What to Look For in a Mortgage Lender

Embarking on the journey to homeownership is a significant milestone that involves many important decisions. One such crucial decision is choosing the right mortgage lender. An informed choice can make all the difference in your home buying experience, affecting everything from the ease of the process to the financial implications. Here’s what you need to…

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interest rates

Further cuts seem to be on the way – but there’s little clarity over when and by how much Federal Reserve officials have remained coy on the prospect of another interest rate reduction this month – but odds of a cut jumped after new economic data released last week showed a stabilizing labor market and…

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Why personal touch still wins with mortgages

Nathan Young, president of North Star Mortgage Network, doesn’t shy away from his opinion on AI Nathan Young (pictured), president of North Star Mortgage Network Inc., stands firm on the importance of human connection amid technological advancements. Having spent 24 years in the mortgage business, Young has seen a dramatic evolution in the needs and…

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2025 FHA Loan Limits

Updated August 2026: this post covers the 2025 loan limits and is kept here as an archive. The current 2026 FHA limit for Duval and St. Johns County is $580,750 for a single-family home, and the 2026 baseline conforming limit is $832,750. See FHA Loans Jacksonville, FL 2026 and 2026 Conforming Loan Limits for the…

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OVERTIME INCOME

OVERTIME INCOME AND THE DIFFERENCES WITH EACH LOAN PROGRAM Most people likely think overtime calculations are the same across the board for Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, and USDA. Interestingly enough they have similarities although there are some important differences between all of them. Check out the little nuances that make them unique and use them…

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Lock or float

Mortgage rates are on an unpredictable path at present – and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for borrowers weighing up the best decision The outlook for US mortgage rates has been nothing if not unpredictable in the second half of the year, with the 30-year fixed-rate average trending downwards during the summer before inching up in…

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Lowest Mortgage Rates in a Month

The interest rate market continues the healing process after taking heavy damage in October.  During the course of that month, the average top tier conventional 30yr fixed rate increased more than 0.75% and broke above 7.0% for the first time since early July.  The first few days of November saw some additional volatility with our…

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timeshares and how they impact mortgages.

Sometimes the most common questions with the most common answers are not fully understood. Today I want to clarify the rules and guidelines behind timeshares and how they impact mortgages. TOP QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT TIMESHARES: Q: WHAT TYPE OF DEBT IS A TIMESHARE CONSIDERED? A: All products except USDA state it is classified as an installment…

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Broker Is Better Than a Bank

The Personalized Touch of Mortgage Brokers When it comes to securing a mortgage, a personalized approach can make a significant difference. Mortgage brokers serve as intermediaries who work directly with you to find the best possible loan options that fit your unique financial situation. Unlike bank loan officers, who are confined to offering only their…

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Picking the Best Mortgage Lender

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender Selecting the right mortgage lender is a critical step in the home-buying process. The lender you choose can significantly impact your financial future, so it’s essential to make an informed decision. Here are some key factors to consider when How to Choose a Mortgage Lender for your needs. Understand…

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