Fannie Mae’s 2026 departing-residence update changes how rental income may be documented when you keep your current home as a rental and buy another primary residence.
Mortgage approval is about more than a credit score. Learn how income, debt, credit, and down payment work together when buying a home.
An FHA loan may still be possible after a lengthy job gap. Learn the six-month return-to-work rule, the two-year work history requirement, and how timing affects a purchase or refinance.
For many homebuyers, every source of income matters when qualifying for a mortgage. If you receive child support, it can often be counted as qualifying income—helping you meet debt-to-income (DTI) guidelines and potentially increasing the loan amount you can afford. Understanding how lenders evaluate child support income will help you prepare the right documentation and…
Can You Use a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay Off Delinquent Property Taxes? If you’re behind on property taxes and looking for a way to catch up, you might be wondering: can you use a cash-out refinance to pay off those delinquent taxes? The short answer is yes—but only if you meet the specific requirements of…
Not every borrower fits neatly into a conventional mortgage box. In fact, as homeownership has become more dynamic and diverse, so too have the mortgage options available. If you’re self-employed, an investor, or someone with complex income streams, there’s good news — you’re no longer out of luck. There’s been a significant rise in non-QM…
How a Car Payment Could Cost You $100,000 in Home Buying Power When you’re house hunting in today’s market, every dollar counts — and sometimes, it’s not your income holding you back from qualifying, it’s your monthly liabilities. One of the biggest culprits? Your car payment. You wouldn’t believe how often I see someone with…
What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available—and Do I Qualify? If you’re trying to buy your first home and wondering how to come up with a down payment, you’re not alone. With higher home prices and interest rates in the 6.5% to 7% range, more buyers are actively searching for help with their down payment…