If you have no credit score, you may think homeownership is out of reach, but that is not true. Many people who avoid credit cards, pay with cash, or are new to the United States have no traditional credit history. Lenders call this a non-traditional credit profile, and while it requires extra steps, you can still qualify for a mortgage. With the right preparation, you can show lenders that you are responsible, consistent, and financially ready to own a home.
Why Closing Old Credit Accounts Can Hurt Your Mortgage Approval
When you are preparing to buy a home, it is natural to want your credit profile to look clean and organized. Many buyers think closing old credit accounts will improve their score, simplify their finances, and make them appear more responsible to lenders. In reality, closing old accounts can have the opposite effect. Those accounts play a much bigger role in your credit profile than most people realize and shutting them down can create sudden changes that impact your mortgage approval.
How the Sharing Economy Is Changing Mortgage Underwriting
The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way many people work, earn, and budget. Income from rideshare driving, freelance projects, short-term rentals, and delivery apps has become a normal part of modern finances. These new income streams are helpful for building savings and paying bills, but they also affect how lenders view your mortgage application. Understanding how the sharing economy influences underwriting can help you prepare for a smooth approval process.
Understanding an Appraisal Contingency in Your Home Purchase
When buying a home, you have the option to include contingencies in your purchase contract. These protect you by setting certain conditions that must be met for the contract to remain valid. If any contingency isn’t satisfied, you can back out of the sale without penalty.
