Non-QM Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers: A Guide
October 30, 2026 | 6 min read | The mortgage process
Self-employed borrowers might earn a good income but still might not be able to qualify for a traditional mortgage. Business deductions, changes in income, and earnings from different sources can make it harder to show lenders how much they earn.
...
Read more >
A Guide to High-Net-Worth Mortgage Solutions
October 29, 2026 | 5 min read | The mortgage process
Even clients with millions in investments or successful businesses can struggle to qualify for a traditional mortgage. Their income or tax returns may not reflect their full financial picture.
For financial advisors and wealth managers, understan...
Read more >
Second Mortgage Requirements: How to Qualify and Apply
October 14, 2026 | 5 min read | The mortgage process
To qualify for a second mortgage, you generally need enough home equity, a steady income, a good credit history, and a manageable level of existing debt. You also have to meet the requirements of the loan program you are applying for.
If yo...
Read more >
Understanding Traditional Jumbo and Non-QM Financing
October 9, 2026 | 5 min read | The mortgage process
If you are looking for a mortgage above the typical loan limit, you may have more than one option when it comes to jumbo loans. Some jumbo mortgages use traditional income and asset documentation, while others fall into the non-QM category. Non-QM a...
Read more >
Requirements for a HELOC & How to Apply
October 8, 2026 | 6 min read | The mortgage process
If you're considering a HELOC, having equity in your home is the starting point. A lender will also want to know your whole financial picture, including how much you owe, how you've managed credit in the past, and your income.
Two homeowner...
Read more >
How Long Does it Take to Build Credit?
September 23, 2026 | 6 min read | The mortgage process
Having an established credit history tells a story of how you have handled monthly debt obligations in the past and helps shed light on what type of borrower you may be. If you are starting without an established credit history, it generally takes a...
Read more >
How to Use Home Equity: 5 Ways to Access It and Put It to Work
September 21, 2026 | 7 min read | The mortgage process
Home equity is the difference between your home’s current value and what you still owe on your mortgage. As you pay down your loan or your property value changes, that equity may grow.
You may be able to borrow against a portion of it without s...
Read more >
What is a Gift Letter for a Mortgage?
September 15, 2026 | 5 min read | The mortgage process
If you are thinking about buying a home, you should consider how much money you will have for a down payment. A down payment is one of the highest up-front costs to purchasing a home. Many people, especially first-time homebuyers, rely on gift lette...
Read more >
How Much to Put Down on a House
September 8, 2026 | 6 min read | The mortgage process
If you are thinking about buying a home, a great place to start is planning for a mortgage down payment. Many often wonder how much money they should have saved for a down payment on a house.
You do not need a 20% down payment to buy a house. D...
Read more >
Mortgage Checklist: Documents Needed for a Mortgage Pre-Approval
August 25, 2026 | 7 min read | The mortgage process
Collecting your documents before you apply for mortgage pre-approval can simplify the process for both you and your lender. The specific documents needed vary according to your income, employment, assets, debts, loan program, and financial situation...
Read more >
