Portfolio Loans
Flexible mortgage solutions when conventional lending falls short
Not every borrower or property fits the traditional mold. That’s where
portfolio loans come in—custom mortgages that allow lenders to go beyond standard guidelines. At CTC Mortgage, we specialize in connecting borrowers with
portfolio mortgage lenders who keep loans in-house, offering flexibility on everything from property type to borrower qualifications. Whether it’s a complex financial situation or a non-conforming home, we help you find a smart path forward.
What are portfolio loans?
A portfolio loan is a mortgage that a lender keeps in its own investment portfolio rather than selling on the secondary market. Because these loans are not bound by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA guidelines, lenders can make decisions based on their own risk assessments. That means portfolio loans can be tailored to fit borrowers with unique situations or properties that fall outside the typical approval box.
When to consider a portfolio mortgage
Portfolio loans are ideal in scenarios where traditional financing isn’t a good fit. You might benefit from this approach if:
- You’re purchasing a
non-conforming property like a tiny home, mixed-use space, or rural land
- Your credit history or income structure is outside of typical underwriting standards
- You’re combining multiple properties under a
blanket loan
- You’re a
foreign national or recent U.S. arrival without domestic credit
- You need flexible loan terms or want to close in an LLC
Even some
jumbo loans fall into this category—especially those with low down payment options or custom structuring.
Flexible features of our portfolio lending programs
Every portfolio loan is different, but many offer benefits like:
- Custom loan terms and amortization schedules
- Interest-only options for lower monthly payments
- Higher allowable debt-to-income ratios
- Approval for borrowers with recent credit events
- Willingness to finance properties that don’t meet conventional requirements
CTC Mortgage works closely with portfolio lenders that specialize in custom-fit mortgages. We advocate for your case and structure terms that align with your goals—even if other lenders have said no.
Real-world portfolio loan examples
Portfolio mortgages open the door for deals that would otherwise fall through. Here are a few real examples:
- A buyer purchased a home on over 40 acres of agricultural land, which exceeded standard lending acreage limits
- An investor financed a mixed-use building with commercial space and a residential unit above
- A borrower with limited U.S. credit history qualified through a foreign income and asset profile
These scenarios required creativity and flexibility—something
portfolio mortgage lenders are uniquely positioned to offer.
Our process for non-conforming loans
If you’ve been told your situation is “too complicated,” we want to hear from you. Our team takes a hands-on approach to review your goals, financial picture, and property type. From there, we match you with lenders offering
niche portfolio loans designed to accommodate your specific needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all lending—and neither do our lending partners.
Get a personalized mortgage solution
If your property or situation doesn’t fit the usual mold, don’t give up on financing. Portfolio loans are designed for exactly this kind of challenge. At CTC Mortgage, we work with flexible lenders who prioritize custom solutions over cookie-cutter approvals.
Let’s talk about your goals and find a way forward—together.
Explore more creative financing options
Looking for other alternatives to conventional loans? Explore programs designed for unique borrowers and complex investment scenarios:
Not sure where to start?
Unlock flexible financing designed to fit non-traditional borrowers and specialized investment needs.
Faqs– Portfolio Loans
Answers to common mortgage questions
What makes a portfolio loan different from conventional?
Portfolio loans are not sold to investors, which gives lenders more flexibility in approving loans that don’t meet agency criteria. This allows for custom guidelines on credit, income, or property features.
Do portfolio loans have higher interest rates?
Rates may be slightly higher than traditional loans to offset the increased risk to the lender—but the tradeoff is broader eligibility. Terms are still competitive, especially for borrowers with strong compensating factors.
Can I use a portfolio loan for an investment property?
Yes. Many investment property buyers use portfolio financing to purchase rentals that are non-conforming or to finance multiple units under one loan.
Are portfolio loans only for purchases?
Not at all. You can also use them for refinancing, especially in cases where you’ve improved a property or want to consolidate debt on a complex real estate asset.
What kind of properties qualify?
Portfolio loans can be used for unique properties like mixed-use buildings, homes with large acreage, non-warrantable condos, and more. If conventional lenders can’t underwrite it, we’ll explore whether a portfolio option fits.
