Articles tagged “debt-to-income”
2 articles
mortgage9 min read
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How to Qualify for a Conventional Mortgage as a Self-Employed Freelancer With Erratic Income
Automated mortgage calculators assume a W-2 and a steady paycheck — neither of which you have. Here's exactly how underwriters calculate freelance income, and the moves that turn a 'maybe' into an approval.
SmartRates Editorial Team
July 12, 2026
mortgage8 min read
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How to Qualify for a Joint Mortgage With Retired Parents on Fixed Income
Blending a working salary with a parent's Social Security or pension can meaningfully boost what a household qualifies for. Here's how underwriters actually treat fixed income, debt, and co-borrower status.
SmartRates Editorial Team
July 11, 2026