article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

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?

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

A simple guideline change could boost home sales and help homebuyers

Housing Wire

My job as a loan officer is to help people prep and plan to buy a house. The homeowner wants to sell the house, and the homebuyer wants to buy it, but the homebuyer cannot qualify because their debt-to-income ratio is too high, or they are overwhelmed by their total monthly payments.

article thumbnail

Creative Strategies To Come Up With The Down Payment

The Mortgage Report

Eligibility often depends on factors like being a first-time buyer, meeting income limits, and maintaining a qualifying credit score, though the details vary by program. Just understand that the money typically isn’t free,” says Matt Schwartz , branch manager and loan officer with Southlake Mortgage.

article thumbnail

6 Types of First-Time Homebuyer Loans: Everything New Buyers Should Know

Redfin

These loans are offered from private lenders and are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). An FHA loan may be ideal for those with a lower credit score or a higher debt-to-income ratio. Are there loans available for buyers in specific professions? Requirements Down payment: 3.5%