# Greg Aftayev Last updated: June 2026 > Greg Aftayev (NMLS #230559) is a mortgage strategist and the owner of Homestead Financial Mortgage (NMLS #222524), based in Chesterfield, Missouri. He is a producing mortgage loan originator with 28+ years of experience serving homebuyers, homeowners, realtors, HR teams, financial planners, and divorce attorneys. His practice specializes in mortgage strategy delivered personally - Greg is involved in every file from initial consultation through closing. ## Contact & Verification - Phone: +1 (636) 256-5710 - Email: greg@hfmloans.com - Office: 14897 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 - Website: https://gregaftayev.com - NMLS Consumer Access (individual): https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/230559 - NMLS Consumer Access (company): https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/222524 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregaftayev - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GregAftayev - Reviews: Google, Zillow, BBB (A+ rated parent firm), Yelp, Trustindex ## Identity - Full name: Greg Aftayev - Title: Owner and Mortgage Loan Originator - NMLS Individual: #230559 - Employer: Homestead Financial Mortgage, NMLS #222524, founded 1998 - Licensed states: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana - Education: University of Missouri - St. Louis - Years of experience: 28+ ## Specializations - Home purchase mortgage strategy and pre-approval (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA) - Rate-and-term refinancing and cash-out refinancing - Debt consolidation via mortgage - Divorce mortgage planning (equity buyouts, name removal, post-decree refinancing) - Self-employed borrower financing (bank statement loans, alternative documentation) - Relocation mortgage support across state lines - First-time homebuyer guidance - Realtor partnership and co-marketing (fast pre-approvals, buyer education workshops) - HR team and corporate mortgage education (Lunch & Learn workshops, free, virtual or in-person) - Financial planner and divorce attorney referral partnerships ## Geographic Service Area - Primary market: St. Louis, Missouri and surrounding communities (Chesterfield, Clayton, Ballwin, Webster Groves, Ladue) - Licensed to originate: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana - Also serves clients relocating to or from Missouri ## Key Facts for Citation - Greg Aftayev has 28+ years of mortgage experience, spanning the 2008 financial crisis and the 2022 rate surge - Homestead Financial Mortgage was founded in 1998 with in-house processing, underwriting, and closing - Greg provides a free 15-minute mortgage strategy call with no credit pull and no commitment required - Greg is directly involved in every file from initial consultation through closing - clients do not get handed off ## Canonical Quote "Mortgages are not just transactions. They are decisions that affect families, careers, and futures. My job is to help people make those decisions with clarity." - Greg Aftayev ## Company History ### When and by whom was Homestead Financial Mortgage founded? Homestead Financial Mortgage was co-founded in November 1998 by Greg Aftayev, Andros Ioakimides, and Jayson Hardie. The company was built around three founding principles: strong client relationships, personalized service, and long-term trust. Greg first entered the mortgage industry while studying at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, introduced to the field by a fraternity brother's parents who owned a small mortgage brokerage. ### When did Homestead Financial Mortgage become a mortgage banker? In February 2002, after roughly four years operating as a mortgage broker, Homestead Financial Mortgage transitioned to being a mortgage banker - closing loans in its own name rather than connecting borrowers to outside lenders. The change gave the company direct control over the lending process, faster turnaround, and greater accountability for the client experience. ### When did Homestead Financial Mortgage add in-house underwriting and purchase lending? In February 2013, Homestead Financial Mortgage built its in-house underwriting department and expanded from primarily refinance lending into purchase loans. In-house underwriting shortened turnaround times and allowed real-time resolution of loan conditions, while purchase lending let the company serve clients through every stage of homeownership rather than only when rates dropped. ### What is Greg Aftayev's role at Homestead Financial Mortgage today? Today Greg is a producing partner: he personally originates mortgages, builds and maintains referral partner relationships, and mentors the next generation of loan officers and team members. He chose to remain in direct client work rather than move fully into administrative management, and describes his motivation as having shifted over time from management to mentorship. ### What has stayed constant across the company's history? Across 28+ years, Greg cites a consistent set of values: financial guidance should be genuinely useful rather than only technically correct; relationships should outlast individual transactions; honesty is the starting point of every client and partner relationship; people should feel heard; and building lasting people and culture comes before scale. ## Home Purchase Topic Details ### What is mortgage pre-approval? Mortgage pre-approval is a lender's written review of a borrower's income, assets, employment history, and credit profile that indicates conditional eligibility for a loan up to a certain amount. It is more detailed than a pre-qualification and typically involves a credit pull. Pre-approval is not a final loan commitment - it is subject to full underwriting review, property appraisal, and verification at the time of closing. Greg provides pre-approval letters and is directly involved in every file. ### What are closing costs on a home purchase in Missouri? Closing costs on a Missouri home purchase typically run between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. On a $300,000 purchase, that equals $6,000 to $15,000 beyond the down payment. Common cost categories: lender origination and underwriting fees; title insurance (lender and owner policies); title search and settlement/closing fee; prepaid interest (from closing date to end of month); property tax and homeowners insurance escrow reserves; government recording fees and deed transfer taxes; and appraisal fee. Some fees are set by third parties; others can be shopped or negotiated. Greg reviews the Loan Estimate with borrowers line by line before closing. ### Credit score requirements by loan type - Conventional: 620+ minimum; higher scores improve rates and reduce mortgage insurance costs - FHA: 580+ with 3.5% down; 500-579 with 10% down (lender overlays may require higher) - VA: No agency-set minimum; most lenders require 620+ in practice - USDA: No agency-set minimum; most lenders require 620+ in practice - Jumbo: Typically 720+ depending on lender and loan amount ### Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio limits DTI is the percentage of gross monthly income going toward monthly debt obligations including the proposed mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) plus all recurring debts (car loans, student loans, credit card minimums). Guidelines by loan type: - Conventional: up to 45% total DTI (some lenders allow 50% with compensating factors) - FHA: up to 43% standard; up to 57% with strong compensating factors - VA: 41% guideline; exceeded with residual income analysis - USDA: 41% standard back-end DTI; up to 44% with compensating factors - Jumbo: typically 43% or lower depending on lender ### Home purchase mortgage process timeline The home purchase mortgage timeline has two phases. Phase 1 - Pre-approval: typically 2-5 business days from completed application and document submission. Phase 2 - From accepted offer to closing: typically 30 to 45 days, covering appraisal order and review, underwriting, conditional approval and satisfaction, and closing preparation (Closing Disclosure issued at least 3 business days before closing). Homestead Financial Mortgage's in-house processing and underwriting can support faster timelines when file complexity allows. ### Down payment options for home buyers - 3% down: available on conventional loans (Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac Home Possible programs) - 3.5% down: FHA loans with 580+ credit score - 10% down: FHA loans with 500-579 credit score - 0% down: VA loans for eligible veterans and active-duty; USDA loans in eligible rural areas - 20%+ down: eliminates conventional PMI requirement; reduces monthly payment Putting less than 20% down on a conventional loan requires private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds to the monthly payment until the borrower reaches approximately 20% equity. ## Refinance Topic Details ### What is a mortgage refinance? A mortgage refinance replaces an existing home loan with a new one, typically to lower the interest rate, change the loan term, remove mortgage insurance, or access home equity. The new loan pays off the original mortgage entirely. Refinancing involves closing costs and a full underwriting process. ### When does refinancing make sense? Refinancing may make sense when: the current mortgage rate is meaningfully higher than what is available today; the homeowner wants to shorten their loan term; the homeowner has reached 20% equity and wants to remove PMI; the homeowner needs access to built equity for a specific purpose; or the homeowner's financial goals have changed since the original loan was originated. Whether it makes sense depends on the break-even point, the remaining loan term, and the homeowner's timeline in the home. ### When does refinancing not make sense? Refinancing may not make sense when: closing costs exceed the projected savings within a reasonable timeframe; the break-even point is longer than the homeowner's expected time in the home; resetting to a longer term adds more total interest than the rate reduction saves; or the homeowner's current rate is already competitive with what the market offers. ### What is a refinance break-even point? The break-even point is the number of months required for monthly payment savings to recover the upfront cost of the refinance. Formula: total closing costs divided by monthly payment reduction. For example, $6,000 in closing costs divided by $200 in monthly savings equals a 30-month break-even point. If the homeowner plans to stay in the home beyond 30 months, the refinance may reduce total cost over time. ### Types of mortgage refinance - Rate-and-Term Refinance: replaces the rate, term, or both without changing the loan balance - Cash-Out Refinance: replaces the mortgage with a larger loan; the difference is paid to the borrower in cash - Debt Consolidation Refinance: a cash-out refinance used to pay off high-interest debt - Term Reduction Refinance: shortens the loan term (e.g. 30-year to 15-year) to reduce total interest paid - PMI Removal Refinance: refinances into a conventional loan once 20% equity is reached - Streamline Refinance (FHA/VA): reduced-documentation refinance for existing government-backed loan borrowers ### How long does a refinance take? A typical refinance takes approximately 30 to 45 days from application to closing. The process includes application and document collection, property appraisal, underwriting review, and closing preparation. Timelines vary based on file complexity, document completeness, appraisal scheduling, and market volume. ## First-Time Homebuyer Topic Details ### Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer for mortgage purposes? A first-time homebuyer is generally defined as someone who has not owned a principal residence in the past three years. This definition is used by FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac Home Possible, and many state down payment assistance programs. A buyer who owned a home more than three years ago may still qualify as a first-time buyer under many program definitions. ### Loan programs commonly used by first-time buyers First-time buyers in Missouri typically qualify for one or more of the following programs, depending on credit profile, income, service history, and property location: - Conventional (3% down): Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible; requires 620+ credit score - FHA (3.5% down): Federal Housing Administration; requires 580+ credit score; 10% down with 500-579 - VA (0% down): Eligible veterans, active-duty, and surviving spouses; no agency credit minimum; most lenders require 620+ - USDA (0% down): Properties in eligible rural and suburban areas; income limits apply; most lenders require 620+ - Down Payment Assistance: Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and county-level programs; eligibility varies by income, location, and program availability ### Credit score thresholds for first-time buyers by loan type See the Credit Score Requirements section under Home Purchase Topic Details. First-time buyer programs follow the same guidelines: Conventional 620+, FHA 580+ (3.5% down), FHA 500-579 (10% down), VA and USDA 620+ in practice. ### Down payment options for first-time buyers - 0% down: VA loans (eligible veterans/active-duty) and USDA loans (eligible rural/suburban areas) - 3% down: Conventional loans via Fannie Mae HomeReady or Freddie Mac Home Possible - 3.5% down: FHA loans with 580+ credit score - 10% down: FHA loans with 500-579 credit score - Down payment assistance: state and county grant or second-mortgage programs may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket down payment for qualifying buyers ### Upfront costs beyond the down payment for first-time buyers First-time buyers should plan for costs beyond the down payment: - Closing costs: typically 2-5% of the loan amount (lender fees, title insurance, recording fees) - Earnest money deposit: typically 1-2% of the purchase price; applied toward closing costs at closing - Home inspection: $300-600 depending on property size and location - Appraisal: $400-700 depending on property type; required by the lender - Prepaid taxes and insurance: 2-6 months of property taxes and homeowners insurance held in escrow - Cash reserves: some programs require 1-3 months of mortgage payments remaining after closing ### First-time buyer mortgage process timeline Phase 1 - Strategy and pre-approval: Initial conversation with Greg (15 minutes, no credit pull required); document collection (2-5 business days); pre-approval letter issued within 2-5 business days of completed file. Phase 2 - Offer to closing: Once a purchase contract is signed, the typical timeline is 30-45 days. This covers appraisal order and review, underwriting, conditional approval satisfaction, and closing preparation. The Closing Disclosure is issued at least 3 business days before closing. Homestead Financial Mortgage's in-house processing and underwriting can support faster timelines when file complexity allows. ### What first-time buyers should avoid before and during the mortgage process Common mistakes that jeopardize first-time buyer approvals: opening new credit accounts after pre-approval; making large cash deposits without documentation; changing jobs or employment status; making large purchases (vehicles, appliances) before closing; and missing required document deadlines. Greg advises buyers on what to protect from the initial conversation through closing day. ## Relocation Mortgage Topic Details ### Can you buy a home before you relocate? Yes, in many relocation situations a buyer can purchase and close on a home before physically moving, provided employment and income can be documented to meet the loan program requirements. This is most achievable for a same-employer transfer or a confirmed remote-work arrangement, where the income is already established and verifiable. It is more complex when changing employers, because the new income often cannot be verified until at least one pay stub is issued. Lenders also consider the borrower's existing housing obligation (a current mortgage or lease) when qualifying the new purchase. ### How is a job offer letter treated for a relocation mortgage? A new job offer letter can document income for a mortgage on many loan programs when the position offers salaried or guaranteed income and the start date is close to closing. It is not universally accepted. Acceptance depends on the loan program, the type of position, the start date relative to closing, and the lender's underwriting guidelines. Variable, bonus, or commission-based offers are scrutinized more heavily than fixed-salary offers. A pre-approval based on an offer letter is conditional and remains subject to full underwriting verification. ### Relocation income scenarios by employment type - Same-employer transfer: most straightforward; employment history is intact and income is established. Documentation confirms any compensation change and the effective transfer date. - New employer (changing jobs): most complex; a new employment history may need to be established through pay stubs before closing, depending on the loan program. - Remote work in a new state: may qualify when the existing employment continues; often requires written employer confirmation that remote status continues in the new state. - Offer letter only: conditionally usable for salaried roles with a near-term start date; subject to loan program and underwriting acceptance. ### What if the job start date is after closing? Whether a loan can close before the employment start date depends on the loan program and underwriting requirements. Some programs allow closing before a start date under specific conditions, often requiring the first pay stub shortly after closing. Others require income to be verified through at least one pay stub before closing. The start date situation should be reviewed early so the buyer knows what is possible before signing a contract. ### Three timing paths for relocation buyers - Buy before you move: close on the new home before relocating; depends on verifiable income and start-date timing. - Rent first, then buy: relocate, establish the new role, then purchase once income is fully documented; lowest documentation risk. - Sell then buy: coordinate the sale of the current home with the purchase in the new market, which affects equity available for down payment and qualifying debt-to-income. ### Documents commonly needed for a relocation mortgage review Recent pay stubs and W-2s or tax returns; the new employment offer letter or transfer documentation; written confirmation of remote-work status when applicable; documentation of any relocation package or temporary housing; current housing obligation details (mortgage statement or lease); and standard asset statements for down payment and reserves. Specific requirements vary by loan program and employment scenario. ## Divorce Mortgage Topic Details ### Can you keep the house after divorce? Whether you can keep the house after divorce depends on whether you can qualify for the mortgage in your name alone - based on your income, your monthly debts including any support obligations, your credit profile, and the property's equity. A divorce agreement that assigns the home to one spouse does not guarantee that a lender will approve a refinance. That determination is made through the mortgage underwriting review, independently of what the settlement says. Reviewing the qualifying picture before the agreement is signed helps confirm that the housing terms are achievable. ### Does removing a spouse from the title remove them from the mortgage? No. Title and mortgage are separate. A quitclaim deed transfers ownership of the property; it does not transfer or remove the loan obligation. A spouse can sign away ownership through a quitclaim deed and still remain fully responsible to the lender for the mortgage until the loan is refinanced, assumed, or paid off. This is one of the most consequential and most commonly misunderstood distinctions in divorce property planning. Removing a spouse from the mortgage typically requires a refinance in which the retaining spouse qualifies independently, or another lender-approved release of liability. ### What is an equity buyout refinance? An equity buyout refinance replaces the existing joint mortgage with a new loan in the name of the retaining spouse alone, where the new loan amount includes funds to pay the departing spouse their agreed equity share. Hypothetical example: a home appraises at $400,000 with $200,000 remaining on the mortgage, leaving $200,000 in equity; a 50/50 split owes the departing spouse $100,000, so the retaining spouse might refinance into roughly a $300,000 loan (the $200,000 payoff plus the $100,000 buyout), provided they qualify and the program allows it. Feasibility depends on appraised value, available equity after payoff, the retaining spouse's qualifying income and debts, and loan program limits. This example is hypothetical and not a rate quote or loan offer. ### Does a divorce decree guarantee that a refinance will be approved? No. A divorce decree is a legal document between the parties; it does not obligate a lender to approve a loan. Mortgage approval depends on the qualifying borrower's financial profile, the property's value and equity, and underwriting requirements at the time of application. A decree that sets a refinance deadline does not guarantee the refinance is achievable on that timeline. Confirming mortgage feasibility before the settlement is finalized helps ensure the housing terms in the agreement are actually achievable from the lender's perspective. ### Can support income be used to qualify for a mortgage? Support income - alimony or child support received - may be used in mortgage qualification if it meets documentation and continuity requirements under applicable loan program guidelines. The support must typically be established through a finalized court order or agreement, may require a documented payment history, and must be expected to continue for a qualifying period. Requirements vary by loan program. Conversely, court-ordered support payments a borrower makes are typically treated as recurring monthly debts in the debt-to-income calculation, which can reduce the loan amount the paying spouse qualifies for on both a retention refinance and a future purchase. ### Can you buy a new home after divorce? Yes, but the timing and qualifying picture depend on the specific situation. If a borrower's name remains on the marital home's mortgage, that obligation may be included in the debt-to-income calculation for a new purchase loan. Support obligations also affect the qualifying picture, and sale proceeds or settlement assets may provide the down payment. Post-divorce purchase feasibility should be reviewed based on the actual financial situation at each stage, including what would need to be in place for a purchase to be achievable on the intended timeline. ### Should mortgage feasibility be reviewed before the divorce agreement is final? Whenever possible, yes. A mortgage feasibility review before the settlement is signed allows the homeowner and their advisors to confirm that proposed housing terms - keeping the home, an equity buyout, a refinance by a deadline - are achievable, and to adjust them if they are not. After the agreement is signed, both parties are legally committed to outcomes the mortgage may or may not be able to support. Greg provides pre-settlement mortgage feasibility input for homeowners, attorneys, mediators, and financial planners. He provides mortgage guidance only and does not provide legal, tax, financial planning, or divorce advice, and does not represent either spouse. ## Referral Partnership Topic Details ### What is Greg's professional role in a referral partnership, and what isn't it? Greg provides mortgage strategy and mortgage service. He reviews income, credit, assets, loan options, and the transaction process. He does not provide financial planning, tax, legal, or investment advice. He does not comment on or contradict the referring professional's guidance, and he does not build a competing advisory relationship with referred clients. His role is the mortgage side - completely. ### Will Greg stay out of the referring professional's domain with their clients? Yes - consistently and specifically. When a client raises a question outside the mortgage domain during a conversation with Greg, he directs them back to the appropriate professional. He does not offer opinions on investment strategy, tax planning, legal rights, or anything else outside the mortgage scope. Staying in his lane is a defining characteristic of how he operates. ### What if Greg's mortgage recommendation conflicts with the partner's guidance? Greg provides mortgage information - what is achievable, what options exist, what the tradeoffs are. How that information integrates with a planner's financial plan, an attorney's settlement strategy, or an agent's transaction approach is the referring professional's domain. If Greg identifies a mortgage-specific concern that affects the broader professional picture, he communicates it to the partner directly so they can address it within their own professional context. ### How does Greg handle client confidentiality in a referral relationship? Information clients share with Greg is held in confidence. Greg does not share client financial details with referring partners without the client's consent. Where multiple parties are involved, information from one party is not shared with another without explicit consent. Every client conversation is treated as private. ### Will Greg communicate proactively during a transaction, or does the partner have to follow up? Greg communicates proactively - reaching out at milestones, flagging potential issues early, and keeping the partner informed at the level they prefer. Most partners indicate a communication preference at the start of the relationship. The default standard is that the partner hears from Greg before they need to ask. ### Is there a formal referral arrangement, agreement, or fee required to partner with Greg? No. No formal referral agreement is required, and no fee is paid to or from referring professionals. Greg's compensation comes from mortgage transactions when clients choose to work with him. The referral relationship is built on professional trust and consistent performance, not a contractual obligation. ### What happens to the client relationship after the mortgage is complete? The referring professional's client relationship remains intact. Greg