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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.

US jobs report – has the market moved ahead of the Fed?

August 2, 2024
US jobs report

Is there good news at last for the mortgage realm? It’s fair to say that the mortgage market has been searching for silver linings amid what has been a cloudy – if not stormy – couple of years for the sector. So now, is it possible that two rays of sunlight have appeared in the…

3 Best Florida Cities to Buy Property in the Next 5-Yr

August 2, 2024

If you’re considering moving to Florida for retirement or work, you should bookmark cities where Real Estate will be profitable soon.1. Pompano Beach: Benefits include no income taxes, access to hospitals, airports, metropolitan conveniences, and top charter schools.

The Fed Holds Rates

August 1, 2024
The Fed Holds Rates

The Feds Hold Rates. As anticipated, the Federal Reserve has chosen to maintain its current policy rates during its latest meeting. Here’s what you need to know about what lies ahead: What changed in the Fed’s statement?  While the Fed’s statement indicates the Board was encouraged by moderating inflation, it pointed more strongly to the importance…

Florida’s Housing Market Turns a Corner

August 1, 2024

Florida's housing inventory and new listings in Late-Q2 2024 rose compared to last year. Median single-family home prices increased by 1.7% to $427K, while condo prices remained at $324.9K.

Construction-to-permanent loans

July 31, 2024
Construction-to-permanent loans

Construction-to-permanent loans, often called “single-close” or “CP” loans, are a type of financing that combines the construction loan and the permanent mortgage into one loan. This type of loan simplifies the borrowing process by rolling both phases into a single transaction. Here’s how they generally work: Key Features of Construction-to-permanent loans. Single Application and Closing:…

Calculate Your Mortgage Payments: A Guide for Homebuyers

July 31, 2024

Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments before house hunting. Factors affecting payments include home price, down payment, loan term (15 or 30-yr typically), and interest rate.

What Is a Good Rate Cap in Real Estate?

July 31, 2024

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) offer initial low rates but can increase over time. The experts advise seeking a low rate cap for protection against rising rates.

What Is the Value of a Luxury Home in Florida?

July 31, 2024

The value of a top-tier home in Florida in early Summer was $697K. With rising housing prices, many people question the worth of buying a luxury home.

Mortgage Dilemma: Fixed vs. Variable Rates

July 28, 2024

Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability with unchanging monthly payments throughout the term. Variable-rate mortgages have payments that change with interest rate fluctuations, posing potential risks.

Minimum Credit Score Requirements for Mortgages

July 26, 2024

Conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans are for borrowers with lower credit scores, as low as 500 with a 10% down payment or 580 with 3.5% down.