In this in-depth audio episode, Rudy Orman, Senior Vice President at NQM Funding, LLC, joins the show to explore one of the most crucial yet often overlooked segments of the mortgage industry: Non-QM lending. Rudy has a storied career in the mortgage industry, spanning over 35 years, during which he has worked with leading institutions like Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Reliant Bank. His expertise in sales, product development, capital markets, and securitization gives him unparalleled insight into the Non-QM market and how mortgage professionals can leverage it to expand their business. Throughout this episode, Rudy explains why Non-QM loans are becoming increasingly essential in today's lending landscape. As agency loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac dominate the market, Non-QM products provide a lucrative alternative for loan officers who want to cater to borrowers who don’t meet traditional lending requirements. Rudy covers everything from the basic structure of Non-QM loans to the profitability that comes with offering these products to the right clientele. One of the highlights of the episode is Rudy’s discussion on how Non-QM loans can help real estate investors, self-employed individuals, and high-net-worth borrowers. He emphasizes that the agency space is limited in its ability to serve these types of clients, which presents a significant opportunity for loan officers who are equipped with Non-QM products. Rudy believes that the profits in the Non-QM space are often much larger than those in the agency space, making this an attractive option for lenders looking to boost their bottom line. The episode also delves into the investment appetite on Wall Street for Non-QM loans. Rudy shares how understanding the demand from investors can help loan officers better align their offerings to what the market wants. Additionally, Rudy stresses the importance of not selling with your own wallet—a philosophy that encourages loan officers to offer products based on the needs and desires of their clients, not their own personal financial preferences. Listeners will also gain valuable insights into how Non-QM can be a transformational tool for loan officers and why it’s important to diversify your product lineup. Rudy believes that loan officers who are not thinking outside the box with offerings like Non-QM are likely to lose out on business in the long run. As the industry shifts and more borrowers fall outside the scope of agency lending, Non-QM loans will be essential in meeting the needs of a wider array of clients. Rudy also addresses the common concerns that loan officers may have when presenting Non-QM options to their clients. Higher interest rates often come up in discussions, but Rudy explains how loan officers can reposition the conversation by focusing on the purpose of the loan and its benefits. He advises loan officers to be curious, ask questions, and understand the borrower’s reasons for borrowing, which can help close more Non-QM deals. To round out the episode, Rudy provides actionable advice on how to get started with Non-QM loans, including where to find support, training, and resources. He encourages loan officers to partner with experts like NQM Funding to ensure they are offering the best possible solutions to their clients.