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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:

  • 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.

How Is the US Mortgage Market Muting Monetary Policy? | Check out our latest videos. Please follow us on

October 20, 2024

The US mortgage market has provided consumers with an estimated USD 600 billion since early 2022. This financial cushion has undermined the effectiveness of monetary policy and maintained consumer spending resilience.

How to Become a Homeowner With Zero-Down Mortgages | Check out our latest videos. Please follow us on

October 20, 2024

Zero-down mortgages allow buyers to finance 100% of a home’s purchase price, eliminating down payment requirements.VA and USDA loans offer no-down-payment options for eligible service members and rural homebuyers, respectively.

Understanding Tax Benefits of Home Ownership

October 19, 2024
Tax Benefits of Home Ownership

Beyond the pride of owning a home, there are significant financial benefits that come with it, especially during tax season. Navigating these benefits doesn’t have to be overwhelming despite the complexity of tax laws. With some foundational knowledge, homeowners can maximize their savings and enhance their financial well-being. Mortgage Interest Deduction Homeowners can deduct the…

What Will the Election in 2024 Do to Rates?

October 19, 2024
Why mortgage rates are back up

The presidential election in 2024 is poised to have a significant impact on interest rates, a critical factor influencing various financial markets and economic conditions. Historically, elections bring a degree of uncertainty that can lead to volatility in financial markets and subsequently affect interest rates. Here are some key factors to consider: Policy Uncertainty Elections…

Lower Rates in 2025: Time to Refinance? | Check out our latest videos. Please follow us on

October 18, 2024

The Federal Reserve plans multiple rate cuts, continuing into 2025, which could lower mortgage rates significantly. Refinancing in 2025 may offer better savings as rates could drop into the 5% range or lower.

Reasons to Expect a Sales Upturn

October 18, 2024
Reasons to Expect a Sales Upturn

With rising inventory and the expectation of continued Fed rate cuts, increased sales can’t be far behind. Retreat for First Timers In August, first-time buyers accounted for 26% of sales, matching the all-time low last seen in November 2021. This is down from 29% in both July 2024 and August 2023. A market requires both…

What’s the average rate on a 30-year US mortgage?

October 18, 2024
What's the average rate

It rises for the third week in a row. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rose for the third week in a row, reaching its highest level in eight weeks. The rate rose to 6.44% from 6.32% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.63%. The last time the average…

5 Popular Refinancing Choices for Better Loan Terms | Check out our latest videos. Please follow us on

October 18, 2024

Rate-and-term refinancing changes your rate, term, or loan type, helping lower payments or shorten loan duration.A cash-out refinance lets you borrow more than your mortgage balance, using home equity for cash needs.

Key Costs of Selling a Home in Florida | Check out our latest videos. Please follow us on

October 18, 2024

Realtor Fees: 5.05% of Sale Price Closing Costs: 3.23% of Sale Price Title insurance, transfer taxes, and other fees. For a $350,000 home: ~$11,305

How to Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy and Foreclosure | Check out our latest videos. Please follow us on

October 17, 2024

Bankruptcy or foreclosure remains on your credit report for at least seven years, affecting eligibility. Rebuilding credit requires paying bills on time and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio.