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Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC
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Non-QM Underwriting Guideline Updates

May 14, 2026

Overview

The purpose of this announcement is to provide a summary of approved Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC (CMS) Non-QM underwriting guideline updates (highlighted in red). Please note this is an abbreviated summary of the guideline changes. All updates should be viewed within the context of the full guidelines available on www.CarringtonWholesale.com.

Generally, the updates below are guideline clarifications or expansions and may be implemented immediately for loans in process that are not yet locked. Loans that are locked or have approved exceptions must continue to conform to the guidelines in effect at the time of the lock or approved exception.

Prime Advantage, Flexible Advantage Plus, and Investor Advantage
Old Requirements Updated Requirements
Seller Contributions
For investment property transactions, the property seller and/or interested parties are permitted to contribute up to 4%.
Seller Contributions
For investment property transactions, the property seller and/or interested parties are permitted to contribute up to 4% for LTVs > 65% and 6% for LTVs ≤ 65%.
Carrington Flexible Advantage Program
New Requirements
No Score Alternative
A primary wage-earner who lacks sufficient traditional credit history to generate credit scores from at least two bureaus, and/or additional borrowers with no scores, may qualify subject to the following requirements:

  • Maximum 65% LTV
  • For primary wage earners, if one score generates, it must be 550 or greater. Additional borrowers must have no scores or at least one score of 500 or greater.
  • 24-month housing rating required with no lates, rent-free not permitted.
  • Any reported tradelines must not exceed 0x60 in the most recent 24 months. No new collections or charge-offs in the most recent 24 months.
  • Full Documentation of Income only, Alt doc income types not permitted.
Carrington Investor Advantage
Old Requirements Updated Requirements
Credit Score Requirements

Each borrower and/or guarantor must have a valid score from at least 2 of the following 3 agencies: Experian (FICO), Trans Union (Empirica), and Equifax (Beacon). Only scores from these agencies are acceptable.

The applicable credit score is the middle of three scores provided for any borrower. If only two credit score are obtained, the lesser of two will be used. When there are multiple borrowers, the lowest applicable score from the group of borrowers is the representative credit score for qualifying.

Credit Score Requirements

Each borrower and/or guarantor must have a valid score from at least 2 of the following 3 agencies: Experian (FICO), Trans Union (Empirica), and Equifax (Beacon). Only scores from these agencies are acceptable.

The applicable credit score is the middle of three scores provided for any borrower. If only two credit score are obtained, the lesser of two will be used. When there are multiple borrowers, the higher applicable score from the group of borrowers is the representative credit score for qualifying. Any additional borrower must have at least one credit score of 620 or greater.

Mortgage and Rental Payment Verification
Mortgages and rental payments combined must not exceed:

  • 1x30 in the past 12 months
Mortgage and Rental Payment Verification
Mortgages and rental payments combined must not exceed:

  • 1x30 in the past 12 months: Qualify at Matrix LTVs
  • 0x60 in the past 12 months: Max 70% LTV Purchase & Rate/Term Refinance. Cash-Out not permitted.

Contacts

Please contact your Account Executive or Account Manager with any questions.

Carrington thanks you for your business.

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Equal Housing Opportunity An Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Copyright 2026. Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC headquartered at 500 North State College Boulevard, Suites 1030, 1300, and 1400, Orange, CA 92868. NMLS ID # 2600. Toll Free # 800-561-4567. All rights reserved. Restrictions may apply. All loans are subject to credit, underwriting and property approval guidelines.  Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access Web Site:www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com.

The content of this website is intended for licensed third-party originators or brokers only and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public. Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC is one of the leading wholesale mortgage lenders.

Government Agency Approval | FHA Non-Supervised Mortgage Approval #: 24751-0000-5 | VA Automatic Lender Approval #: 902324-00-00

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