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This guide covers advice and tips for home buyers in qualifying and getting approved for a mortgage. Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or looking to move, the process can seem complicated. But with the right advice and tips, you can…
USDA loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) for eligible buyers purchasing in USDA-approved rural and select suburban areas. This guide breaks down the real USDA home loan requirements—income limits, credit/DTI guidelines, property rules, and the USDA eligibility map—so you can quickly tell if you qualify and what to do next. Quick USDA Eligibility Checklist…
FHA Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements 2026: Max DTI Limits, Calculations & How to Qualify for Approval If you’re applying for an FHA loan, one of the most important things lenders look at is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Simply, this tells lenders how much of your income is already going toward monthly debts, including your future mortgage….
When the stock market drops sharply, many homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors immediately ask the same question: Will mortgage rates go down, too? It is a fair question because market volatility often creates major shifts in borrowing costs, consumer confidence, and housing affordability. Understanding how a stock market correction affects is important for anyone…
Self-Employed Relocation Mortgage Guidelines: What to Expect in 2026, Requirements, and How to Get Approved This guide covers self-employed relocation mortgage guidelines. We will cover the most important guidelines, challenges, and expert approval strategies for self-employed wage earners relocating and buying a house in a new area. Three primary categories of residential mortgages cater to…
This guide covers avoiding home loan denial during the mortgage process. We will go deeply in giving our viewers tips and steps to take in avoiding home loan denial mainly relies on the loan officer. There is no reason why mortgage applicants should get a mortgage denial if they were properly qualified. Learn how to…
In this article, we will cover and discuss homes for heroes mortgage for firefighters and police officers. Gustan Cho Associates are excited to roll out our participation in the Homes For Heroes Real Estate Network. This Network is consisting of Realtors, loan officers, title companies, and inspectors to create discounts for the heroes that make…
The Federal Reserve does not set mortgage rates directly, but understanding how the Fed stabilizes the mortgage market can be crucial for borrowers. When the Fed takes actions to promote stability, it creates calm in the markets, allowing lenders to price loans more consistently. This consistency helps borrowers compare their options more effectively, lock in…
Hard Money Loan Closings: A Complete Guide to Quick Financing for Real Estate Investors Are you a real estate investor looking for fast financing solutions to close deals? Hard money loans may be the answer, especially when you need a quick closing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know…
Borrowers with prior outstanding collections, charged-off accounts, and other bad credit can qualify for a mortgage without paying them off. The key to qualifying for a mortgage is not prior bad credit but timely payments.
Changes in mortgage lending in 2026 are occurring in several significant ways, particularly for borrowers who are mindful of loan limits, student loan calculations, down payment options, and flexible qualification programs. Updates to FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, and Non-QM lending could influence how much home buyers qualify for, how debt-to-income ratios are calculated, and which…
In this guide, we will discuss and cover HUD guidelines on student loans vs other mortgage programs. HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is the parent of FHA. The Federal Housing Administration, FHA, has changed the HUD guidelines on student loans. Alex Carlucci, a senior mortgage loan originator at Gustan Cho Associates and…
NON-QM Jumbo Loans: Flexible Mortgage Options for Bad Credit and Alternative Income Documentation NON-QM jumbo loans are alternative mortgage loan programs for owner-occupant primary homes, second homes, and investment properties. Most non-QM loans do not have maximum loan limits. Any non-QM or alternative lending products with a loan balance higher than the 2026 conforming loan…
Non-QM 90 LTV Jumbo Loans: How High-Balance Borrowers Qualify With Less Than 20% Down In this blog, we will discuss and cover our traditional 90 LTV jumbo loans with no private mortgage insurance required. Gustan Cho Associates offers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional alternative jumbo mortgage programs. Learn about Non-QM 90 LTV jumbo…
In this blog, we will cover and discuss the steps in buying and selling a home and closing on time. Many renters who have been on the sidelines are beginning to pull the trigger on buying their first home. Christy Hembree, a senior mortgage loan originator at Gustan Cho Associates says the following about step…
Conventional Versus Government-Backed Mortgages: Which Loan Fits You Best? When you’re buying a home, one of the first big decisions is choosing between conventional versus government-backed mortgages. These two loan categories dominate the U.S. housing market and affect your down payment, credit score requirements, and even what type of property you can buy. In this…
Buying a home with less-than-perfect credit can feel overwhelming, especially if you are thinking about hiring a credit repair company. Many borrowers assume disputing accounts or removing negative items is the fastest way to qualify for a mortgage. In reality, some credit repair actions can delay underwriting, reduce your usable credit score, or create last-minute…
This guide covers mortgage guidelines on foreclosure and bankruptcy. If a mortgage loan borrower had a prior bankruptcy, there is a 2-year waiting period from the date of the bankruptcy discharge before a home buyer has to wait to qualify for FHA and VA Loans. If you have foreclosure but not bankruptcy, the following applies:…
The mortgage industry has gone through dramatic shifts over the past few years. From rising interest rates to new loan limits and updated underwriting standards, mortgage guidelines on home loans continue to evolve. At Gustan Cho Associates, we know how confusing these changes can be for borrowers. That’s why this 2026 guide breaks down the…
This guide covers eliminating FHA mortgage insurance premium by refinancing FNMA. Borrowers taking out an FHA insurance mortgage loan, besides paying an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75%, borrowers need to pay an annual FHA mortgage insurance premium of 0.55% for the life of the FHA Loan. Understand exactly how FHA upfront MIP (1.75%) and…
It has been over a dozen years since the 2008 financial crisis. Skyrocketing home prices is no doubt scaring mortgage regulators of another potential housing bubble and crisis. However, strong extensive mortgage regulations were implemented to avoid another housing crash and mortgage crisis.
In this guide, we will cover the best strategies for buying and selling a ome at the same time. Buying and selling a home at the same time can feel like juggling fireballs—exciting but stressful. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle both without losing your mind, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in…
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