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.

Got a wealth plan?

Have you stopped to ask yourself these questions?

What’s your plan to buy your next property—with purpose, not pressure?

Do you know how to use equity without erasing your net worth?

Have you considered what your real estate legacy looks like?

What happens if you stay in the same place—financially and physically—for the next 10 years?

And what kind of life do you want real estate to help you build—not just now, but forever?

Most people never ask. Or they ask too late.

But not you. You’re here because you want a clear path, not just another transaction.

What Is a Wealth Plan—and Why Does It Matter?

Buy with clarity
Refinance with purpose
Invest with leverage
Multiply what you’ve built
Protect what matters
Align it all with your values, your season of life, and your vision for the future.

Who Needs a Stairway Wealth Plan?

First-Time & Growing Buyers

You’re not just looking for a home—you’re building a future. We help first-time buyers and homeowners scale smartly, not stressfully.

High Earners Seeking Strategy

Large income, little structure? We create custom plans to turn earnings into lasting wealth—without burning out.

Families & Future Planners

Explore how your real estate decisions today can create lasting generational wealth and charitable impact.

You overpay in taxes and don’t even realize it

You refinance too late—or not at all

You invest emotionally instead of strategically

You own 4 properties but no exit plan

You leave your family guessing about your wishes

You miss the golden years of buying power and leverage

A wealth plan won’t solve everything—but it will keep you

focused, prepared, and ahead of the curve.

What Your Plan Includes

Your current financial snapshot (income, debt, equity, timeline)
Your values and long-term goals (not just “buy another house”)
Your investment appetite, family needs, and flexibility
Strategies to use real estate without overexposing risk
How to leverage equity, reduce taxes, and avoid costly mistakes
How to collaborate with your tax pro, attorney, and estate planner
Your unique stairway to build, preserve, and one day—pass on—what matters

Work With the Right People—Not Just One Person

We work with your:

CPA to sync your tax and loan strategy
Attorney to plan ownership, trusts, and asset protection
Realtor to time your buys and sells smartly
Financial advisor to sync your investment timeline
Legacy planner to map out your final impact

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.

Enrique Juarez - via Google Financial Advisor at Golden Age Solutions

It was a pleasure to work with you and your team. I can honestly say that our refinancing experience was very pleasant; your system includes a very efficient and secure process to follow. I am very grateful and satisfied with the positive outcome. I highly recommend your company to any friend or family looking to refinance or purchase a house.

Discover Your Financial Goals

Wealth doesn’t just happen — it’s designed with intention, clarity, and aligned action.

Uncover what truly matters to you and build a long-term plan that reflects your values and vision.