How to Get a Lower Mortgage Interest Rate
How to Get a Lower Mortgage Interest Rate When purchasing a home or refinancing, one of the
We are offering home loan programs in collaboration with Loan Factory. Loan Factory is a highly reputable mortgage brokerage company that has been operating in the United States for over 18 years, boasting a perfect 5-star Google rating with over 15,000 reviews. The company ranks among the top 1 or 2 home loan brokerages nationwide, comparing and providing competitive low interest rates and tailored terms for each client from a selection of 240 diverse mortgage loan products.
With our 20 years of experience in real estate and financial lending, combined with our dedication and integrity, we utilize Loan Factory’s cutting-edge technology, systems, and excellent programs to provide the best possible service to each and every customer. We are committed to helping you take the first step toward achieving your American Dream.
The mortgage rate graph shows rates based on the specific condition below. You can also view mortgage rate trends from the past 5 days (5D) up to 5 years (5Y). Actual rates vary depending on individual qualifications, circumstances, location, and program selection. Your rate may be lower or higher than the rates shown below. You can receive a free consultation and a no-obligation pre-approval.
Super Fast 5-Day Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
No-Income Verification Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
If you apply as an owner-occupied residence, you must genuinely intend to live in the property.
If the purpose is to rent it out, then the loan must be processed as an investment property loan.
Providing false information may result in loan cancellation, penalties, and legal consequences.
The loan program will vary depending on the type of condo:
Warrantable Condos can be financed with a standard mortgage and may qualify for lower interest rates.
Non-Warrantable Condos require specialty (Non-QM) loans, which may result in higher interest rates and higher down payment requirements.
Operated by private financial institutions without government backing
Based on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines
Available as Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate (ARM)
Minimum down payment starts at 3%
No PMI required with a down payment of 20% or more
Higher credit scores qualify for lower interest rates
Minimum credit score: 620
Requires 2 years of income documentation
Eligible for primary residence, second home, or investment property
Repayment terms: 15 to 30 years
Uses alternative documents instead of traditional tax returns (1040, W-2), such as bank statements, P&L, or rental income – ideal for self-employed or freelancers
Bank Statement Loan – Income verified through bank deposits
Asset Depletion Loan – Income calculated based on liquid assets
DSCR Loan – Qualification based on rental income only (for investment properties)
Foreign National Loan – Loans for non-U.S. residents
Interest-Only Loan – Pay only interest for the first few years
Easier approval criteria, but interest rates are slightly higher than conventional loans
Lower credit scores may be accepted
Down payment typically ranges from 10% to 30%, depending on the program
Allows home purchase with a low down payment
Designed for borrowers with lower credit scores
3.5% down payment with credit score of 580 or higher
10% down payment with credit score of 500 or higher
MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) is required
Ideal for first-time homebuyers
Renovation costs can be included
Offers some of the lowest interest rates
Loan limits vary by county
Offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Designed for rural and low-population areas
Allows home purchase with no down payment
Must meet income limits and regional eligibility requirements
Only available for primary residence (not for investment properties)
Borrower must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Requires a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
→ Applicants must obtain a certificate from the VA confirming eligibility
Available to active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses
No down payment required
No mortgage insurance (MIP)
Flexible credit requirements – 580 or higher
Offers some of the lowest interest rates
There are so many different mortgage programs and products that it can easily become confusing. Therefore, the most important first step is to consult with a loan professional to determine which program is most suitable for you.
Mortgage program selection varies depending on each individual’s situation and is determined by considering the following factors:
Income documentation method: W-2 wage earner / self-employed
Credit score
Down payment amount
Purpose of purchase: primary residence / investment / second home
Personal financial situation
Property type: Non-warrantable condos or certain multi-unit properties may not qualify for standard mortgages and may require a Non-QM loan instead.
Based on all these factors, we recommend the most suitable mortgage program and product for your situation.
We also help you compare interest rates and fees from multiple lenders so you can choose the most competitive option.
Conventional mortgages are best suited for borrowers who have strong credit, stable income reported on tax returns, and who want the most favorable interest rates.
This is a standard residential mortgage program without government backing, and it is the most widely used loan type in the United States.
The most common form is the Conforming Loan that meets Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
No Government Guarantee (Non-Government Loan)
Unlike FHA, VA, or USDA loans, a conventional mortgage is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency; it is provided by private lenders.
