Trusted Mortgage Brokers in Central Florida & Southern Maine
Mortgages Made Easy
From Florida Palms to Maine Pines
The Hess Team
Meet Meredith & Jeff — Florida-based with deep Maine roots
We’re a husband and wife team who know Central Florida and Southern Maine by heart. We’ve lived, worked, and raised our family in both. Meredith grew up in Falmouth; Jeff in Minnesota. We met at Nielsen Media Research in 1996, a well-known TV ratings company. In 1998 we were married at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth and bought our first home in Scarborough. Our 2 boys arrived a year apart and later attended school in South Portland. Since 2012, we’ve moved between Southern Maine and Central Florida because both feel like home. Today we’re based in Winter Garden, FL, serving Horizon West and Greater Portland, Maine, communities we’ve loved living and working in.
Choose Blue Stripe Mortgage
We do things a little differently. We work from our home office and meet virtually, by phone, email, or video, so we’re available when it matters most. Weeknights or weekends, we can send pre-approval letters, run loan scenarios, and answer your questions in real time.
We’ve been in the mortgage industry since 2005, and nothing is more rewarding than helping people buy their first home, refinance for a better future, or feel confident in their financial decisions. We love what we do, and we take pride in making the process clear, personal, and empowering.
With access to a wide network of top lenders and real-time market tools, we provide the insight and options you need to make informed choices. And it’s our care, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to your success that truly set us apart.
From the first phone call to the final paperwork, we’ll be by your side with honest guidance, personal attention, and the kind of care you’d expect from family, because that’s how we treat every client.
How We Can Help
Personal Service
Family-owned, with personalized service every step of the way.
Trusted Expertise
Helping Florida & Maine Homeowners since 2005
No Hidden Fees
No application or pre-approval fees, ever.
Top Lender Access
Competitive loan options from top lenders nationwide.
Helping Families Move Forward in Winter Garden, Portland & Beyond, With Expert Mortgage Guidance You Can Rely On
Whether you're purchasing your first home or refinancing your current one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, with expert mortgage solutions tailored to your goals. From Winter Garden and Windermere to Portland and Scarborough, we proudly serve clients across Central Florida and Southern Maine.
Why Homebuyers Choose Blue Stripe Mortgage Over Big Banks
In addition to our very competitive interest rates, the quality of service, experience, and support you receive can make all the difference.
Here’s how Blue Stripe Mortgage, a local, family-run brokerage compares to big banks and online lenders in Florida and Maine.
What Matters
Local Knowledge
Who You Work With
Pre-Approval Speed
Communication
Availability
After Closing Support
Fees & Transparency
Reputation
Blue Stripe Mortgage
Based in Winter Garden, FL , former longtime residents of Scarborough and South Portland, ME
You’ll speak directly with Meredith or Jeff, the owners
Often same-day, tailored to your goals and property
Clear, honest guidance from a trusted locally knowledgeable team
Available outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends
You’re more than a loan to us. We’re here for you before, during, and long after your mortgage closes.
Competitive rates, no hidden fees, full clarity from day one
20+ years of trusted service in Florida and Maine with happy clients
Big Banks & Online Lenders
Often no local knowledge, decisions made from a national call center
Passed between call center reps, processors, or rotating loan officers
2–5 business days; often generic pre-approvals
Generic sales scripts, email auto-replies, and long hold times
Typically 9–5 bankers hours only, no flexibility for your schedule
Limited contact unless you’re being sold another product
Often includes hidden fees or upsells, clarity depends on the rep
Mixed online reviews; no personal connection