Blog – Todd Grey

27

Mar

Mortgage TipsFinancial Transition, Loan Qualification, Mortgage After Divorce

Qualifying for a Mortgage After Divorce

Divorce changes more than living arrangements. It reshapes income, assets, debt obligations, and financial documentation. Many individuals assume that divorce automatically complicates mortgage qualification. While underwriting may require additional documentation, homeownership after divorce is absolutely possible with proper preparation. Understanding how lenders evaluate income and obligations in this situation creates clarity and confidence. Income Stability Is RecalculatedAfter divorce, lenders assess your individual income rather than combined household earnings. If spousal support or child support is received, it may be considered qualifying income when properly documented and consistent. Conversely, if support is paid out, that obligation is factored into debt-to-income ratios.…

26

Mar

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsFinancial Strategy, Income Growth, Mortgage Planning

How a Major Promotion Should Change Your Mortgage Strategy

Receiving a promotion often increases income and confidence. It can also create the temptation to upgrade housing immediately. While higher earnings expand borrowing capacity, a promotion should trigger evaluation rather than impulse. Mortgage strategy should adapt carefully to income growth to preserve long-term stability. Increased Income Does Not Require Immediate UpgradeLenders may qualify you for a higher loan amount once income rises. However, immediately increasing housing costs can reduce financial flexibility. Promotions sometimes include probationary periods, variable bonuses, or performance metrics. Waiting to confirm income consistency protects against short-term volatility. Reevaluate Debt-to-Income PositioningHigher income improves debt-to-income ratios, potentially opening opportunities…

25

Mar

By Todd Grey

Home Buyer TipsFinancial Preparation, Mortgage Approval, Underwriting Process

What Lenders Look for Beyond Your Income

Many borrowers assume mortgage approval is based solely on income. While income is important, lenders evaluate a broader financial picture. Stability, consistency, and behavioral patterns often carry as much weight as salary alone. Understanding what lenders analyze beyond your paycheck can help you prepare strategically and avoid surprises during underwriting. Employment Stability Tells a StoryLender's review employment history to assess consistency. Frequent job changes within the same industry may be acceptable, but unexplained gaps or sudden career shifts can raise questions. Stability demonstrates predictability, and predictability reduces risk from a lending perspective. Income Consistency Matters More Than SpikesA single strong…

24

Mar

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsJumbo Loans, Loan Qualification, Mortgages

Preparing Financially for a Jumbo Loan Application

Jumbo loans exceed conforming loan limits and often require stronger financial positioning. Borrowers pursuing higher loan amounts must prepare for more detailed underwriting review and stricter qualification standards. Advanced preparation increases approval strength and pricing competitiveness. Stronger Credit ExpectationsJumbo lenders typically require higher credit scores compared to standard loan programs. Even small score improvements can impact rate pricing significantly at larger loan amounts. Reviewing credit reports early allows time for optimization. Lower Debt-to-Income RatiosJumbo underwriting often favors conservative debt-to-income positioning. Reducing revolving balances or eliminating smaller installment loans before applying can strengthen ratios. Cleaner financial profiles improve both approval probability…

23

Mar

By Todd Grey

Financial ReportsFinancial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 23rd, 2026

While delayed, the Producer Price Index has indicated that the war in Iran has pushed producer prices to new highs, as oil prices have surged amid the conflict, coming in at more than double the expected value. It is unlikely we will see prices recede, even if there is a quick resolution. There will be long-term impacts that continue to keep gas prices elevated until then. Outside of the influential PPI release, the schedule was relatively slim, with only further discussion of the FOMC rate decision, which largely focused on maintaining the status quo until more data and developments come…