Policy insights
Policy insightsPolicy Insights
Plain-English briefs on the mortgage policy shifts of September 2026 — credit-score models, FHA property requirements, UAD 3.6 — plus Non-QM income worksheets. Written for loan officers, realtors, and appraisers.
Departing Residence Rental Income: Lease vs Market Rent
Fannie's SEL-2026-08 ended lease-based rental income for departing residences. Market rent × 75% minus full PITIA — surplus offsets the payment only. Includes the new decision-path flowchart.
One LLPA Grid: VantageScore Joins Classic FICO Pricing
FHFA unified the LLPA grid: one price per score band regardless of score model, effective Oct 1, 2026. Why your borrower's VantageScore and FICO differ but now price the same.
The AI Income Workflow Is Wiring Into the GSEs
Ocrolus–Freddie AIM Check and ICE–Fannie Income Calculator integrations cover the structured income layer. What still breaks files: bank-statement deposits, 1099 gross-up, P&L.
Classic FICO vs VantageScore 4.0 vs FICO 10T — When Each Helps
VantageScore 4.0 is now accepted by all GSE lenders, and FHA adds two new score models on January 1, 2027. What changed, when each model helps, and an audit-readiness checklist.
FHA Is Rewriting Its Minimum Property Requirements
FHA posted draft MPR updates on September 22, 2026, and wants industry feedback by November 6. What's happening, why it matters to LOs and realtors, and how to weigh in.
UAD 3.6: What to Know Before November 2
Fannie's SEL-2026-08 locked in the UAD 3.6 switchover. The real operational change isn't highest and best use — it's how rental income gets reported. Includes a file-completeness checklist.
Non-QM Income Worksheets
Step-by-step training worksheets for bank-statement, 1099, and DSCR income analysis — they organize and calculate for file-review practice, nothing more.
How Mortgage File IQ Uses AI — and How Your Data Is Handled
Plain-language transparency: what AI is used on this site, the safeguards around it, and how your data is handled. No fine print tricks.