Mortgage Case Studies: See How Smart Loan Strategies Solve Problems, Save Money, and Build Wealth

Why Stairway Mortgage:

Stairway Mortgage is a division of NEXA Mortgage LLC, the #1 mortgage broker in the United States measured by the number of licensed loan officers nationwide with access to over 300 direct lenders, banks, and private capital sources. This extensive network allows us to compare hundreds of funding options in real-time to secure the most competitive rate and terms for your specific scenario.

Why Case Studies Matter:

✓ See realistic scenarios matching your situation ✓ Understand proven solutions to common challenges ✓ Learn which programs deliver best results ✓ Review actual timelines and documented outcomes ✓ Gain confidence through similar success stories

Browse by Loan Type:

• Government-Backed Loans (FHA, VA, USDA, Section 184)
• Conventional Loans
• Jumbo Loans
• Construction Loans
• Self-Employed Solutions
• Investment Properties
• International Buyers
• Senior Financing
• Home Equity Solutions
• Bridge Financing

Browse by Challenge:

• Credit Challenges
• Income Documentation Issues
• Down Payment Challenges
• Property Type Issues
• Special Circumstances (divorce, estate sales, inheritance)

Government-Backed Loan Case Studies

FHA Success Stories (9 Case Studies)

Federal Housing Administration loans offer accessible qualification standards with low down payments and flexible credit requirements. Perfect for first-time buyers and those with less-than-perfect credit.

Purchase Success Stories:

• FHA Loan – Physical therapist achieves first-time homeownership with minimal down payment
• FHA 203k Loan – Medical technician transforms fixer-upper into dream home with renovation financing
• FHA Construction Loan – Nurse builds dream home on family land with single-close financing

Refinance Success Stories:

• FHA Loan Refinance – Dental hygienist switches from conventional mortgage to lower monthly obligations
• FHA Streamline Refinance – Nurse achieves dramatic monthly savings in record time with simplified process
• FHA Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Medical technician accesses equity to consolidate debt and fund home improvements

View All FHA Loan Program Details | Calculate FHA Payment

VA Success Stories (6 Case Studies)

Department of Veterans Affairs loans provide zero down payment options with no mortgage insurance for eligible military members, veterans, and surviving spouses.

Purchase Success Stories:

• VA Loan – Marine veteran purchases first home without down payment
• VA Construction Loan – Navy veteran builds dream home without down payment

Refinance Success Stories:

• VA Loan Refinance – Coast Guard veteran removes ex-spouse after divorce
• VA IRRRL – Navy veteran achieves substantial monthly savings in under 30 days
• VA Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Air Force veteran accesses equity for home improvements

View All VA Loan Program Details | Calculate VA Payment

USDA Success Stories (4 Case Studies)

Rural Development loans offer zero down payment financing for eligible rural and suburban properties.

Purchase Success Stories:

• USDA Loan – Medical technician purchases first home with zero down payment in rural Florida
• USDA Construction Loan – General contractor builds dream home in rural Florida with zero down payment

Refinance Success Stories:

• USDA Loan Refinance – Physical therapist achieves significant monthly savings while maintaining zero-down benefits
• USDA Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Dental hygienist accesses equity for home improvements without losing zero-down benefits

View All USDA Loan Program Details | Calculate USDA Payment

Section 184 Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

HUD’s Section 184 program provides flexible financing for Native American homeowners, including purchases on tribal trust land.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Section 184 Loan – Tribal member purchases first home on trust land with minimal down payment

Refinance Success Stories:

• Section 184 Loan Refinance – Native American homeowner achieves significant monthly savings through rate reduction
• Section 184 Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Native American homeowner accesses equity for major home improvements

View All Section 184 Loan Program Details

Conventional Loan Case Studies

Standard Conventional Success Stories (5 Case Studies)

Traditional financing offering competitive rates, flexible terms, and cancellable mortgage insurance for qualified borrowers.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Conventional Loan – Physical therapist purchases first home with strong conventional financing
• Conventional Construction Loan – Architect builds custom family home with single-close efficiency
• Down Payment Assistance – Teacher purchases first home with grant funding and minimal savings

Refinance Success Stories:

• Conventional Loan Refinance – Nurse reduces monthly payment and saves substantially through rate reduction
• Conventional Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Financial advisor accesses home equity to purchase first investment property

View All Conventional Loan Program Details | Calculate Conventional Payment

Renovation & Home Improvement Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Finance purchase and renovations in a single loan with conventional renovation programs.

