mortgage options

One Size Does NOT Fit All

October 06, 20253 min read

One Size Does NOT Fit All

When my dad started helping families get mortgages back in the 1980s, things were pretty simple — and not always in a good way. Most people needed 20% down, rates were in the double digits, and there were basically three loan types to choose from: conventional, FHA, or VA.

If you were self-employed, retired, or wanted to buy a second home, qualifying could be really tough. Back then, it was a “one size fits all” world when it came to home loans.

Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Today, there are more options than ever, designed to fit all kinds of financial situations, goals, and lifestyles.

Self-Employed? No Problem

If you own a business or work for yourself, you probably take every deduction you can — which also means your taxable income looks lower on paper. That used to make qualifying for a home loan difficult. Now, there are programs that use your bank statements, 1099s, or business income instead of just tax returns. In short, your hard work shouldn’t hold you back from homeownership.

Living on a Fixed Income? You Have Options

Nearly half of today’s homebuyers are over 60, and many rely on Social Security or retirement savings. The good news is that lenders can now count your assets and savings toward your qualifying income, giving you more flexibility to move, downsize, or buy your dream home without the stress.

Need to Buy Before You Sell?

Moving is stressful enough — you shouldn’t have to sell your current home before you can buy the next one. In the past, that meant taking out a bridge loan. Today, there are new programs that let you use your home’s equity to buy your next home first. That means no rushed closings, no double moves, and no contingent offers.

Thinking About an Investment Property?

If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a rental or vacation home, financing one is easier than you might think. There are now loan options that use the rental income from the property itself to help you qualify, making real estate investing more accessible than ever before.

Unlock the Power of Your Home’s Equity

Homeowners in the U.S. have built up more than $35 trillion in equity, while consumer debt (credit cards, car loans, etc.) continues to climb. If you’d like to access some of that equity without giving up your low mortgage rate, home equity loans and lines of credit can help. You can use your home’s value to consolidate higher-interest debt, pay for college or big life events, or renovate and improve your home—often at rates much lower than credit cards or personal loans.

Bottom Line: Your Home Loan Should Fit YOU

Every homeowner’s situation is unique, and your loan options should be too. My job is to help you explore what’s possible, compare programs, and find the one that best fits your goals. If you’ve been thinking about buying, refinancing, or using your equity, let’s talk — because “one size fits all” doesn’t work when it comes to your home.

Jen brings a wealth of experience from the financial services industry, starting as a Certified Financial Planner and later earning her MBA in Finance from Duke University. After working in Corporate Bond Sales and raising three daughters, she joined Team Pogue Real Estate, where she’s spent over a decade building community relationships. With a deep understanding of both finance and family life, Jen offers a personalized, thoughtful approach as a mortgage loan originator—committed to helping families find the right path to financial stability and homeownership.

Jennifer Blau

Jen brings a wealth of experience from the financial services industry, starting as a Certified Financial Planner and later earning her MBA in Finance from Duke University. After working in Corporate Bond Sales and raising three daughters, she joined Team Pogue Real Estate, where she’s spent over a decade building community relationships. With a deep understanding of both finance and family life, Jen offers a personalized, thoughtful approach as a mortgage loan originator—committed to helping families find the right path to financial stability and homeownership.

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