Investors ask me constantly whether they should use a hard money loan or a private money loan, and the honest first answer is that the terms overlap enough that half the market uses them interchangeably. But there’s a real distinction underneath, and picking wrong costs money. After a decade originating loans in Southern California, much… Read More »
Takeaways on Non-QM Loans in 2026 Non-QM is not subprime — the difference is statutory. Every non-QM loan must satisfy the federal Ability-to-Repay rule. Income is verified through bank statements, assets, or property cash flow instead of W-2s. The typical borrower has strong credit, not weak credit. Expect 700+ scores, 20% to 25% down, and… Read More »
Getting an apartment building loan starts with matching the property to the right program. Buildings of five or more units fall outside residential lending entirely, so approval turns on the property’s net operating income, not your personal income. Lenders test debt service coverage, loan-to-value, market strength, and your track record as an operator. HUD, Fannie… Read More »
What are the best mortgage loans for self employed people today? The top mortgage brokers and lenders for self employed borrowers are specialty non-QM lenders offering bank statement, no-doc loans, DSCR, 1099, P&L, and asset depletion programs, not traditional national banks. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America generally do NOT offer alternative documentation loans,… Read More »
Bank statement mortgage loans have replaced the stated income programs that were so popular last decade. Banks and lenders have gained wisdom in recent years and rolled out bank statement mortgage loans that are less risky because they enable a borrower to prove that they can afford to make their monthly mortgage payment. The most… Read More »
The RefiGuide published this guide for consumers to find the best fixer upper loan programs and get matched with banks, brokers and lenders that meet their needs. Buying a fixer-upper home can be an excellent investment, offering the opportunity to purchase a home at a lower cost and customize it to your preferences. However, getting… Read More »
Homeowners looking to tap into their home’s equity often face challenges with traditional banks due to strict lending criteria. Fortunately, private home equity loan programs offer alternative solutions with more flexible approval processes. Whether you’re an investor, self-employed, or have unique financial circumstances, these private equity loan programs provide accessible funding options. What Is a… Read More »
Yes. You can get a no documentation home equity loan without tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs in 2026. No doc equity loans allow homeowners, business owners, self-employed professionals, retirees, and real estate investors to get cash out by accessing the equity in their property using alternative verification methods — bank statements, asset statements, or… Read More »
The popularity of private money loans has soared because the real estate market and self-employed borrowers have increased the demand for alternative mortgages from private mortgage lenders. Private money lenders are a non-institutional source that provides home loans, mortgages and cash-out home equity lines of credit for people with all types of credit. Private money… Read More »
Yes you can get a mortgage without tax returns in 2026. More than 16 million self-employed Americans, millions of real estate investors, retirees with complex income, and gig economy workers face the same problem every time they try to buy or refinance a home: their federal tax returns dramatically understate their real income. A freelance… Read More »
