What is Non-QM Loan?

A non-QM loan is a mortgage that does not meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's qualified mortgage rules, often used by borrowers with unique income or credit situations.

A non-qualified mortgage, or non-QM loan, does not adhere to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's qualified mortgage standards, which generally require certain debt-to-income limits and loan features. Borrowers use them when they cannot qualify for a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan due to self-employment, irregular income, recent credit events, or high debt-to-income ratios. Watch for higher interest rates and fees, larger down payments, and less standardized underwriting. These loans may have features like interest-only periods or balloon payments. They are not right for every borrower, and comparing multiple offers is essential.

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