Opinion: Harnessing non-QM loans as refinancing quantity dwindles

The mortgage trade continues to be battered by destructive headlines amid the sluggish in demand, the challenges of housing provide, and rising rates of interest. It’s no secret that refinance (refi) volumes dropped off a cliff, and the variety of homebuyers out there has shrunk since 2022. That leaves you with a small pool of prospects in a sea that was once teeming with extra quantity than you might deal with. The change of tempo might be off-putting in additional methods than one, however a slowdown in refi and mortgage quantity can imply an opportunity to construct a brand new pipeline of income by means of the non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) market.

As a purchase order product, non-QM generally is a welcome boost to your choices in terms of serving homebuyers. Not solely does it assist you to develop your pool of prospects, nevertheless it additionally provides you a chance to exchange misplaced quantity and probably stave off that income compression we’re seeing throughout the trade.

Evolving with non-QM experience

Step one to benefiting from this sector is continuous schooling on non-QM loans and their distinctive options. As extra debtors fall exterior the traditional lending parameters, the demand for non-QM loans will increase. It’s essential to start out educating your self, your group, and your shoppers about non-QM loans. 

Within the non-QM market, there’s a myriad of product choices tailor-made to serve varied borrower demographics. As an example, self-employed people have lengthy been underserved by conventional lenders because of earnings documentation necessities. We frequently hear tales of self-employed debtors who get rejected by their financial institution as a result of the financial institution doesn’t perceive tips on how to qualify their scenario. Non-QM financial institution assertion merchandise, which confirm earnings primarily based on financial institution statements reasonably than tax returns, can serve this inhabitants successfully.  

Schooling is to not be confused with complexity. These loans should not as sophisticated or as time-consuming as you might assume. The fact is that while you work with non-QM professionals, you will see that that these loans might be accomplished as seamlessly as Company loans. Expertise will solely make the method quicker. 

Deciding on the precise non-QM companions

The non-QM world is totally different from the traditional mortgage house, so it’s important to have dependable companions by your aspect. Plugging numbers right into a black field and getting a sure or no reply will not be how non-QM works. As I discussed, although, selecting a trusted and skilled lender who focuses on non-QM loans could make the distinction between a deal that closes and one which doesn’t. These professionals have navigated the non-QM panorama many instances over and may information you thru it, figuring out and answering pertinent questions that may influence your borrower’s probabilities of mortgage approval and offering help when wanted.

Non-QM as the answer to the refi vacuum

With the refi market having dried up, it’s clear that the long run for originators lies in diversifying their portfolio of mortgage merchandise. Non-QM loans should not only a stopgap however a long-term technique that may redefine your online business mannequin. These loans cater to an untapped viewers and may sustainably substitute the amount misplaced to refinancing.

The shift to non-QM could seem daunting, however by advertising and marketing your self as a non-QM knowledgeable, partnering with reliable lenders, and leveraging a wide range of non-QM merchandise, you can’t solely survive on this new panorama but additionally thrive. The market at all times strikes, and essentially the most profitable originators transfer with it. 

Tom Hutchens is the chief vice chairman of manufacturing for Angel Oak Mortgage Options.

This column doesn’t essentially replicate the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial division and its homeowners.

To contact the writer of this story:
Tom Hutchens at

To contact the editor answerable for this story:
Tracey Velt at [email protected]