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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.
There are two main types of mortgages: conforming and non-conforming. Conforming loans follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and come with lower interest rates and a more streamlined process.
Mortgage applications in the US ↑ 15.6% WoW in the first week of June. Refinance activity ↑ due to lower mortgage rates, especially for VA borrowers.
May's inflation data showed ↓ MoM, offering hope for lower mortgage rates. The Fed is aiming to bring inflation down to its 2% target, which would likely lead to lower mortgage rates.
A TBD (To Be Determined) mortgage loan is a type of mortgage application where certain details, such as the exact property address or some other critical information, are not yet finalized or provided. A TBD Mortgage often happens when a borrower is pre-qualifying or pre-approved for a mortgage before finding a specific property. Key Points…
Here’s a list of ways to improve chances of mortgage approval if you are self-employed: Make a largear down payment. Boost credit score and maintain a positive credit history. Lower debt-to-income ratio to 43% or less. Shop around for lenders experienced with self-employed borrowers. Work with a knowledgeable loan officer or mortgage broker.
A first-time home buyer is typically defined as someone who has never owned a home before or has not owned a home within the past few years (usually three years or more). First-time home buyers often qualify for special programs and incentives designed to make homeownership more accessible, such as lower down payment requirements, reduced…
Paying off your mortgage early can save thousands in interest charges. Create a budget to identify savings for extra mortgage payments and stick to it.
Contact your lender immediately to negotiate a payment plan or temporary reduction in payments to avoid worsening your situation.Review your budget to identify and cut non-essential expenses, reallocating funds to your missed mortgage payment to catch up quickly.
In 2026, tax rates are expected to rise for most taxpayers, with the biggest increase hitting middle-income earners. The standard deduction will decrease, but personal exemptions and unlimited SALT deductions will return.
Just a year ago, nearly all the measured Florida metros were at double-digit premiums, but now renters in Florida could see cheaper rents. Most of the measured cities are showing signs of rents trading either at a discount compared to long-term pricing trends or premiums of less than 1%.