Low interest rates and flexible terms (when qualifications are met)
The better your credit, the more favorable the interest rate.
Down payments can start as low as 3% (for first-time buyers).
PMI (mortgage insurance) can be removed once the LTV reaches 80% and you request it.
Can be used for various purposes
Primary Residence
Second Home
Investment
Minimum 620
700–740+ may qualify for the most favorable interest rates
DTI (Debt -to-Income)
Typically 45% or below
Up to 50% may be allowed with strong credit or reserves
Down Payment
3%–5%: Primary residence, first-time buyers
10%–20%+: Second home or investment property
20%+: No PMI required
Borrowers with credit scores between 620–700+
Those with sufficient income reported on tax returns
Borrowers who want to eliminate PMI
Buyers considering a primary residence, second home, or investment property
Anyone seeking the most common and competitive interest rates
Self-employed borrowers often report lower taxable income because they take many business expense write-offs. Even if their gross income is high, their tax-return income may appear low.
In these cases, qualifying for standard mortgages (Conventional/FHA) can be difficult. However, there are special programs (Non-QM loans) designed for this situation.
A program that calculates income based on bank deposits, not tax returns.
Use the most recent 12 or 24 months of business or personal bank statements
Income is calculated by applying an expense factor depending on the industry
Example: 40–60% expense ratio
Down payment: 10–20%
Works even when reported tax-return income is low
One of the most popular programs for self-employed borrowers
Available for both purchase and refinance
A program that qualifies income using a P&L statement prepared by a CPA or tax professional.
Useful when bank deposits are insufficient to reflect actual income
Beneficial for businesses with large operations or seasonal fluctuations
For investment properties only.
This program does not look at personal income; approval is based solely on the property’s rental income.
DSCR ≥ 1.0 (Rent ≥ Monthly mortgage payment)
Completely independent of tax-return income
(Click for more details about DSCR loans.)
Lenders use the average of the past two years of taxable income, so recent income increases can help
Reducing business expenses and showing a higher net income improves approval chances
For 1099 earners, a combination of a P&L statement + bank statements can be used
If you are purchasing or refinancing an investment property with the intention of renting it out, there is a mortgage program available that does not require tax returns or personal income documentation — the DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan.
DSCR loans evaluate income solely based on the rental income generated by the investment property, without considering the borrower’s personal income. Because of this, investors can use DSCR loans to purchase or refinance multiple rental properties.
We are not limited to a single program. Together with Loan Factory, we compare over 120 different DSCR loan products to offer you the most favorable terms available. Loan Factory is the largest mortgage brokerage in the United States, with over 18 years of experience and the highest loan volume nationwide each year.
For more detailed information about DSCR loans, please click the link and visit the Investment Property / DSCR page.
When your credit is low and your down payment is small, you may want to consider mortgage programs backed by the U.S. government.
These federal programs are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents and must be used for a primary residence.
Minimum credit score: 580+ → 3.5% down payment
500–579 → approximately 10% down required
More flexible DTI limits than Conventional loans
Approval possible even with recent credit issues
Gift funds and Down Payment Assistance allowed
Available to both self-employed and W-2 borrowers
Primary residence only
👉 This is the first program to consider when credit is low and down payment is limited.
Provides 0% to 3% toward the down payment
Usually requires a credit score of 600+
Often paired with FHA loans
Programs available for low- to moderate-income borrowers
👉 Very helpful for buyers who do not have enough for the down payment.
0% down payment, no PMI
Very flexible credit requirements (often approved with 580+)
One of the lowest-cost mortgage programs available
👉 If you have U.S. military service history, this is typically the best option.
0% down payment available
Credit score generally around 620
Has geographic and income restrictions
👉 Very advantageous when purchasing in suburban or qualifying rural areas.
Please note: The mortgage information below may change depending on U.S. national policies and financial market conditions.
Even without a U.S. green card or citizenship, there are multiple ways to legally obtain a mortgage in the United States.
Below is a clear summary of mortgage programs available to non–permanent residents and foreign nationals.
If you have legal immigration status in the U.S. and a Social Security Number (SSN), you may qualify for a conventional mortgage.
