Divorce, bankruptcy, gift funds, a co-signing parent, a departing residence — these come up constantly, and each has its own rulebook. I break down exactly how FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA, and Non-QM each treat these nine situations, so you know your real options before you apply.
Keeping or renting your current home while buying a new one? Here's how each program treats the old mortgage payment.
See the guidelines →Divorce & MortgagesBuyouts, joint debt, and non-borrowing spouses — the rules for a mortgage during or after divorce.
See the guidelines →Income DocumentationReceiving or paying child support? History and continuance rules that decide if it counts.
See the guidelines →Down PaymentFamily helping with your down payment — donor rules and the paper trail every program requires.
See the guidelines →Family-Assist FinancingA relative can co-sign without living in the home — but LTV and DTI rules vary sharply by program.
See the guidelines →First-Time BuyersYour options across FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA — down payment, income limits, and eligibility.
See the guidelines →CreditCollections, charge-offs, and disputes — what actually counts against you, and what doesn't.
See the guidelines →SeasoningChapter 7 and Chapter 13 seasoning timelines — shorter than most people assume.
See the guidelines →SeasoningForeclosure, short sale, and deed-in-lieu waiting periods, program by program.
See the guidelines →