Due to the government shutdown, nearly all reports will be delayed aside from a few third party reports. The Consumer Sentiment report has been released on time and shows that consumers are still frustrated with the economy and increasingly high inflation. It is unknown when the government shutdown will end and when we will be seeing reports released again in a timely fashion. Interest rates will still be continued to be adjusted amidst the government shutdown.

Consumer Sentiment
Americans have soured on the prospect of finding new jobs, a new survey shows. They are also still frustrated by persistent inflation, giving them little confidence that the economy will improve soon. The first reading of the consumer sentiment survey in October was basically flat at 55.0, the University of Michigan said Friday. The index has been hovering at levels that are typically experienced during recessions.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week, with the current rate at 5.53%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.04% for this week, with the current rate at 6.30%

MND Rate Index
• 30-Yr FHA rates saw no change for this week. Current rates at 6.03%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.01% for this week. Current rates at 6.04%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be delayed until further notice.

What’s Ahead
The CPI and PPI — key inflation reports — are tentatively scheduled to be released.

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Why Are Non-Traditional Mortgages a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs?

Self-employed entrepreneurs face unique challenges when securing a mortgage. Unlike traditional employees with predictable paystubs, your income might fluctuate, making lenders hesitant. But in 2025, non-traditional mortgage options are transforming homeownership for business owners in Denver, Colorado, and beyond. At Mortgage Maestro Group, we specialize in self-employed mortgage programs tailored to your needs, ensuring you can achieve the dream of owning a home. This post explores how these innovative solutions work, why they’re ideal for entrepreneurs, and how our veteran-owned team can guide you stress-free.

What Are Non-Traditional Mortgages and How Do They Work?

Non-traditional mortgages deviate from standard loan requirements, offering flexibility for self-employed individuals. These loans focus on alternative income verification methods, like bank statements or profit-and-loss statements, rather than W-2 forms. At Mortgage Maestro Group, we offer programs like:

  • Bank Statement Loans: Use 12-24 months of bank deposits to prove income.
  • DSCR Loans: Ideal for real estate investors, focusing on property cash flow.
  • Cannabis Industry Loans: Tailored for professionals in this growing sector.

These options are perfect for entrepreneurs in Colorado, California, Florida, Wyoming, and Texas, where we’re licensed (NMLS #1838215). They accommodate unique financial situations, such as irregular income or recent business growth.

Feature Traditional Mortgage Non-Traditional Mortgage
Income Verification W-2, Paystubs Bank Statements, DSCR
Down Payment 5-20% As low as 3.5% (FHA)
Credit Requirements 620+ Flexible, case-by-case
Best For Salaried Employees Self-Employed, Investors

How Can Self-Employed Entrepreneurs Qualify in 2025?

Understanding Lender Requirements

Lenders want assurance you can repay the loan. For self-employed borrowers, this means demonstrating consistent cash flow. At Mortgage Maestro Group, we simplify this by:

  • Reviewing 12-24 months of bank statements to calculate average monthly income.
  • Assessing business stability through tax returns or profit-and-loss statements.
  • Offering options for lower credit scores, especially for FHA loans (3.5% down).

Building a Strong Application

To stand out, gather:

  • Bank Statements: Show consistent deposits over 1-2 years.
  • Tax Returns: Highlight business income, even if deductions lower taxable income.
  • Credit History: Aim for a score above 580 for FHA or non-traditional loans.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Keep DTI below 43% for better approval odds.

Our team, led by Ray Williams (NMLS #216267, Navy veteran), works tirelessly to advocate for you, ensuring a stress-free process.

Why Choose Mortgage Maestro Group for Your Mortgage?

Veteran-Owned Expertise

As a veteran-owned, Denver-based broker (NMLS #1838215), we leverage access to multiple lenders to secure competitive rates. Our team—Ray Williams, Scott Anderson (NMLS #1034786), Aurelia Nunez (NMLS #221352), and Karina Varner—brings over 15 years of experience to demystify the process.

Client-First Approach

Our values—Street Fighter advocacy, Transparency, Honesty, and Masterfulness—shine through in our 5-star Google reviews. Clients praise our communication and patience, especially for complex cases like self-employed or cannabis industry loans.

What Are the Benefits of Non-Traditional Mortgages?

Non-traditional mortgages offer:

  • Flexibility: Qualify without traditional income proof.
  • Accessibility: Options for low-income or bad-credit borrowers.
  • Speed: Faster approvals for entrepreneurs needing quick closings.
  • Investment Opportunities: DSCR and fix & flip loans for real estate ventures.

For example, our cannabis industry loans cater to Colorado’s thriving market, while VA loans offer no-down-payment options for veterans.

Ready to Unlock Your Homeownership Dreams?

Non-traditional mortgages are empowering self-employed entrepreneurs in 2025 to achieve homeownership without the barriers of traditional lending. At Mortgage Maestro Group, we’re committed to composing memories by treating every mortgage as our own. Ready to explore your options? Call 303-779-0591 or book an appointment at https://mortgage-maestro.com/appointments/. Visit https://mortgage-maestro.com/loan-options/ to learn more about our self-employed mortgage programs.

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When applying for a mortgage, one of the most important factors lenders review is your debt-to-income ratio. This simple calculation helps determine how much of your monthly income is already committed to paying debts, and it plays a major role in whether you qualify for a home loan. Understanding how this ratio works can improve your chances of securing the right mortgage.

What Debt to Income Ratio Means
Your debt-to-income ratio, often called DTI, measures the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts. These debts include credit cards, car loans, student loans, and the expected mortgage payment. Lenders use this figure to assess whether you can comfortably handle the additional responsibility of a mortgage without overextending yourself.

How Lenders Calculate It
The formula is straightforward. Lenders add up your total monthly debt payments and divide that number by your gross monthly income. For example, if you earn 6,000 dollars per month before taxes and your debt payments are 2,000 dollars, your debt to income ratio is 33 percent. Generally, most lenders prefer to see this number under 43 percent, although the specific limit can vary depending on the loan program.

Why It Matters for Mortgage Approval
Lenders want to ensure that borrowers are financially stable and unlikely to default. A lower debt to income ratio signals that you have room in your budget for housing costs, which makes you a stronger candidate. A higher ratio, on the other hand, may indicate that your finances are stretched, which can make it harder to qualify or may limit the loan amount you are offered.

Ways to Improve Your Ratio
If your debt-to-income ratio is higher than recommended, there are strategies to lower it. Paying down credit card balances or paying off smaller loans can quickly reduce your debt payments. Avoiding new debt before applying for a mortgage is also important. In some cases, increasing your income through a raise, side work, or a second job can help balance the equation.

Managing your debt-to-income ratio is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your mortgage application. By preparing ahead of time, you can improve your chances of approval and secure more favorable loan terms.

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