Portfolio Loan
A loan a lender keeps on its own books instead of selling to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That flexibility helps buyers who don't fit standard rules, usually in exchange for a higher rate.
- Down payment
- Varies widely by lender; often 10% to 20% down.
- Credit context
- Set by the individual lender rather than a national agency, so guidelines are flexible but rates are often higher to offset the added risk.
- Income rules
- Useful when income is hard to document the usual way — self-employment, recent job changes, or non-traditional earnings. The lender keeps the loan instead of selling it.
Individual lenders set the interest rate, fees, mortgage-insurance treatment, and final approval requirements. Compare written Loan Estimates before choosing.
How repayment works
Your monthly housing payment usually includes principal and interest, and may also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and association fees. Your lender’s written Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure control the actual costs and terms.
A lower advertised down payment does not necessarily mean the lowest monthly payment or lowest total cost.
Who it may fit
- Households balancing two credit profiles
These are situations worth exploring, not a qualification decision.
What could rule it out
HomeBase does not yet have enough structured issuing-body rules to screen this loan reliably. Confirm credit, income, occupancy, property, and borrower requirements with the lender.