The Fed rate cut sparks hopes of hotter housing market across the country, giving many homebuyers and homeowners a reason to feel optimistic about the rest of 2025. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently signaled that a reduction in interest rates may be on the way, raising expectations for increased housing activity before year’s end.…

When applying for a mortgage, lenders must complete a verification of commission income to determine if this variable source of earnings is stable, predictable, and likely to continue. Commission income is common for sales professionals and other roles with performance-based pay, but because it can fluctuate, lenders follow strict guidelines to evaluate it for mortgage…

Conventional projected income is an option that allows certain borrowers to qualify for a mortgage using income from a new job or a future salary increase. This guideline can be especially helpful for recent graduates, professionals starting a new role, or anyone who has accepted an offer but has not yet received their first paycheck.…

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program Occupation Eligibility requirements are designed to help those who serve our communities achieve the dream of homeownership. If you work full-time for a Florida-based employer in one of the eligible professions, you may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance. Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program Occupation Eligibility for…

If you get Social Security income, you might be able to gross up that income when applying for a mortgage. Grossing up means increasing the amount of your non-taxable income by a set percentage to match the pre-tax equivalent. This helps you show higher qualifying income, which can make mortgage approval easier. How Grossing Up…

The USDA Guaranteed Loan Program FAQ provides valuable guidance for homebuyers, lenders, and real estate professionals navigating USDA’s Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. This program offers affordable home financing options for eligible rural and suburban buyers, but understanding the rules and requirements is essential for a smooth closing. What is the USDA Guaranteed Loan Program?…

If you’ve been searching for No FICO ITIN loan options, North Star Mortgage Network offers programs designed to expand access to home financing without a qualifying FICO score. These solutions help credit-invisible borrowers, investors using property cash flow, and self-employed clients who don’t fit traditional underwriting—while maintaining prudent documentation and compliance. What Is an ITIN—and…

Understanding the citizenship and residency requirements for mortgage loans is critical for buyers who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-permanent residents. Lenders follow agency and investor rules to determine eligibility based on legal status, documentation, and loan program type. Who Is Eligible? U.S. Citizens and Permanent Resident Aliens Eligible for all agency loan programs,…

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program 2025 is designed to make homeownership more affordable for Florida’s workers, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, military personnel, and veterans. As of August 1, 2025, both the Bond Program and TBA (The Bond Alternative) Program have been updated, providing clear guidelines, expanded eligible occupations, and competitive benefits for first-time…

If you’re purchasing a home in a USDA-eligible area and received a “Refer” or “Refer with Caution” through GUS (Guaranteed Underwriting System), don’t give up. At North Star Mortgage Network, we help borrowers who don’t fit neatly into automated systems by offering USDA manual underwriting—a personalized loan review that goes beyond credit scores. What Triggers…