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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.
Freddie Mac has released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey, showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.62 percent. The rates have remained steady as the market absorbs economic data. Freddie Mac expects mortgage rates to continue to decrease throughout the year, but potential homebuyers still face challenges of low inventory and rising…
Down payment requirements vary, but options include 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, and even zero down for VA and USDA loans.Avg closing costs in Florida amount to 2.3% of the purchase price, shared between the buyer and seller.
Rather than wait for legislation, borrowers can simply opt out of sales calls. Applying for mortgage preapproval can be the exciting start of a journey toward homeownership. The problem is that a borrower’s credit information is then sold, leading to a flood of calls and texts from businesses trying to sell their services. You can…
Effective for FANNIE MAE SELF EMPLOYED case files created on or after January 1st the following changes went into effect for Fannie Mae self-employed borrowers. If Self Employed less than 5 years, the usual 2 years Self Employed tax returns are typically required. In the case where a borrower has not been Self Employed for two full…
Mortgage rate predictions for 2024 are increasingly optimistic as rates have dropped for the ninth consecutive week. US mortgage rates fell to an average of 6.61% in the week ending December 28, down from 6.67% the previous week. Economists expect further declines in mortgage rates in 2024, influenced by Federal Reserve rate cuts. However, the…
Mortgage rates have fallen in the past week, including 15-year fixed, 30-year fixed, and 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages, with average rates now between 6% and 7%. Despite this, the end-of-year slowdown in the mortgage market means the impact on holiday home shopping will likely be minimal. However, if rates stay low, demand could rise in January.…
-Closing Disclosure: Details mortgage and closing costs -Proof of Homeowners Insurance: Required proof at closing -Loan Application: Review for unchanged details -Mortgage or Deed of Trust: Agreement for collateralizing the loan
1. Pay bills on time consistently. 2. Reduce credit card balances. 3. Check credit reports for errors and fix them.
South Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, but not everyone is friendly. A new housing development in West Palm Beach aims to protect the environment, while a proposed apartment complex in the SoSo community faces controversy. The historic Gulfstream Hotel is being restored, and high-profile buyers like William P. Lauder and…
Multifamily Real Estate is favored by beginners for stable income, lower entry costs. Multifamily properties offer diversified tenant bases, minimizing market fluctuations and vacancy risks. Real Estate serves as an inflation hedge; multifamily investments can counter rising living costs.
