SEARCH BLOGS

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.

Refinancing a home involves several steps, which I’ll outline below:

July 22, 2024
Refinance

Evaluate Your Current Mortgage: We help you review your current mortgage terms, interest rate, remaining balance, and monthly payments. Determine why you want to refinance (e.g., lower monthly payments, shorten the loan term, cash out equity).Check Your Credit Score: We will help you check your credit score will influence the interest rate you can qualify…

The Rise of Real-World Assets in Real Estate

July 22, 2024

Real-world assets (RWAs) are tangible physical assets like property, tokenized for digital ownership. Tokenization of RWAs divides asset ownership into digital shares, enhancing investment flexibility.

Will Mortgage Rates Fall After the July Fed Meeting?

July 22, 2024

Recent inflation numbers indicate a downward trend, potentially leading to a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Experts believe the Fed will maintain current interest rates at the July meeting due to inflation still being above the target rate.

Mortgage interest tax deductions – are they helping?

July 21, 2024
Mortgage interest tax deductions

Deducting mortgage interest paid on tax returns is now a meaningful option for many borrowers. High mortgage rates in recent years have pushed many prospective homebuyers to the sidelines and seen others abandon their purchasing plans – but for those would-be buyers caught in two minds about taking the plunge, there’s at least a potential…

Mid-Year Interest Rate Cut Forecasts for 2024

July 21, 2024

Expectations for interest rate cuts in the US have been reduced in 2024. The Federal Reserve initially projected 3 cuts, but now forecasts only 1 by year-end.

Jacksonville: Under $100K Homes Await

July 21, 2024

Jacksonville boasts a large housing market with 4,636 total listings. Affordable options exist with 77 listings under $100K. The median home list price of $308K, reflects a broader range of housing options. Jacksonville offers a lower cost of living than both the national and statewide avg. The city's expansive land area, the 2nd largest in…

What You Need to Know About Mortgage Rates

July 20, 2024

The Federal Reserve, through the Federal Open Market Committee meetings, indirectly impacts mortgage rates based on its economic outlook. The Fed can lower mortgage rates by buying mortgage-backed securities during crises, thereby stimulating home buying and refinancing. Changes in the Fed rate can affect the cost of mortgages, influencing the housing market. It's recommended to…

Jacksonville: How Much to Save for a Down Payment?

July 20, 2024

The typical home value in Jacksonville is $362K, slightly higher than the national avg. To buy a home here, you'll need a down payment of at least $117K, which is 32.3% of the purchase price.

Refinance Right: Expert Mortgage Tips

July 19, 2024

Check your financial health, focusing on credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Understand your home equity, including how much you’ve built up and its current appraised value.

Essential Steps to Homeownership: 2024 Guide

July 19, 2024

Evaluate your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and savings to assess financial readiness. Create a comprehensive budget covering down payment, mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.