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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.
Mortgage rates are poised to trend downward through the latter half of 2024. Fannie Mae – Q2 2024: 6.70% – Q3 2024: 6.60% – Q4 2024: 6.40%
Economists are more confident the Fed will cut rates this year, with ~ 66% predicting a September reduction. This shift comes despite concerns about high inflation, which has led some to doubt the Fed will cut rates at all in 2024.
Freddie Mac predicts mortgage rates will remain elevated through most of 2024. High interest rates will push buyers to readjust housing expectations, but demand remains high, especially for starter homes.
Due to current market trends, the path to homeownership for Millennials and Gen Zers requires careful financial planning.A Bankrate study found Americans need a 6-figure income to afford a mid-priced home.
In 2023, high rates led to a drop in existing home sales while new home sales remained stable. In 2024, single-family builders started strong, with larger builders outperforming smaller ones. New construction markets are thriving in areas like Cincinnati, Columbus, Texas, Southern California, and Philadelphia. Despite increased inventory, Florida builders are performing well due to…
Non-bank mortgage companies are less regulated and heavily exposed to market fluctuations. These companies manage 70% of agency-backed mortgage balances, totaling ~$6.3T.
Texas and Florida lead as top markets for homebuyers. 7 out of the top 10 buyer markets are in these states.
A new zero-percent down mortgage program has been launched by a major lender, allowing buyers to pay 97% of the home's value with a first mortgage and the remaining 3% in a second mortgage. Some experts are concerned about potential risks if home prices drop, leading to homeowners being underwater. Continue to full article
Locking in a home equity loan rate could be beneficial despite cooling inflation. Experts suggest it can protect against future rate increases and offer lower rates compared to other loans. Using a home equity loan to pay off high-interest debt could result in significant savings. Continue to full article
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs are initiatives aimed at helping individuals overcome the hurdle of affording the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. These programs provide financial aid to cover part or all of the down payment and sometimes closing costs, making homeownership more accessible, particularly for first-time buyers or those with limited financial…
