A Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) Loan is a type of home loan that does not meet the strict guidelines set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for Qualified Mortgages (QM). These loans are designed for borrowers who may not fit traditional lending criteria but have the financial ability to repay.
✔ Self-Employed Borrowers – Use bank statements instead of tax returns.
✔ Real Estate Investors – Can qualify based on rental income (DSCR loans) instead of personal income.
✔ Foreign Nationals – No U.S. credit history required.
✔ High Net Worth Individuals – Can qualify based on assets rather than income (Asset Depletion Loans).
✔ Borrowers with Credit Challenges – Those with recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, or low credit scores.
✅ Flexible qualification criteria
✅ Alternative income verification options
✅ Higher loan limits for luxury homes or investment properties
✅ Can be used for primary, second homes, or investment properties
❌ Higher interest rates than conventional loans
❌ Larger down payment requirements (usually 10-30% depending on the borrower’s profile)
❌ Limited lender availability compared to conventional loans