Renovation Financing:

• HomeStyle Renovation Loan – Interior designer transforms primary residence with comprehensive remodel
• HomeStyle Renovation Loan Refinance – Realtor upgrades rental property while reducing monthly payment
• Home Improvement Loan – Physical therapist transforms dated property into cash-flowing rental

View HomeStyle Loan Program Details | View Home Improvement Options

Jumbo Loan Case Studies

High-Balance Financing (4 Case Studies)

Jumbo loans provide financing for luxury properties exceeding conforming loan limits.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Jumbo Loan – Financial advisor purchases dream home in competitive Silicon Valley market
• Jumbo Construction Loan – Surgeon builds multi-generational custom estate with flexible draw schedule

Refinance Success Stories:

• Jumbo Loan Refinance – Attorney achieves substantial monthly savings and improved cash flow for future investment
• Jumbo Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Business owner leverages primary residence equity to acquire investment property portfolio

View All Jumbo Loan Program Details | Calculate Jumbo Payment

Construction & New Build Case Studies

Build Your Dream Home (5 Case Studies)

One-time-close construction-to-permanent financing for building your dream home.

Construction Success Stories:

• Construction Loan – Family builds custom dream home with single-close convenience
• VA Construction Loan – Navy veteran builds dream home without down payment
• USDA Construction Loan – General contractor builds dream home in rural Florida with zero down payment
• FHA Construction Loan – Nurse builds dream home on family land with single-close financing
• Jumbo Construction Loan – Surgeon builds multi-generational custom estate with flexible draw schedule

View All Construction Loan Options | Calculate Construction Costs

Self-Employed & Alternative Income Case Studies

Bank Statement Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Qualify using bank deposits instead of tax returns—perfect for self-employed borrowers who write off significant business expenses.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Bank Statement Loan – Restaurant owner buys first rental property using business deposits

Refinance Success Stories:

• Bank Statement Loan Refinance – Home renovation contractor reduces monthly payment without tax returns
• Bank Statement Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Retail store owner accesses substantial equity for business expansion

View Bank Statement Loan Details | Calculate Your Qualification

1099 Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Perfect for independent contractors and freelancers who receive 1099 income.

Purchase Success Stories:

• 1099 Loan – IT consultant buys first investment property in under 30 days

Refinance Success Stories:

• 1099 Loan Refinance – General contractor achieves significant monthly savings without tax returns
• 1099 Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Freelance photographer accesses home equity to scale investment portfolio

View 1099 Loan Details | Calculate Your Qualification

P&L Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Qualify using CPA-prepared profit and loss statements without full tax return documentation.

Purchase Success Stories:

• P&L Loan – E-commerce business owner buys first home using profit and loss statements

Refinance Success Stories:

• P&L Loan Refinance – Restaurant owner achieves significant monthly savings without tax return verification
• P&L Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Marketing consultant accesses home equity using profit and loss statements

View P&L Loan Details

Asset-Based Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Calculate qualifying income from investment portfolios and savings—ideal for retirees and high-net-worth individuals.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Asset-Based Loan – Investment banker buys luxury waterfront home using portfolio assets

Refinance Success Stories:

• Asset-Based Loan Refinance – Financial advisor lowers rate and payment in retirement with investment portfolio
• Asset-Based Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Entrepreneur accesses substantial equity for business expansion

View Asset-Based Loan Details | Calculate Asset-Based Qualification

No Doc Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Minimal documentation qualification for ultra-high-net-worth borrowers seeking privacy.

