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Common Challenges in Home Financing

Mortgage Process Challenges and Solutions

Down Payment Requirements

Dollars

Challenge

Coming up with a down payment is often seen as a primary barrier to homeownership—especially for first-time buyers.

Solutions

  1. There's no reason to use all of your savings for a large down payment, when there so many low down payment programs available:

  2. As little as 3.5% down with FHA loans for qualifying borrowers.

  3. As low as 0% down for eligible VA and USDA borrowers.

  4. Just 5% - 10% down for qualifying conventional loans.
     

  5. Depending on where you live, there may be local and state down payment assistance options that can help bridge the gap. Lastly, if you have access to Gift-Funds they may be used with appropriate documentation.

Strict Credit Score Requirements

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Challenge

FICO score minimums, which vary for different loan programs, can disqualify borrowers with blemished credit histories.

Solutions

  1. We offer solutions designed for all eligible credit profiles, which may include:

  2. FHA loans for qualifying borrowers with 580+ credit.

  3. Non-QM programs that accept credit scores starting as low as 620, depending on the scenario.

  4. Personalized strategies to improve your credit scores
     

  5. We evaluate your entire financial picture—not just a number—to get you the best loan possible.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Restrictions

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Challenge

A high DTI can disqualify borrowers, even with solid income and qualifying credit scores.

Solutions

We understand how to work within DTI limitations. These limits vary by loan type, allowing us to find a program that best fits your financial situation. Remember that DTI is based on your monthly - not total - debt, so it is important to evaluate your obligations and see if there are ways to reduce your monthly bills. Options could include paying off a credit card, or restructuring another loan. You should target a DTI under 50% (or lower!), including your PITI (Principal, Interest, Tax, & Insurance). I can help you review this and determine your home purchase budget.​

Mortgage Insurance Costs (PMI/MIP)

Filling Out Tax Form

Challenge

PMI for Conventional loans with less than 20% down and MIP for FHA loans add significant costs to monthly payments.

Solutions

Saving for a higher down payment can be tough, but consider making extra principal payments each month instead. Even small additional payments can significantly speed up the removal of PMI, which happens when your equity reaches 20% or more. Todd can guide you through this process and show how quickly you could reach that goal. You may also qualify for a loan that does not require PMI, such as a Jumbo, VA, or Bank Statement loan.

Employment & Income Verification Challenges

Dentist

Challenge

If you're self-employed and do not receive traditional income documentation (W-2's/1099's), it can sometimes be more difficult to receive loan approval.

Solutions

We offer specialized loan programs, like Bank Statement or other Non-QM loans, that cater to self-employed borrowers. Using your bank statement history, we will determine an income basis for you to use for your loan application.

Loan Limits in High-Cost Areas

Charming Neighborhood

Challenge

Loan limits cap how much you can borrow under standard loan programs.

Solutions

We structure your financing to maximize your buying power.

Loan limits are adjusted upward to reflect the more expensive housing markets in high-cost areas

Conventional vs. FHA loan options

Jumbo and Non-QM loans are available for loan amounts above conforming limits.

VA loans have no loan limits with full entitlement.

Strategize with higher down payments or hybrid structures such as "Piggyback" loans to stay within limits.
 

We tailor your loan to fit your property goals—no matter how ambitious.

Variable or Inconsistent Income Concerns

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Challenge

Fluctuating income (common with self-employment, commission, or seasonal work) can complicate the loan approval process for many traditional lenders.

Solutions

We offer income documentation options that cater to self-employed borrowers or those with non-traditional income streams. This may also include borrowers looking for asset-based loans.

Use bank statements, P&Ls, or 1099s with our Non-QM solutions.

We work with self-employed professionals, freelancers, and gig workers.

We'll provide expert guidance on documentation needs and getting your pre-approved.
 

Todd's experience with complex income types ensures you get credit where it’s due.

Divorce Mortgage

On the Train

Challenge

Navigating the mortgage process during a divorce presents several challenges, including qualifying for a loan on a single income and managing the financial burden of dividing home equity. Divorcees often struggle to incorporate alimony or child support as qualifying income and may feel overwhelmed by the lack of specialized guidance to explore tailored mortgage solutions.

Solutions

Let's face it, no one wins in a divorce. I have been there, and I understand the difficult decisions and emotions involved for all concerned. As a Divorce Mortgage Specialist I will help you navigate the mortgage process. This may include:

  • Supporting you by working directly with your attorney.

  • Discussing the use of alimony or child support as qualifying income.

  • Determining how you may qualify for a loan to remain in your home, or

  • Pre-approving you for a new home mortgage
     

I can help you with tailored solutions and customized options to confidently move forward.

Let's Connect

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Todd Poseley - Loan Officer - NMLS # 2124420 | Licensed in CO, FL, MN, TN, TX. Employed by radius financial group inc., NMLS #1846. CO Mortgage Company Registration FL Lender/Servicer MLD309/MLD1562 MN Residential Mortgage Originator License MN-MO-1846 TN Mortgage License 187785 TX SML Mortgage Banker Registration. Texas Consumers: For more information visit www.radiusgrp.com/licenses This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage solicitation activity or loan applications for properties located in the State of New York can be facilitated through this site.

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Corp NMLS #1846
Equal Housing Lender

© 2025 by Todd Poseley.
Maintained by SEBSS

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