Brandon Work · October 31, 2026

Why lenders care more about your paycheck

Mortgage Market Update

Brandon Work

Brandon Work

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Why lenders care more about your paycheck

Hi there. This week I want to clear up something I see borrowers misunderstand all the time.

National Mortgage Rates · October 29, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.15%

FHA 30-Year

7.04%

VA 30-Year

6.79%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Affordability Math

Your income matters more than your down payment

When you're looking to buy or refinance, lenders focus on one key question: can you reliably pay back what you borrow? That's where your income comes in. The stronger and more stable your income, the more flexibility you often have with your down payment, loan type, and approval odds. Conversely, a large down payment won't overcome income concerns. If you're self-employed, freelance, or have recently changed jobs, lenders will dig deeper—but it doesn't disqualify you. Understanding how your income is assessed helps you show up prepared and realistic about what you can qualify for. That's why it's worth having an honest conversation early.

Let's talk about what your situation looks like—reach out and we can walk through it together.

Tip of the Week

Refinancing resets your amortization clock. If you're 10 years into a 30-year loan, consider a shorter term to avoid paying more total interest.

Tips for Homeowners

Co-Signing a Mortgage: What You're Really Agreeing To

1.

Co-signing makes you equally responsible for the debt. If the primary borrower misses payments, your credit score takes the same hit and the lender can pursue you for the full balance.

2.

The co-signed mortgage debt appears on your credit report and counts toward your DTI. This can limit your ability to qualify for your own financing until the loan is paid off or refinanced out of your name.

3.

There's no automatic way to remove yourself as a co-signer — the primary borrower must refinance the loan in their name alone. Get this understanding in writing before you sign.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Brandon Work team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

B

Brandon Work

Brandon Work

bwork@canopymortgage.com

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