Purchase Success Stories:

• No Doc Loan – Real estate wholesaler purchases investment property without tax returns or income documentation

Refinance Success Stories:

• No Doc Loan Refinance – Business owner achieves significant monthly savings without tax return documentation
• No Doc Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Entrepreneur accesses substantial equity to fund business expansion without income verification

View No Doc Loan Details

Stated Income Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Alternative income verification for self-employed and high-net-worth borrowers with strong assets.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Stated Income Loan – Entrepreneur acquires investment property with complex business income structure

Refinance Success Stories:

• Stated Income Loan Refinance – Restaurant owner achieves substantial rate reduction despite complex income documentation
• Stated Income Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Architect accesses home equity to expand firm and purchase commercial building

View Stated Income Loan Details

Real Estate Investor Case Studies

DSCR Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Qualify using rental income only with zero personal income documentation required—the ultimate investor loan.

Purchase Success Stories:

• DSCR Loan – Real estate agent purchases fourth rental property without income verification

Refinance Success Stories:

• DSCR Loan Refinance – Physician improves investment property terms without income documentation
• DSCR Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Investor accesses rental property equity to purchase fifth property

View DSCR Loan Details | Calculate DSCR Ratio

Portfolio Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Flexible underwriting for non-standard properties and borrowers outside agency guidelines.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Portfolio Loan – Business owner acquires mixed-use property rejected by traditional lenders

Refinance Success Stories:

• Portfolio Loan Refinance – Real estate investor achieves rate reduction on non-warrantable condo investment property
• Portfolio Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Contractor accesses equity from unique property to purchase multi-unit investment

View Portfolio Loan Details

Fix and Flip Success Stories (1 Case Study)

Short-term financing for purchasing and renovating properties to resell for profit.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Fix and Flip Loan – General contractor transforms distressed property into profitable investment in 90 days

View Fix and Flip Loan Details | Calculate Profit Potential

Hard Money Loan Success Stories (2 Case Studies)

Fast real estate financing with rapid closings for investors and distressed properties.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Hard Money Loan – Real estate wholesaler closes on distressed property in 7 days

Refinance Success Stories:

• Hard Money Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Healthcare administrator rescues inherited property from foreclosure and prepares for sale

View Hard Money Loan Details

Build-to-Rent Success Stories (1 Case Study)

Construction financing specifically designed for single-family rental portfolios.

Construction Success Stories:

• Build-to-Rent – Real estate investor constructs custom single-family rental portfolio

View Investment Construction Options

Build-to-Sell Success Stories (1 Case Study)

Construction financing for spec homes and quick resale strategies.

Construction Success Stories:

• Build-to-Sell – Real estate developer constructs profitable spec homes for quick resale

View Construction Loan Details

Specialty & International Buyer Case Studies

Foreign National Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Purchase U.S. real estate without Social Security number, U.S. credit history, or permanent residency.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Foreign National Loan – Canadian architect invests in Florida real estate without U.S. credit history

Refinance Success Stories:

• Foreign National Loan Refinance – Australian financial advisor reduces rate on U.S. investment property
• Foreign National Loan Cash-Out Refinance – UK business owner accesses U.S. property equity for business expansion

View Foreign National Loan Details

ITIN Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Qualify using Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for borrowers without Social Security numbers.

Purchase Success Stories:

• ITIN Loan – Restaurant owner achieves homeownership without Social Security number

Refinance Success Stories:

• ITIN Loan Refinance – Business owner achieves significant monthly savings without Social Security number
• ITIN Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Contractor accesses home equity for business expansion without Social Security number

View ITIN Loan Details

Non-Warrantable Condo Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Finance condos that don’t meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac approval standards.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Non-Warrantable Condo Loan – Financial advisor purchases Miami high-rise investment despite low owner-occupancy

Refinance Success Stories:

• Non-Warrantable Condo Loan Refinance – Nurse achieves significant monthly savings despite building’s lost warrantable status
• Non-Warrantable Condo Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Marketing consultant accesses substantial equity to fund second investment property

View Non-Warrantable Condo Details

Condotel Loan Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Finance hotel-branded condo units in major hospitality properties.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Condotel Loan – Investor purchases luxury hotel-branded condo for dual-use income and vacation

Refinance Success Stories:

• Condotel Loan Refinance – Medical device sales rep achieves favorable rate on vacation investment property
• Condotel Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Real estate attorney accesses equity to purchase second investment property

View Condotel Loan Details

Resort Condo Success Stories (3 Case Studies)

