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More homebuyers seek government-backed loans as an affordability lifeline

Housing Wire

Since many of the existing homeowners who purchased or refinanced during the pandemic boom are not giving up their low rates to make moves, most of the individual buyers in the market right now are first-time homebuyers who are facing a massive affordability shock, Donella Strickland, a loan officer at CMG Home Loans , told HousingWire.

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Homebuyers are taking more risks in an obstacle-filled market

Housing Wire

Findings include 71% of loan officers reporting an increase in buyers who are willing to purchase fixer-uppers, explore unconventional financing or accept high mortgage rates despite long-term financial concerns. According to CoreLogic , non-QM loans accounted for 5% of mortgage originations in 2024, up from less than 3% in 2020.

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The long anticipated transformation of the L.O.’s role is here

Housing Wire

Todays best loan officers operate differently and expect more. Naturally, this means loan officers (LOs) dont work the same way anymore, either. The modern LO routinely analyzes debt-to-income ratios in the context of retirement savings goals. They simply cant if they wish to succeed. Whats up next?

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No undue risk! Freddie Mac’s Sonu Mittal on new buyback remedy, appraisal waiver extensions

Housing Wire

Feedback for LOs Freddie Mac is also enhancing its Loan Product Advisor (LPA) automated underwriting system with LPA Choice. What this enhancement does is specific to three areas: debt-to-income ratio, reserves and loan amount.

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Think these credit problems are stopping you from buying a house? Think again

Housing Wire

It’s how much debt you have and how you manage it that matters to lenders. To see if your student loans will be a problem, it’s important to consider your debt-to-income ratio—or how much of your monthly income your loans and other debts take up. Just remember: A perfect score isn’t everything.

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Buy now, pay later: How do mortgage pros deal with ‘phantom debt’?

Housing Wire

For his client, who had many BNPL loans on her bank statement, paying them off made a significant difference since her debt-to-income ratio was too high. She was fortunate enough to have the ability to repay the loans and meet the requirements to qualify for a mortgage.

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How lenders can help borrowers improve their credit score

Housing Wire

Borrowers don’t always know or understand how their credit or debt-to-income ratio (DTI) impacts the type of loan they can qualify for. By implementing a credit process, lenders have the ability to help borrowers get approved for a loan – even after they were previously declined.