Having a difficult time qualifying, let me help structure your loan

Didier Malagies • December 23, 2024


To structure your loan effectively and qualify for a mortgage, there are several steps you can take to improve your financial situation and increase the likelihood of approval. Here’s a comprehensive guide:


1. Check Your Credit Score

Why it matters: Your credit score plays a significant role in mortgage approval. Lenders typically prefer a score of 620 or higher, though higher scores (700+) are ideal for getting better rates.

How to improve: Pay off any outstanding debts, avoid late payments, and reduce your credit card balances. You can also check for errors on your credit report and dispute any inaccuracies.

2. Save for a Down Payment

Why it matters: A larger down payment reduces the lender's risk and can improve your chances of approval. It also helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put down 20% or more.

How to improve: Aim for at least 20% if possible, but there are also options with lower down payments (e.g., 3%-5% for FHA, VA, or USDA loans).

3. Reduce Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Why it matters: Lenders want to ensure you can manage your monthly mortgage payments alongside other debts. A lower DTI means more of your income is available to cover the mortgage.

How to improve: Aim for a DTI ratio below 43%, though ideally closer to 36% or lower. You can reduce your DTI by paying off existing debts, such as credit cards or personal loans.

4. Provide Proof of Stable Income

Why it matters: Lenders want to ensure you have a steady source of income to make timely mortgage payments.

How to improve: Keep records of your income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. If you're self-employed, prepare additional documentation, such as profit and loss statements.

5. Choose the Right Mortgage Type

Why it matters: Different types of loans have different requirements and benefits.

Conventional loans are good for borrowers with strong credit and a sizable down payment.

FHA loans are suitable for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores and smaller down payments.

VA loans are available for veterans and active-duty service members with no down payment requirement.

USDA loans are ideal for rural or suburban homebuyers with low-to-moderate income.

How to improve: Research mortgage types to determine which best fits your financial situation.

6. Have a Healthy Savings Account

Why it matters: Lenders want to see that you can cover closing costs, maintenance, and emergencies after the mortgage is secured.

How to improve: Save at least 2-3 months’ worth of mortgage payments in your emergency fund.

7. Document Your Assets

Why it matters: Lenders will want to know that you have enough liquid assets to make the down payment and cover closing costs.

How to improve: Gather statements for your checking, savings, and investment accounts, and any other assets that could contribute to your mortgage approval.

8. Consider a Co-Signer

Why it matters: If your credit or income is not sufficient, having a co-signer with stronger financials may increase your chances of approval.

How to improve: Discuss with a family member or trusted individual who is willing to co-sign your loan.

9. Shop Around for Mortgage Lenders

Why it matters: Different lenders have different eligibility criteria, fees, and rates. Shopping around can help you find the best deal for your situation.

How to improve: Get quotes from at least three lenders and compare their terms, interest rates, and closing costs.

10. Be Prepared for the Mortgage Process

Why it matters: The mortgage approval process can be lengthy and requires thorough documentation. Being prepared will make the process smoother.

How to improve: Be proactive in providing any requested documents and respond promptly to lender inquiries.

By focusing on these key areas, you can improve your chances of qualifying for a mortgage with favorable terms. If you're unsure about any of these steps, consulting with a financial advisor or mortgage broker may also help clarify the best approach for your specific situation.



tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog


didier malagies nmls#212566

dda mortgage nmls#324329




Ask a Mortgage Question

Use the form below and we will give your our expert answers!

203H Ask A Question


Start Your Loan with DDA today

Your local Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Broker Largo
See our Reviews


Looking for more details? Listen to our extended podcast! 

Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.

