Your Stairway Mortgage Loan Officer
Jim Blackburn
- Originating Branch Manager
- Local: Fort Lauderdale
- NMLS ID: 1072866
- Mobile: (773) 234-2584
The Heart & Mind Behind Stairway Mortgage
Jim Blackburn is the heart and mind behind Stairway Mortgage based on a simple but powerful belief: your home is more than shelter—it’s a wealth engine waiting to be activated through faithful stewardship.
With over two decades of mortgage expertise, he’s the author of eight faith-based real estate playbooks covering every journey from Smart Stewards (ages 16-25) to Legacy Angels (ultra-high net worth estate planning).
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Jim built Stairway Mortgage as a division of NEXA Lending, partnering with the nation’s largest mortgage brokerage to deliver wholesale rates and personalized service nationwide.
He created the Certified Stairway Advisor (CSA) designation to train loan officers in his unique methodology—one that prioritizes kingdom-building over commission-chasing and views every transaction through the lens of generational impact.
Jim’s work centers on transforming how families think about debt, equity, and real estate, teaching that biblical wisdom and strategic leverage aren’t opposites—they’re partners in building lasting wealth. His mission is clear: help families leverage wisely, grow wealthy, and create legacies that outlive their bank accounts.
As the #1 Mortgage Broker in U.S.
The Nation’s Top Lenders Compete for Our Business
We partner with 250+ lenders—here’s a glimpse of just 12 of our top partners delivering unbeatable pricing, cutting-edge technology, and lightning-fast closings.
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.