E-1 / E-2
L-1
H-1B
O-1
TN
Other valid work visas
Conventional loans available
Requirements are almost the same as for permanent residents
Low down payment possible (3–5%)
Same credit requirements (620+)
Even on a visa, if you have an SSN and legal employment in the U.S., you can qualify for a standard mortgage.
Designed for individuals without a Social Security Number.
Must file taxes using an ITIN
Proof of income for the most recent 2 years
10–20% down payment
Alternative credit accepted (rental history, utilities, etc.)
Rates are higher than standard mortgages
Primary, second home, and investment properties allowed
You can purchase a home even without an SSN!
For individuals who do not live in the U.S.
No SSN required
Non-resident foreigners are eligible
25–30% down payment
Approval based on overseas income, bank balances, and assets
Refinancing available (some lenders allow cash-out)
Even if you live in Korea, you can purchase U.S. real estate.
Loans that allow income verification without tax returns, using bank statements or assets instead.
No tax returns required
Excellent option for self-employed borrowers
Available to non–permanent residents with SSNs
10–20% down payment
Higher rates than conventional loans
A strong alternative for those who report low taxable income.
Approval is based only on the property’s rental income, not the borrower’s personal income.
SSN not required (some ITIN options available)
DSCR ≥ 1.0 (rent covers the mortgage payment)
20–25% down payment
No income, job, or tax-return documentation needed
Even without a green card or citizenship, you can purchase investment property through DSCR loans.
Even without U.S. permanent residency or citizenship:
Visa holders → Eligible for standard conventional mortgages
No SSN → ITIN or Foreign National loans available
Self-employed with low reported income → Non-QM programs
Investment property → DSCR loans require no income documents
Retirees, or borrowers whose taxable income is low or irregular, can still qualify as long as they have sufficient liquid assets.
This is a Non-QM loan program that qualifies borrowers by converting their assets into income instead of using traditional income documentation.
Instead of providing traditional income documents (W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs), the lender reviews your liquid assets and converts them into a calculated monthly income. Eligible assets include:
Cash (checking / savings)
Stocks, bonds, investment accounts
Retirement accounts such as IRA or 401(k)
Other liquid assets
100% of assets counted
Divided over 120 months (10 years) to calculate monthly income
70–80% of assets counted
Divided over 84–120 months
If you have $1,000,000 in assets:
Usable amount = $1,000,000 × 80% = $800,000
Monthly income = $800,000 ÷ 120 months = $6,666 per month
→ This calculated income is used to qualify for the mortgage.
Retirees
Borrowers with irregular income
Self-employed borrowers reporting low taxable income
Individuals who live off investment income
Borrowers who have difficulty qualifying using traditional income documentation
Primary residence
Second home
Investment property (depending on lender guidelines)
Typically 20–30% down payment
Credit score usually 620–680+
Interest rates may be slightly higher than conventional loans
✔ No tax returns required
✔ No W-2s or pay stubs needed
✔ Approval based solely on assets
✔ Very suitable for retirees and high-net-worth borrowers
Requires substantial liquid assets
Rates are slightly higher since it is a Non-QM loan
Not a government-backed program
The Asset Utilization Mortgage allows borrowers to qualify for a mortgage without income documentation, using assets alone.
It is especially beneficial for:
Retirees
High-net-worth borrowers
Self-employed individuals with low taxable income
Borrowers who rely primarily on investment income
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Milestone Point Inc. In partnership with Loan Factory Inc. (NMLS #320841)
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer: Terry Kwon (NMLS #2620208)
Licensed Mortgage Originator at Loan Factory
Funding Director at Milestone Point, Inc.
Residential Mortgage Licensed: AL, CA, CO, GA, IL, ME, NJ, OH, NV, TX, VA, WA
Contact: (631) 624-4480
Email: terry@milestonepointinc.com
Milestone Point, Inc: 200 Garden City Plaza, Suite 215, Garden City, NY 11530
Loan Factory: 2195 Tully Road. San Jose, CA 95122
Disclaimer:
Loan approval is not guaranteed. Approval is subject to credit, income, assets, and other underwriting criteria.
Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
Milestone Point Inc. partners with Loan Factory Inc. to provide access to multiple mortgage products.
All mortgage programs are offered through licensed mortgage brokers/loan officers registered with the NMLS.