By Didier Malagies July 28, 2025
When the 10-year Treasury yield goes down, it generally signals lower interest rates and increased demand for safe-haven assets like U.S. government bonds. Here’s what typically happens across different areas of the economy and markets: 🔻 Why the 10-Year Treasury Yield Drops Increased demand for bonds: Investors buy Treasuries during uncertain times (e.g., recession fears, geopolitical risk), which drives prices up and yields down. Expectations of lower inflation or interest rates: If the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates or inflation is cooling, yields tend to fall. Weak economic outlook: Slowing growth or a poor jobs report can trigger a yield decline. 📉 Impacts of a Lower 10-Year Treasury Yield 🏦 1. Mortgage Rates and Loans Mortgage rates (especially 30-year fixed) tend to follow the 10-year Treasury. As yields fall, mortgage rates usually decline, making home loans cheaper. This can stimulate the housing market and refinancing activity. 📈 2. Stock Market Lower yields often boost stock prices, especially growth stocks (like tech), because: Borrowing costs are lower. Future earnings are worth more when discounted at a lower rate. Defensive and interest-sensitive sectors (like utilities and real estate) also benefit. 💰 3. Consumer and Business Borrowing Lower Treasury yields can lead to lower interest rates across the board, including for: Auto loans Credit cards Business loans This can boost consumer spending and business investment. 💵 4. U.S. Dollar Falling yields can make U.S. assets less attractive to foreign investors. This can weaken the dollar, which may help U.S. exporters by making goods cheaper abroad. 🪙 5. Inflation Expectations If the yield is falling due to low inflation expectations, it may indicate deflationary pressure. However, if it's just due to safe-haven buying, it might not reflect inflation at all. ⚠️ Potential Risks A sharp drop in the 10-year yield can signal a recession or loss of confidence in the economy. A flattening or inverted yield curve (when short-term rates are higher than long-term) can be a recession warning. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies July 21, 2025
Resi/commercial Typical 2-3 units over a 1-unit ground-floor commercial space LTV’s up to 75% A mixed-use property is a type of real estate development that combines two or more different uses within a single building or development. The most common combination is residential and commercial — for example, apartments or condos above ground-floor retail or office space. 🔑 Key Characteristics of a Mixed-Use Property: Feature Description Use Types Typically includes residential, commercial, retail, office, and sometimes hospitality or industrial components. Zoning Must be zoned for mixed-use by the local municipality. Layout Different uses are separated vertically (e.g., retail on the bottom, housing on top) or horizontally (different sections of the development). Ownership Can be owned by an individual, company, REIT, or government entity; may be leased or sold as separate units. Financing Considered commercial real estate; underwriting depends on the income mix and proportions of use types. 🏢 Common Mixed-Use Examples: Urban Buildings: Apartments above restaurants or retail stores (like Starbucks or a dry cleaner). Suburban Developments: Townhome communities built around a retail plaza or office park. Live/Work Units: Ground-floor office or retail space with a residence above, often used by entrepreneurs. Transit-Oriented Developments: Mixed-use buildings near train stations or bus hubs. 📊 Benefits of Mixed-Use Properties: Diversified Income Streams (residential + commercial) Increased Foot Traffic for businesses Live-Work-Play Environment appeals to urban dwellers Higher Land Use Efficiency and potentially better returns Encouraged by city planning to reduce sprawl and support sustainability A mixed-use property is a type of real estate development that combines two or more different uses within a single building or development. The most common combination is residential and commercial — for example, apartments or condos above ground-floor retail or office space. 🔑 Key Characteristics of a Mixed-Use Property: Feature Description Use Types Typically includes residential, commercial, retail, office, and sometimes hospitality or industrial components. Zoning Must be zoned for mixed-use by the local municipality. Layout Different uses are separated vertically (e.g., retail on bottom, housing on top) or horizontally (different sections of the development). Ownership Can be owned by an individual, company, REIT, or government entity; may be leased or sold as separate units. Financing Considered commercial real estate; underwriting depends on the income mix and proportions of use types. 🏢 Common Mixed-Use Examples: Urban Buildings: Apartments above restaurants or retail stores (like Starbucks or a dry cleaner). Suburban Developments: Townhome communities built around a retail plaza or office park. Live/Work Units: Ground-floor office or retail space with a residence above, often used by entrepreneurs. Transit-Oriented Developments: Mixed-use buildings near train stations or bus hubs. 📊 Benefits of Mixed-Use Properties: Diversified Income Streams (residential + commercial) Increased Foot Traffic for businesses Live-Work-Play Environment appeals to urban dwellers Higher Land Use Efficiency and potentially better returns Encouraged by city planning to reduce sprawl and support sustainability and 🔑 Key Characteristics of 5–10 Unit Multifamily Properties: Feature Description Number of Units 5 to 10 self-contained rental units, each with a kitchen and bathroom. Zoning Generally zoned as multifamily residential or mixed-use, depending on the area. Financing Category Considered commercial real estate by most lenders (5+ units triggers commercial underwriting). Ownership Typically owned by small investors, partnerships, or LLCs. Management Can be owner-managed or managed by a third-party property manager. 4. Private or Bridge Loans Short-term, higher interest Used for rehabs, quick purchases, or properties that don’t qualify for traditional financing 📊 Why Investors Like 5–10 Unit Multifamily: Easier to manage than large apartment complexes More scalable than single-family rentals Still eligible for economies of scale (one roof, one lawn, multiple rents) Can often house hack (live in one unit, rent the others) Tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies July 14, 2025
📉 1. Borrowing Becomes Cheaper Mortgage rates tend to fall, making it easier for people to buy homes or refinance. Car loans, personal loans, and credit cards may also have lower interest rates. Businesses can borrow more cheaply to invest in growth. 💸 2. Consumer Spending Increases Since borrowing is cheaper and savings earn less interest, people are more likely to spend money rather than save it. This can boost demand for goods and services, helping to stimulate economic activity. 🏦 3. Savings Yield Less Savings accounts, CDs, and bonds typically offer lower returns. This can push investors to move money into riskier assets like stocks or real estate in search of higher returns. 📈 4. Stock Market Often Rallies Lower rates can mean higher corporate profits (due to cheaper debt) and increased consumer spending. Investors may shift funds from bonds into stocks, driving up equity prices. 💵 5. The U.S. Dollar May Weaken Lower interest rates can make the dollar less attractive to foreign investors, potentially weakening the currency. This can help U.S. exporters (as their goods become cheaper abroad) but may also increase the cost of imports. 🧩 6. Inflation Could Rise More spending and borrowing can increase demand, which may push prices up, leading to higher inflation—especially if supply can’t keep up. 🏚️ 7. Real Estate Activity Tends to Pick Up Lower mortgage rates can boost homebuying, refinancing, and construction, which helps stimulate related industries. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 
Show More