DSCR loans, which Florida investors rely on, allow rental properties to qualify based on cash flow instead of personal income. These loans are designed for real estate investors who want faster approvals, flexible underwriting, and the ability to grow a portfolio without debt-to-income limits. This guide explains how DSCR loans work in Florida, how lenders calculate…

Self-employed mortgage loans Florida borrowers apply for often come with challenges that traditional lenders struggle to solve. Business owners, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs rarely fit neatly into standard underwriting boxes. Income looks different. Tax returns are complex. Cash flow does not always tell the full story. At North Star Mortgage Network, we believe self-employed borrowers…

Soaring credit reporting costs have become one of the most serious challenges facing the mortgage industry in 2026. What was once a routine and affordable step in the loan process has turned into a major expense for mortgage brokers and borrowers alike. Tri-merge credit reports now exceed $200 per borrower. Some brokers report paying as…

50-year mortgage affordability is becoming a serious topic in early 2026 as housing costs remain high and policymakers search for new ways to help buyers enter the market. While the idea of a 50-year mortgage has drawn criticism, supporters argue the math and real-world behavior of homeowners tell a different story. Housing affordability is already…

Fed rate cuts and mortgage rates are once again front and center as Federal Reserve officials openly debate how restrictive policy has become and how much relief the economy may need this year. For Florida homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals, this conversation matters far more than headlines alone suggest. Recent comments from outgoing Stephen…

SBA 504 commercial real estate loans Florida business owners use are built for long-term stability. These loans are ideal for purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied commercial property. They offer fixed rates, long amortization terms, and higher leverage than many traditional commercial loans. At North Star Mortgage Network, we help Florida business owners structure SBA 504 commercial…

The topic of fed rate cut mortgage rates keeps coming up as markets expect another cut from the Federal Reserve. Many buyers in Florida are hoping a lower federal funds rate will bring immediate mortgage relief. But the truth is simple and often misunderstood. Even if the Fed cuts rates again, it may not create…

The new Remarkable DPA Program Florida launched today, and it is set to reshape affordability for first-time homebuyers, community heroes, and families across the state. This program was designed to remove the most common barrier to homeownership: the down payment. With rising home values across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and much of Florida,…

Mortgage Guideline Updates for Florida continue to influence how buyers qualify, how investors structure deals, and how realtors guide clients through today’s changing market. Recent updates from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and several major Non-QM programs are now in effect, and these changes offer new opportunities for Florida borrowers. These updates arrive at a time…

Would a 50-year mortgage work in the United States? This question is at the center of intense debate after former President Donald Trump and FHFA director Bill Pulte floated the idea publicly. Their proposal suggests that a 50-year mortgage could help more Americans, especially young buyers, qualify for homes at today’s higher prices and interest…