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Buying a home in Central Florida or Southern Maine? We're here to help

Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, we’re here to help you secure a great mortgage in the communities we know best, like Winter Garden, Orlando, Portland, and Scarborough. We offer clear guidance, competitive rates, and responsive service every step of the way.

EXPLORE YOUR LOAN OPTIONS

We work with all types of homebuyers and loan programs including: Conventional, FHA, VA, Reverse, and USDA. We'll walk you through your best options based on your goals, budget, and credit profile.

FRM

FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE

The most common type of loan option, the traditional fixed-rate mortgage includes monthly principal and interest payments which never change during the loan’s lifetime.

ARM

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE

Adjustable-rate mortgages include interest payments which shift during the loan’s term, depending on current market conditions. Typically, these loans carry a fixed-interest rate for a set period of time before adjusting.

IO

INTEREST ONLY LOAN

Interest only mortgages are home loans in which borrowers make monthly payments solely toward the interest accruing on the loan, rather than the principle, for a specified period of time.

VA

VETERAN ADMINISTRATION

VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs. These loans offer military veterans exceptional benefits, including low interest rates and no down payment requirement. This program was designed to help military veterans realize the American dream of home ownership.

FHA

FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION 

FHA home loans are mortgages which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), allowing borrowers to get low mortgage rates with a minimal down payment.

USDA

USDA / RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

USDA loans, also known as a Rural Development (RD) loan, is a zero down payment mortgage designed to help low-to-moderate income buyers purchase a home in eligible rural and suburban areas.

REVERSE MORTGAGE

Reverse

With a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase (HECM for Purchase), homebuyers age 62 or older can use a reverse mortgage to buy their next home. This program lets you combine a one-time down payment, often from the sale of your current home or other savings, with reverse mortgage financing to cover the rest of the purchase price. The result: you can move into a new home that better fits your lifestyle without the burden of monthly mortgage payments.

Get Pre-Approved Quickly with a Personalized Loan Plan

With a quick pre-approval from Blue Stripe Mortgage, you'll know exactly how much home you can afford, and be ready to make a confident offer. Our team is fast, transparent, and deeply familiar with the Florida and Maine real estate markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

​What types of loans do you offer?

Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Fixed-Rate, Adjustable-Rate, Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC), and Jumbo Mortgages. 

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What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported info. Pre-approval is more in-depth, it includes a credit check and document review to show sellers you’re serious and ready to buy.

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How soon should I get pre-approved?
As soon as you start house hunting! Pre-approval strengthens your offer and helps you shop with confidence.​

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What documents will I need to apply?

You’ll typically need pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, ID, and possibly tax returns. We’ll send you a clear checklist when you get started.

Do I need 20% down to buy a home?

Not necessarily. Many loan programs allow as little as 3% to 5% down, including FHA, VA, and conventional options with mortgage insurance.

Can I buy a home in Florida while living in Maine (or vice versa)?

Yes! We help many clients relocate or buy second homes. We’re licensed in both states and can guide you through the process remotely.​​

What’s the difference between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the life of the loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) starts lower but may change after a set time, ideal for shorter-term ownership plans.

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How long does the mortgage process take?
Timelines depend on the loan type and how quickly we receive your documents, but we keep things moving and keep you updated every step of the way.

Not sure where to start?

Give us a quick call or schedule a time to chat.

We're happy to walk you through your options.

Serving Florida and Maine statewide—specializing in Central Florida and Southern Maine.

Meredith Fire-Hess NMLS: 520860

Jeff Hess NMLS: 275198

Company NMLS: 926200 

Licensed in Florida / MBR5199

Licensed in Maine /  NBC642663

www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

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We’re Meredith and Jeff Hess, a husband and wife mortgage broker team helping families across Florida and Maine achieve homeownership with ease. With deep roots in Winter Garden and Scarborough, we know the local markets, and we bring that personal insight to every loan we handle.

 

Since 2005, we’ve guided first-time buyers, refinancers, and investors through a smooth streamlined loan process.

 

We offer Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse and HELOC loans, always tailored to your needs. At Blue Stripe Mortgage, you get the warmth of a family business with the strength of top lenders. Think of us as family in your corner, every step of the way.

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