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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
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We now offer an exclusive 0% Down Purchase program. Simply put, qualified borrowers / buyers receive a 3% down payment assistance loan, up to $15,000. This allows you to get into a home right now with no down payment. Here’s how it works: First lien mortgage meets LTV requirementsWe provide a second lien mortgage for…
One of the areas that the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have really been cracking down on is the quality of appraisals as well as fair lending in appraisals. The new FHA Mortgagee Letter 2024-7 gives options for a reconsideration of value for FHA as well as Fannie and Freddie. The key to success in…
Regular sources of income that may be non-taxable include: Child Support Income Social Security Benefits Worker’s Compensation Benefits Certain types of Public Assistance Food Stamps Federal and State Government Employee Retirement Income Military Allowances Fannie Mae: Gross-Up Factor: 25% Must be verified as non-taxable income; supporting documentation can include award letters, policy agreements, account statements,…
Over 75M Americans live in communities with homeowner associations (HOAs), with Florida having the second-highest number. Monthly HOA fees in Florida range from $100 to $500, and new laws aim to protect members.
Mortgage rates are at their highest point in over 20-yr, but this may not be as bad as it seems historically. The avg rate since the 1950s is ~7%, which is close to the current rate.
With the current financial climate and the stress everyday life can bring, unfortunately the first quarter of the year has become the peak season for divorces. It always pains me to see anyone have to go through that process. I, having gone through that process myself, wanted to share how someone in this situation might be able…
Mortgage rates rose above 7%, impacting homebuyers. Despite the increase, purchase demand remains steady. Home prices fell by over 1% for the week, potentially due to more affordable listings. New listings increased, providing hope for buyers. Homes spent the same amount of time on the market as in the previous year. Continue to full article
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. The origins of commemorating motherhood dates back to the Ancient Greeks, where in spring festival, they celebrated the goddess Rhea, considered the Mother of the Gods. Anna Jarvis’s lobbying…
To cope with high rates, many homebuyers opted for discount points, paying extra upfront to lower interest rates. Purchasing points can lead to a lower monthly payment and overall savings over the loan's lifespan.
