better terms with less stress.…
Read MoreThe Florida Homebuying Process Explained: From Offer to Closing
Buying a home in Florida is exciting—but also complex if you’re unfamiliar with the steps. At North Star Mortgage Network, we guide you through the entire Florida homebuying process, from the day you make an offer to the moment you receive your keys. Here’s what every Florida homebuyer should expect in 2025. Step 1: Start…
Read MoreFirst-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
Buying your first home is a major milestone—and a major financial decision. But many new buyers unknowingly make critical errors that can delay their closing, increase their costs, or even cause them to lose out on the home they want. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes to avoid…
Read MoreMortgage Pre-Approval in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re planning to buy a home, mortgage pre-approval in Florida should be your very first move. At North Star Mortgage Network, we specialize in helping Florida homebuyers get pre-approved quickly and confidently — with honest advice and access to competitive rates. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the mortgage pre-approval process so you…
Read MoreMortgage Planning During Divorce: Why Early Guidance Matters
Divorce is never easy—and when real estate and finances are involved, it becomes even more complex. At North Star Mortgage Network, we understand that mortgage planning during divorce isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clarity, timing, and making sure each party can move forward on stable footing. Too often, one spouse is awarded the home in…
Read MoreVA Manual Underwriting: What Veterans Need to Know
At North Star Mortgage Network, we proudly serve those who have served. Sometimes, a VA loan needs to be reviewed manually instead of going through the standard automated system. That’s where VA Manual Underwriting comes in — and where our team steps up to help you move forward. When Is VA Manual Underwriting Needed? A…
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