While the lower interest rates have been a surprise for mortgage lenders, there are still borrowers who do not qualify for conventional loans through the agencies (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac). But are these prospective borrowers just out of luck or is there a responsible alternative for these creditworthy applicants? Let’s examine two common situations:
- Self-Employed – In today’s economy, well over 15 million individuals are self-employed, and that number is expected to continue to rise. Self-employed borrowers often have some of the largest challenges with qualifying for conventional loans. Their income may not be regular, finances more complicated, and documentation a challenge. But careful analysis of the borrower could reveal that a non-QM product that takes a more holistic look at the credit profile may be a viable alternative. According to an article (no longer posted) in HousingWire, two-thirds of non-QM borrowers used some level of alternative or limited documentation, and about one-quarter were denied a prime-rate loan due to a prior credit event.
- Borrowers Looking for Additional Financing Options – For many borrowers, the traditional, 30-year fixed-rate loan is the safe, predictable product they are looking for. However, many other families are interested in more options, and that’s when non-QM loan products, like an interest-only, cash-out refinance might make sense. A possible scenario includes a borrower who plans to move out within a year or two.
Lenders with borrowers who might be a good fit for these alternative products and options need an investor partner that is experienced, specialized in the non-QM space, with the technology and trained staff to execute and deliver. The non-QM market has exploded over the past few years (as much as $40 billion projected in 2019), and experts estimate that as much as $200 billion annually in unmet demand exists. Verus offers a growing selection of loan products for borrowers who don’t fit the traditional credit box, along with the experience and commitment to help correspondent lenders succeed.