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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.
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Common beliefs about mortgage rates following Fed rates or the 10-yr Treasury yield are often incorrect. The Federal Funds Rate influences but doesn't dictate mortgage rates.
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administers the Florida Housing Bond Program, which is designed to assist low and moderate-income individuals and families in obtaining affordable housing. The program utilizes tax-exempt bonds issued by the state to provide financing for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. Key features of the Florida Housing Bond Program may include:…
The “Hometown Heroes Loan Program” is a type of financial assistance initiative often implemented by local governments or lending institutions to provide support to individuals who serve the community in essential roles. These roles typically include firefighters, law enforcement officers, teachers, healthcare workers, and emergency medical technicians, among others. The program typically offers special benefits…
Proper home maintenance can prevent claims and keep premiums low, and it includes cleaning gutters, maintaining sump pumps, and salting driveways in winterBundling your home, auto, and other insurance policies with the same company can lead to discounts.
Get fully pre-approved early to lock in rates for 60-90 days. Put down a larger down payment, typically 20% or more.
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when taking out a VA-backed home loan. This fee helps to offset the cost of administering the VA home loan program. It’s typically a percentage of the total loan amount and varies depending on several factors, including the type…
Speak to friends, local business owners, and check for "sold" signs in desired neighborhoods.Look for agents who’ve successfully closed transactions in the area where you’re looking to buy.
Shop around for mortgage rates and explore government loan options. Consider assuming a seller's existing mortgage or buy down your interest rate.
Florida metros dominate the best places for buyers in Zillow’s new market heat index. Despite a national trend of more inventory in some areas, the US remains a seller's market overall.
Higher home prices and mortgage rates aren't the only rising numbers in the housing market post-COVID-19. The average down payment for a median-priced home has increased significantly since pre-pandemic days. Climbing mortgage rates and market dynamics are driving buyers to put more money down, with the pandemic leading to a rise in down payments. Despite…
