02 Jul 2026
By Mark Feder

How a Co-Borrower Can Strengthen Your Mortgage Application

Home Buyer Tips
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but qualifying for a mortgage may feel challenging for some buyers. If your income, credit profile, or purchasing power falls short of your homeownership goals, applying with a co-borrower may help strengthen your mortgage application. While adding another borrower is not the right solution for everyone, understanding how it works can help you make an informed decision. What Is a Co-Borrower?A co-borrower is someone who applies for the mortgage with you and shares equal responsibility for repaying the loan. Both borrowers' income, assets, debts, and credit history are generally considered during the approval…
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29 Jan 2026
By Mark Feder

Why Co-Signing a Car Loan Can Affect Your Mortgage Application

Home Buyer Tips
Co-signing a car loan may seem like a small favor for a family member or friend, but many homebuyers do not realize how much it affects their own mortgage approval. Even if you never drive the car, never make a payment, and never see the vehicle, the loan becomes legally and financially tied to you. Understanding how co-signing affects your credit, your debt, and your loan options can help you protect your mortgage eligibility. Know How a Co-Signed Loan Shows Up on Your Credit ReportWhen you co-sign a car loan, the lender reports the account to the credit bureaus under…
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08 May 2025
By Mark Feder

The Impact of Rental Income on Mortgage Qualification

Mortgage
For real estate investors and homeowners looking to purchase additional properties, rental income can play a crucial role in mortgage qualification. Lenders often consider this income when assessing a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, but the way it is calculated and applied varies based on different loan programs and underwriting guidelines. Understanding how rental income factors into mortgage approval can help buyers maximize their borrowing potential and secure favorable financing terms. How Lenders Assess Rental IncomeLenders typically evaluate rental income based on documentation such as lease agreements, tax returns, and property appraisals. The amount of income they recognize depends…
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14 Dec 2023
By Mark Feder

Why You Need to Be Truthful on Your Mortgage Application

Home Mortgage Tips
There are few things better than finding your dream home and being able to afford it, but simply because you've found the perfect place doesn't mean you should stretch the truth. It might seem tempting to polish your mortgage application a little in the hopes of making a better impression, but here are a few reasons why you should stick to the truth when signing off on your home. Your Credit History Tells All It can be tempting to bump up your salary or make some hefty deposits into your savings account. However, lenders will be taking a look at…
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