Finance vacation properties in luxury resort communities, ski resorts, and beach destinations.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Resort Condo Loan – Corporate executive acquires beachfront investment property rejected by traditional lenders

Refinance Success Stories:

• Resort Condo Loan Refinance – Financial advisor achieves substantial rate reduction on Florida vacation property
• Resort Condo Loan Cash-Out Refinance – Dentist accesses equity to fund second investment property

View Resort Condo Loan Details

Senior Financing Case Studies

Reverse Mortgage Success Stories (4 Case Studies)

Convert home equity into income without monthly payments—available only to homeowners age 62 and older.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Reverse Mortgage – Retired teacher purchases dream retirement home without monthly mortgage payments

Income & Cash Flow Success Stories:

• Reverse Mortgage Income – Retired accountant generates monthly cash flow from home equity

Refinance Success Stories:

• Reverse Mortgage Refinance – Retired pharmaceutical rep eliminates monthly mortgage payments for financial peace
• Reverse Mortgage Cash-Out Refinance – Retired nurse accesses equity for healthcare and family support

View Reverse Mortgage Details | Calculate Reverse Mortgage Amount

Home Equity Solutions Case Studies

HELOC Success Stories (1 Case Study)

Revolving credit line offering flexible access to home equity as needed.

Investment Success Stories:

• HELOC – Financial advisor accesses home equity to purchase first rental property

View HELOC Details | Calculate HELOC Amount

Home Equity Loan Success Stories (1 Case Study)

Fixed-rate lump sum second mortgage with predictable monthly payments.

Business Expansion Success Stories:

• Home Equity Loan – Dentist accesses lump-sum equity for practice expansion

View Home Equity Loan Details | Calculate Home Equity

Bridge & Temporary Financing Case Studies

Bridge Loan Success Stories (1 Case Study)

Short-term financing solution between property transactions.

Purchase Success Stories:

• Bridge Loan – Professional couple purchases dream waterfront home before selling current property

View Bridge Loan Details

Case Studies by Challenge Solved

Credit Challenges

Lower Credit Scores (9 Case Studies):

• FHA Loan – Accessible qualification with lower credit requirements
• FHA 203k Loan – Renovation financing with flexible credit
• FHA Construction Loan – Build with flexible credit standards
• VA Loan – Zero down for veterans with flexible credit standards
• VA Construction Loan – Build without down payment
• Bank Statement Loan – Alternative qualification for self-employed
• P&L Loan – Profit and loss statement qualification
• USDA Loan – Rural properties with credit flexibility
• Section 184 Loan – Native American financing program

Limited Credit History (6 Case Studies):

• FHA Loan – First-time buyer friendly
• Foreign National Loan – No U.S. credit required
• ITIN Loan – Alternative identification accepted
• Bank Statement Loan – Alternative credit assessment
• USDA Loan – Flexible credit requirements
• VA Loan – Military benefits with credit flexibility

Income Documentation Challenges

Self-Employed (27 Case Studies):

• Bank Statement Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• 1099 Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• P&L Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• Stated Income Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• No Doc Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• DSCR Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• Asset-Based Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• Portfolio Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• Fix and Flip Loan – Short-term investor financing
• Hard Money Loan – Fast closings for investors
• Hard Money Cash-Out – Emergency refinancing

No Social Security Number (6 Case Studies):

• ITIN Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out
• Foreign National Loans (3): Purchase, Refinance, Cash-Out

Down Payment Challenges

Zero Down Payment (6 Case Studies):

• VA Loan – Military benefits
• VA Construction Loan – Build without down payment
• USDA Loan – Rural properties
• USDA Construction Loan – Rural construction

Minimal Down Payment (10 Case Studies):

• FHA Loan – 3.5% down payment
• FHA 203k Loan – Purchase and renovation
• FHA Construction Loan – Build with low down
• Down Payment Assistance – Grant funding available
• Section 184 Loan – Native American program
• Conventional Loan – As low as 3% down
• Bank Statement Loan – Flexible down payment
• 1099 Loan – Independent contractor financing
• P&L Loan – Business owner options
• HomeStyle Renovation – Renovation financing

Property Type Challenges

Fixer-Uppers (5 Case Studies):

