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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:
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Rate updates and Federal Reserve insights.
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Guides for FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, and Non-QM loans.
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Local market trends from Jacksonville, St. Johns, and across Florida.
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Credit and refinance tips to help you save money.
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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:
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FHA and VA loan guidelines made simple.
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Down payment assistance programs available in Florida.
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Rate trends and Fed updates that affect your payment.
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Home equity strategies and refinance opportunities.
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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.
If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, you’ve likely come across something called mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance, also known as private mortgage insurance (PMI) for conventional loans or mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for FHA loans, is a requirement when you don’t have a sufficiently large down payment. It’s an additional cost that can add up…
Florida voters will consider a proposed amendment to the State Constitution that mandates adjustments for homestead exemptions based on inflation. Continue to full article
How Do FHA Loans Work? Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are government-backed mortgages that are designed to make homeownership more accessible, particularly for first-time homebuyers. They are popular due to their flexible credit requirements and lower down payment options. Here’s how FHA loans work and what you need to know if you’re considering one. What…
Amendment 5 proposes a new property tax break for homeowners, impacting local government revenues. Homeowners filing for a homestead exemption would receive minimal savings from the proposed tax break.
Mortgage rates expected to stabilize as job growth supports market rebound. After a tough period for home sales, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has forecasted that the housing market will stabilize in the coming years, with a projected increase in home sales for 2025 and 2026 as mortgage rates level out around 6%. With…
Average rent prices in real estate bubble cities have risen 5% since mid-2022, while home prices have dropped 15%, reducing bubble risk. Notable increases include a 60% surge in Dubai's rents, driven by significant population growth, and rising rents in Madrid, leading to protests. Conversely, Singapore's rents fell nearly 7% due to government measures. In…
Mortgage rates have fluctuated recently, with the average 30-year rate at 6.72% as of October 31. If considering refinancing, avoid common mistakes: 1) Shop around for better offers, as multiple inquiries within two weeks minimize credit score impact. 2) Compare closing costs, as they can offset savings from lower rates. 3) Ensure you plan to…
Commercial real estate is expected to benefit from Federal Reserve rate cuts, boosting investment and property values. CBRE forecasts the Fed's benchmark rate to drop to 3.13% by next year, spurring market recovery.
Fisher Island: – Typical home value: ~$6.2M – Yearly price change: +10.9% Golden Beach: – Typical home value: ~$7.6M – Yearly price change: +5.5%
Types of Assistance Programs Second mortgage options with forgiveness, deferred payment, or low-interest rates. – Grants: One-time gifts for down payments, repairs, and closing costs. – Tax Credits: Reduce taxable income, offset mortgage interest, and monthly payments.
