What is a Non-QM Loan?
A Non-QM loan (Non-Qualified Mortgage) is a home loan that doesn’t meet the strict lending guidelines set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These loans are ideal for borrowers who may not qualify for traditional financing due to factors like:
- Unconventional income
- High debt-to-income (DTI) ratios
- Less-than-perfect credit history
- Investment Financing
Non-QM loans still require responsible lending practices—they simply offer flexibility in how borrowers are evaluated.
Who Is a Good Fit for a Non-QM Mortgage?
Non-QM loans are especially helpful for:
- Self-employed borrowers with fluctuating income
- Individuals with credit challenges or recent financial setbacks
- Homebuyers with high DTI ratios who can still demonstrate ability to repay
- Investors or foreign nationals
- Borrowers using non-traditional income documentation (e.g., bank statements)
Every lender’s criteria may vary, but these loans are designed to help people outside the traditional lending box.
Key Benefits of a Non-QM Loan
- Flexible income documentation (e.g., bank statements instead of tax returns)
- Alternative approval paths for those denied traditional mortgages
- Lower down payment options (compared to hard money loans)
- Opportunity to invest or buy sooner, even with financial irregularities
This loan type can be a game-changer for self-employed professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone with non-traditional income sources.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-QM Loan?
Non-QM loans vary based on the individual requirements of the lender, but there are certain factors that are common across most non-qualified mortgage issuance. Borrowers will need to provide documentation verifying their income, employment history, and credit score. Non-QM loans also often carry higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgage loans, as they are considered riskier by lenders.
Borrowers should also expect a thorough underwriting process, as lenders will want to be sure that they can afford to repay the loan.
Depending on the type of documentation, Non-QM loans may require a significant down payment when it comes to financing the loan. While the exact percentage may vary, borrowers should expect to pay up to 15 to 20% of the home's purchase price as a down payment.
Contact Mortgage Simplified today to learn if a Non-QM Loan is right for you!