• FHA 203k Loan – Purchase plus renovation
• HomeStyle Renovation Loan – Conventional renovation financing
• HomeStyle Renovation Refinance – Refinance and renovate
• Home Improvement Loan – Major remodels
• Fix and Flip Loan – Short-term rehab

New Construction (7 Case Studies):

• Construction Loan – Traditional construction financing
• Conventional Construction – Conventional build
• FHA Construction Loan – Accessible construction financing
• VA Construction Loan – Zero down for veterans
• USDA Construction Loan – Rural construction
• Jumbo Construction Loan – Luxury construction
• Build-to-Rent – Rental portfolio construction
• Build-to-Sell – Spec home construction

Investment Properties (15 Case Studies):

• DSCR Loans (3): All scenarios
• Portfolio Loans (3): Flexible underwriting
• Fix and Flip Loan (1): Short-term rehab
• Hard Money Loans (2): Fast closings
• Build-to-Rent (1): Rental construction
• Build-to-Sell (1): Spec homes
• Foreign National Loans (3): International investors

Non-Conforming Condos (9 Case Studies):

• Non-Warrantable Condo Loans (3): All scenarios
• Condotel Loans (3): Hotel-branded units
• Resort Condo Loans (3): Vacation properties

Luxury Properties (4 Case Studies):

• Jumbo Loans (4): All scenarios including construction

Age & Special Circumstances

Seniors Age 62+ (4 Case Studies):

• Reverse Mortgage – No monthly payments
• Reverse Mortgage Income – Equity to income conversion
• Reverse Mortgage Refinance – Eliminate payments
• Reverse Mortgage Cash-Out – Access equity without payments

Native Americans (3 Case Studies):

• Section 184 Loan – Tribal land purchases
• Section 184 Loan Refinance – Refinancing on trust land
• Section 184 Cash-Out – Access equity on trust land

Quick Closing Needed (3 Case Studies):

• Bridge Loan – Fast temporary financing
• Hard Money Loan – 7-day closing
• Fix and Flip Loan – Quick investor financing

What You’ll Learn From Each Case Study

Every case study provides: ✓ The Challenge: Specific obstacles the borrower faced ✓ The Solution: Which loan program solved their situation ✓ The Process: How they navigated qualification and approval ✓ The Timeline: Days from application to closing ✓ The Results: Actual outcomes achieved ✓ Key Takeaways: Lessons you can apply

How to Use These Case Studies

Step 1: Find Your Match

Identify case studies that align with your:

• Current credit situation
• Available down payment
• Income documentation type
• Property type and location
• Investment or homeownership goals

Step 2: Study Multiple Examples

Review several similar cases to understand:

• Common qualification requirements
• Typical approval timelines
• Different deal structures
• Realistic expectations

Step 3: Run Your Numbers

After reviewing relevant cases:

• Calculate your payment
• Review program requirements
• Prepare similar documentation
• Set timeline expectations

Step 4: Get Started

With knowledge from case studies:

• Reference similar successful cases
• Ask specific questions about your situation
• Get pre-approved using proven strategies
• Access our 300+ lenders for best terms

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Success Statistics

Our Track Record Across All 82 Case Studies: ✓ Average closing time: 21-30 days ✓ Credit score range: 500-850 accepted ✓ First-time buyers: 47% of purchases ✓ Self-employed: 39% of all loans ✓ Investment properties: 31% of portfolio ✓ Customer satisfaction: 4.9/5.0 stars ✓ On-time closings: 96%

Why We Succeed:

• Access to 300+ direct lenders
• Specialized loan programs others don’t offer
• Expert guidance through complex scenarios
• Technology-driven efficiency
• Dedicated loan specialists

Your Success Story Starts Today

These 82 case studies prove that regardless of your challenge—credit issues, self-employment, unique properties, or special circumstances—there’s a loan program designed for your situation. With Stairway Mortgage’s access to 300+ lenders and specialized programs, your homeownership or investment goals are achievable.

Take Action Now:

1. Browse All Case Studies – Find scenarios like yours
2. Calculate Your Costs – Get real numbers
3. Review Loan Programs – Understand requirements
4. Get Pre-Approved – Start your application

Ready to Write Your Success Story?

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