Mortgage Tips, Rate Updates
& Homebuying Insights

What Is a Non-QM Loan?

Most people buying or refinancing a home end up with what the mortgage industry calls a qualified mortgage, or QM. These are loans that meet the underwriting guidelines set by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA, or the VA. They are standardized, well-understood, and the lenders who make them can sell them into the secondary market. For the majority of borrowers with steady W-2 income, decent credit, and manageable debt levels, a qualified mortgage is the right tool. But a significant portion of creditworthy borrowers do not fit neatly into that box. Non-QM loans exist for them.

VA Loan Eligibility Requirements in 2026

VA loans remain the best mortgage product available for those who qualify. No down payment, no private mortgage insurance, competitive interest rates, and relatively flexible credit requirements. If you or your spouse served in the military and you are thinking about buying a home in Massachusetts, understanding what it takes to use your VA benefit is worth your time.

How to Buy a Home in Massachusetts with 3% Down

Spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of the more interesting buying seasons Massachusetts has seen in a few years. Rates have pulled back from the highs of late 2024, inventory is slowly improving, and there are real programs available right now that let qualified buyers get into a home with just 3% down. If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for some combination of rates, prices, and savings to line up, this is worth reading.