How do I get started?

Simple — call or message us for a free consultation. We'll review your goals, run the numbers, and map out your best path forward. No pressure, no obligation.

Do you only serve Fort Lauderdale?

We're based in Fort Lauderdale and specialize in South Florida, but we're licensed to lend across Florida and multiple states. Local expertise, broad reach.

What types of borrowers do you work with?

We help first-time buyers, veterans, self-employed professionals, real estate investors, and everyone in between. If a bank has turned you down or quoted you a rate you don't love, call us first.

What makes Stairway Mortgage different from a bank?

As an independent Fort Lauderdale mortgage broker, we work for you — not a bank. We shop your loan across dozens of lenders to find the best rate and terms for your situation. Banks can only offer their own products. We offer hundreds.

Who is the best Mortgage Broker in Fort Lauderdale?

Stairway Mortgage — Jim Blackburn Team, powered by NEXA Mortgage — is Fort Lauderdale's premier independent mortgage broker. With over $350M funded and 7 consecutive years as a Scotsman Guide Top Producer, we shop hundreds of loan programs across dozens of lenders to get you the best rate and terms. Whether you're buying, refinancing, or investing, we work for you — not a bank.

Attorneys & Title Teams

Protecting the Deal. Preserving the Dream.

Before You Sign, Close, or Commit—Ask Yourself:

Does my contract fully protect my interests, not just theirs?
Am I using the right entity for tax protection and liability?
What happens if this property has a title defect, lien, or prior claim?
Do I know the legal steps if there’s a probate, foreclosure, or dispute?
Who’s helping me avoid problems—not just clean up the mess after?

What Happens Without the Right Legal or Title Help?

You inherit surprise tax bills, liens, or lawsuits
Your contract leaves you vulnerable to non-refundable deposits or contingency gaps
You buy a home—only to discover someone else legally owns part of it
You set up your business deal improperly and get flagged by the SEC
You go through a divorce or family death and find yourself locked in a messy probate

Why a Great Title Team Matters

A skilled title team does more than paperwork — they protect your investment, uncover hidden risks, and ensure your closing stays on track.

Uncover What You Can’t See

Expose hidden liens, easements, boundary issues, title gaps, and unpaid taxes. Catch encumbrances and fraud early—protecting your closing and future resale.

Streamline & Safeguard Closings

From lien payoffs and wire transfers to 1031 exchanges and digital notary services, your title team handles the paperwork and protects your timeline.

Protect Your Investment Long-Term

Title insurance is often overlooked—but essential. It guards your ownership, ensuring the property remains legally and financially secure for years to come.

Here’s what can go wrong:

Entity Formation (LLCs, Trusts, Partnerships)
Contract Review & Risk Mitigation
Probate, Divorce & Inherited Properties
You set up your business deal improperly and get flagged by the SEC
SEC-Compliant Deal Structuring (506b/506c syndications)

Is Your Property Structuring Risky?

Interactive:

Result: “Adding a bedroom increases equity by $X on average.”
Want to see what works best in your zip code?

100% Client Satisfaction

Real Comments, Real People

Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder

Alexis Kulick - via Faceook Director of Digital Campaign at UBS - CALIFORNIA

Easy and quick refinance with great rates and expert advice.
I recently refinanced my existing mortgage with Jim and his team, and I was so pleased with how easy and quick the whole process was. Jim and his team were very responsive to my questions, and I feel confident that I got the best rate and shaved 9 years off my mortgage. He is very knowledgeable and helped me determine the best option for myself and my family. Definitely recommend him.

Julian Einfrank - via Facebook Sr. Wealth Advisor Clifton Larson Allen - ILLINOIS

Complex loan scenario handled with expertise and care.
The process went smoothly. Jim Blackburn is a lending saint. He knows the market well and cares about his clients tremendously. The team made it really easy to do business, uploading documents and getting forms signed. Our situation is a bit complex. Rather than turn us away for some added work, they dug in to get it done right. They like the complexity, whereas other lenders don’t want to roll up their sleeves. Highly recommend Jim Blackburn for new loans and refinances!

Elizabeth Torres - via Facebook Senior Branch Mgr. at JP Morgan Chase - ILLINOIS

Closed in time for Thanksgiving! Jim and his team were amazing, and we got a much better deal than previous lender.
We closed our loan within 19 days. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! Jim and his team are amazing! We initially had gone with a different loan office and the interest rate and down payment was ridiculous. The owner of the company where my husband works referred us to Jim and we are very grateful for that. We had such an amazing experience with Jim and his team! Since our transaction, we’ve been referring Jim to anyone we know that are thinking of purchasing a house.

David Livermore - via Google Founder Cultural Intelligence - CALIFORNIA

Secured financing despite market challenges and self-employment.
Run, don't walk to work with Jim and his team. Jim helped us get financing when it seemed like an impossible feat. It was hard enough to be managing a home purchase 2000 miles away, but add to that an extremely competitive market and being self-employed, and it seemed impossible until Jim's team got involved. Jim was not only responsive; he consistently went above and beyond by making clear recommendations, working his magic, and ensuring that financing wasn’t a barrier for buying our dream house in one of the most competitive markets in the country.

Christina Curva Carrasco - via Facebook Owner at Curated Interiors - WASHINGTON DC

Smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage and refinance process.
Jim and his team are great to work with! We have used Jim twice with our home mortgage. Both times, the process was smooth and uneventful (which is what I wanted). He has kept in touch with us and contacted us when he felt it was the right time for us to refinance! I was amazed at our refinancing process – it took them about a little over two weeks to process all our information and close! I love the new online process of submitting all the information they require – it made it super easy for me to organize and gather all the documents.

Are You an Attorney or Title Team?

Every successful transaction depends on legal clarity and a smooth closing.

We partner with attorneys and title teams who value precision, communication, and client protection. Together, we help buyers, sellers, and investors close with confidence — and avoid costly surprises.

Attorneys & Title Teams

Before You Sign, Close, or Commit—Ask Yourself: