GCA Approves When Others Can’t

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GCA Approves When Others Can’t: 2025 Guide to Getting a Mortgage After Being Denied

Have you been turned down for a mortgage? You’re not alone. At Gustan Cho Associates, we specialize in helping people get approved when other lenders say no. In fact, over 80% of our clients come to us after being denied somewhere else. Why? Because GCA approves when others can’t.

We understand that life isn’t always perfect, whether due to low credit scores, high debt, recent bankruptcy, or unique income situations. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t own a home.

Let’s examine exactly why Gustan Cho Associates is different and how we help homebuyers nationwide every day.

Why GCA Approves When Others Can’t

Most lenders have their own additional rules, known as “lender overlays.” These rules are applied on top of the standard guidelines from FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. That means even if you technically qualify based on official mortgage rules, the lender might still deny you because of their internal requirements.

At Gustan Cho Associates, we have no lender overlays. We’ll approve you if you meet FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loan guidelines—even if other lenders won’t. That’s a big reason why GCA approves when others can’t.

What Are Lender Overlays?

Lender overlays can be understood as additional guidelines imposed by individual lenders that go beyond the minimum requirements set by loan programs. For instance, while the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) permits credit scores as low as 500, many lenders impose a higher threshold, often requiring a score of 620 or above.

Similarly, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans do not have a mandated minimum credit score from the VA; however, many lenders still adhere to a cutoff of 620.

Moreover, some lenders choose not to engage in manual underwriting, even though this practice is permitted under certain circumstances. These overlays can significantly impact a borrower’s loan eligibility and highlight the importance of researching specific lender requirements.

Gustan Cho Associates removes these roadblocks. We only follow official agency guidelines. That means if you qualify under FHA, VA, USDA, or Fannie/Freddie rules, we’ll help you.

That’s why GCA approves when others can’t.

Loan Denied at the Last Minute? We Can Still Help.

Many of our clients come to us in panic mode. They were told they were pre-approved, only to get denied days before closing. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking.

Here’s the good news:

We’ve helped thousands of borrowers in this exact situation. Whether the denial was due to overlays, credit score, income, or something else, we’ll do everything possible to get you to the finish line.

Our Loan Programs: Something for Everyone

Gustan Cho Associates offers every type of mortgage loan available today, including loans most lenders don’t touch.

Government & Conventional Loans (No Overlays)

• FHA loans can be available for those with a credit score as low as 500.
• VA loans with no minimum or maximum credit score, minimum or maximum DTI
• USDA loans with flexible guidelines
• Conventional loans are based solely on Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines

These are ideal for people who meet the basic agency rules but were told “no” by another lender.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? We Approve That Too.

Many lenders won’t even consider working with you if you’re currently in an active Chapter 13 repayment plan. However, we take a different approach. We can approve FHA and VA loans while you’re still in your Chapter 13 plan, provided you’ve made on-time payments for at least 12 months. It’s important to note that you’ll also need approval from your trustee for the loan.

This means that even in the midst of your repayment plan, you’ll have options available to secure financing for your home.

All loans during Chapter 13 are manually underwritten, and that’s where our team shines. We’re experts in manual underwriting, often the only path to homeownership for people with complex credit.

This is another reason GCA approves when others can’t.

GCA Is a Leader in Non-QM Loans

Non-QM loans (non-qualified mortgages) are tailored for borrowers who don’t conform to the traditional mortgage criteria. This category includes:

• Self-employed borrowers with no tax returns
• Investors using rental income only
• People with recent bankruptcies or foreclosures
• Foreign nationals or ITIN borrowers

Non-QM Loan Examples:

• Bank Statement Loans (No tax returns needed)
• Asset Depletion Loans (Use savings to qualify)
• P&L Only Loans (Profit & Loss statements)
• Loans 1 Day Out of Bankruptcy/Foreclosure
• No-ratio DSCR investment loans
• ITIN & Foreign National Loans
• Fix-and-Flip Loans
• Blanket Loans for Investors

If you’ve been told “you don’t qualify,” there’s a good chance one of our non-QM loan options can help. Again, this is why GCA approves when others can’t.

Self-Employed? We Get It.

Self-employed folks often hit roadblocks when getting traditional loans because their tax returns usually show a low net income. That’s where we come in with our Bank Statement Loans, designed just for them. These loans let you borrow up to 90% of the property value without needing those income tax returns, making it easier for freelancers, business owners, gig workers, and consultants to get the funds they need.

Plus, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is not required, and we don’t set any maximum loan limits, so it’s much more flexible and accessible for self-employed individuals. We totally get the unique financial situations that come with non-traditional income, and we’re here to help them reach their homeownership dreams.

Low Credit Score? We’re Not Afraid of That.

Some lenders won’t touch your file if you have a credit score below 620—or even 580. But FHA allows scores down to 500, and we honor that. If you have a 500–579 score and at least 10% down, or a 580+ score with 3.5% down, we can help you get approved.

This is another way GCA approves when others can’t.

Real Success Stories

• James from Ohio was denied after his lender said his DTI was too high. We approved him in 7 days with a VA manual underwrite.
• Maria from Florida was told she couldn’t buy after her Chapter 13 bankruptcy. We got her into her dream home during repayment.
• Amit, a self-employed tech consultant, was rejected due to inconsistent income. Our 12-month bank statement loan helped him close in 21 days.

These are real borrowers, real problems, and real solutions. That’s why GCA approves when others can’t.

Nationwide Coverage, Personalized Service

We’re licensed in 48 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. No matter where you are, we’ve got your back.

We also work 7 days a week—including evenings and holidays—because we know life doesn’t stop after 5 PM.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let One “No” Stop You

If you’ve been denied a mortgage, don’t give up. One lender’s “no” is not the final word. At Gustan Cho Associates, every borrower deserves a second chance.

We understand overlays, manual underwriting, non-QM loans, and complex credit better than anyone. That’s why GCA approves when others can’t.

Ready to Try Again?

Call us at 800-900-8569, Text for faster response, or email us at alex@gustancho.com. We’ll listen to your story, review your options, and help you build a path to homeownership—even if others said it’s not possible.

Let’s get you approved. Let’s get you home. GCA Approves When Others Can’t.

Frequently Asked Questions–Why GCA Approves When Others Can’t:

Q: What Does it Mean When You Say “GCA Approves When Others Can’t”?

A: It means Gustan Cho Associates helps people get approved for a mortgage even if other lenders have denied them. We don’t add extra rules like many lenders do, so if you qualify under standard loan guidelines, we’ll help you get approved.

Q: I was Denied by Another Lender. Can GCA Still Help Me?

A: Yes. Over 80% of our clients came to us after being denied elsewhere. GCA approves when others can’t because we don’t use overlays and offer flexible loan programs that many lenders don’t.

Q: What are Lender Overlays, and Why do They Matter?

A: Lender overlays are extra rules added by some lenders. For example, FHA says 500 credit scores are okay, but many lenders won’t go below 620. GCA approves when others can’t by following the official loan guidelines—no extra rules.

Q: Can I Get a Mortgage with a 500 Credit Score?

A: Yes, if you qualify under FHA guidelines. We approve borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 when they meet down payment and underwriting requirements. GCA approves when others can’t, even with lower scores.

Q: I’m in a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan. Can I Get a Mortgage?

A: Absolutely. We can help you get approved while still in your Chapter 13 repayment plan, as long as you’ve made 12 months of on-time payments and have trustee approval. GCA approves when others can’t, even during bankruptcy.

Q: I’m Self-Employed and Don’t Show Much Income on Taxes. Can I Still Get a Loan?

A: Yes. We offer bank statement loans where we look at your business deposits instead of tax returns. This is perfect for freelancers, business owners, and gig workers. GCA approves when others can’t, even when tax returns don’t show your full income.

Q: What are Non-QM Loans, and Who are They for?

A: Non-QM loans are for people who don’t qualify for regular mortgages, such as recent bankrupts, foreign nationals, or investors. We offer all kinds of non-QM options, which is another reason GCA approves when others can’t.

Q: I was Told My Debt-to-Income Ratio was Too High. Can I Still Buy a Home?

A: Yes, especially on VA loans. We’ve approved many borrowers with high DTI ratios. Some programs don’t have DTI caps. If you got denied for DTI, GCA approves when others can’t.

Q: How Fast Can GCA Close My Loan After Another Lender Denied Me?

A: We’ve helped borrowers close in as little as 7 to 21 days after being turned down. We move fast, especially when others drop the ball. That’s because GCA approves when others can’t—and we get it done.

Q: Do I Need to Live in a Certain State to Work with GCA?

A: Nope! We’re licensed in 48 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. No matter where you live, GCA approves when others can’t, and we’re here to help you.

This blog about “GCA Approves When Others Can’t” was updated on May 14h, 2025.