Last saved by: Lynn Marie Greaves

MONTHLY MORTGAGE NEWS – SEPTEMBER 2026
In this issue:
End-of-Summer Home Maintenance
Cracking the Code on Down Payment
Non-QM Loans Go Mainstream
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End-of-Summer Home Maintenance
GET READY FOR FALL:  This is a great time to run through your seasonal checklist for home maintenance. If you find that you need to make unexpected repairs or upgrades, give me a call to find out if unlocking your home equity to fund your home improvement project makes sense.
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Cracking the Code on Down Payment
Prospective home buyers have more negotiating power now, as sellers outnumber buyers by about 50% nationwide. Still, many first-time buyers are grappling with how to save for the down payment to take that big step. Here are a few tips to put an effective plan in motion.
Know Your Budget
Work out how much house you can afford, based on your monthly income and expenses. From there, calculate a realistic amount for your down payment goal.
Cut Down on Expenses
Take a look at recurring bills and cancel things you don’t use. Look for better pricing on things like cell phone service, auto insurance, or Internet and cable access. Cut down on eating out or entertainment costs. Come up with a realistic number on how much you can commit to saving each month.
Set Up Auto-Transfers
Open a dedicated bank account to save for your down payment, and schedule automatic transfers to guarantee your money is set aside in an “off-limits” account. This also gives you an easy way to track your progress.
These are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling. We offer one-on-one consultation to help you create your personal mortgage strategy!
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Non-QM Loans Go Mainstream
Non-QM (non-qualified) loans were a niche product until fairly recently. Non-QM mortgages offer flexible options for people that don’t meet the strict requirements to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Let’s take a look at who can benefit from this increasingly popular type of loan program. 
Self-Employed and Freelance Buyers
Self-employed and freelance workers often use tax write-offs to lower their reported net income and reduce the amount of tax they must pay. The down side is, when applying for a conventional mortgage, the lender looks at that reduced income as a baseline for how much you can borrow. 
Conversely, a Non-QM loan allows for alternative documentation, where you may be able to provide 12-24 months of bank statements instead of the standard W-2s and tax returns. This can make the difference between closing the deal on a home or not qualifying at all!
High-Net-Worth Buyers
Retirees and high-net-worth buyers can also use alternative documentation to qualify for a non-QM mortgage without liquidating their investments. The lender may look at the accumulated assets of savings, retirement funds, or investments, rather than a steady paycheck. This allows the borrower to keep their investments intact and earning money, instead of cashing out to close the deal.
Commission-Based and Seasonal Workers
The underwriter can look at a borrower’s total earnings over a year to calculate an average monthly income, rather than penalizing gaps or fluctuation in income.
These are just a few scenarios where a Non-QM loan makes sense for the borrower. This type of loan also often works well for real estate investors who may qualify using a rental property’s cash flow, and people who are rebuilding their credit after a recent bankruptcy or foreclosure. In all cases, the flexible terms for approval make Non-QM programs worth looking into.
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If you have any questions about mortgage planning, we’re just a phone call away! We specialize in providing personalized service to help you meet your unique goals.