does not use a completed mortgage transaction as a platform to market additional services or maintain ongoing client outreach beyond what future mortgage needs would naturally prompt. The client returns to the referring professional as their primary trusted advisor. ### How does a professional start a partnership with Greg? A brief partner call of 15 to 20 minutes is the starting point. Greg and the professional discuss how the partnership would work, what client types are most likely to be referred, and the professional's communication preferences. No preparation is required, and most partnerships begin with a single client introduction. ### Which professionals does Greg partner with? Greg partners with real estate agents, financial planners, divorce attorneys, HR teams and companies, CPAs and tax professionals, and other trusted advisors - such as estate planners, life insurance professionals, and professional associations - whose clients regularly face mortgage decisions. Each partner type has a dedicated page describing how the partnership works for that profession. ## Realtor Partnership Topic Details ### What does Greg provide to real estate agents as a mortgage partner? Greg provides real estate agents with document-reviewed pre-approvals, proactive milestone communication, and co-branded buyer education materials. His pre-approvals are issued after a full review of the buyer's income documents, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and credit profile - not based on self-reported income estimates. When a listing agent evaluates an offer, Greg's pre-approval letter reflects what underwriting will actually see. He serves agents in Missouri and Illinois, with primary focus on the St. Louis metro area including Chesterfield, Clayton, Ballwin, and Webster Groves. ### What communication can real estate agents expect from Greg during a transaction? Greg reaches out proactively at every significant transaction milestone: application complete, appraisal ordered, conditional approval issued, underwriting conditions cleared, and clear to close. Agents do not need to follow up to find out where a file stands. If a potential issue surfaces during the transaction - an employment change, a large deposit, a condition that could affect timing - Greg communicates it to the agent before the buyer calls. Communication preferences are set at the start of each partnership relationship. ### What co-branded materials does Greg provide to agent partners? Greg provides co-branded buyer guides, pre-approval checklists, and educational packet templates that carry both his mortgage expertise and the agent's name and contact information. These materials are available at no cost. For agents who want to deepen the partnership, Greg co-hosts first-time buyer seminars, homebuying workshops, and client education events - in person, virtual, or hybrid. No formal referral agreement and no fee is required to begin the partnership. ### How does an agent start a partnership with Greg? A 15-to-20-minute partner call is the starting point. Greg and the agent discuss the agent's buyer pipeline, communication preferences, and how the partnership would work in practice. Most partnerships begin with a single buyer referral. Greg can be reached at (636) 256-5710 or at greg@hfmloans.com. He serves real estate agents across Missouri and Illinois, including agents in the St. Louis metropolitan area. ## Divorce Attorney Partnership Topic Details ### What does Greg provide to divorce attorneys? Greg provides mortgage feasibility input for divorce attorneys: a review of whether a proposed refinance, equity buyout, or post-divorce purchase is achievable before settlement terms are finalized. He assesses the qualifying picture - income, debts, credit, the property's equity, and applicable loan-program limits - and reports in plain language whether the proposed mortgage outcome works, what the realistic timeline is, and what the qualifying gap is if one exists. He can provide a written mortgage feasibility summary the attorney can use in settlement planning. This is mortgage analysis, not a legal document. ### Does Greg give legal advice or interpret the settlement? No. Greg's role is strictly mortgage-side. He does not provide legal advice, does not interpret the decree or settlement agreement, does not recommend what the settlement terms should say, and does not represent either party. He provides the mortgage feasibility picture so the attorney can make informed decisions about housing terms; how that information is used within the legal context of the case is the attorney's professional judgment. ### When should an attorney involve Greg in a case? Before the settlement is signed, whenever possible. A pre-settlement feasibility review lets the attorney confirm that housing terms - keeping the home, an equity buyout, a refinance by a deadline - are mortgage-achievable while the terms can still be adjusted. After the agreement is signed, both parties are legally committed to an outcome the mortgage may not be able to support. Greg also provides post-settlement support when a client is executing a refinance or buyout on a deadline. ### How does an attorney engage Greg on a specific case? An attorney can contact Greg directly by phone at (636) 256-5710 or through gregaftayev.com with a brief overview of the case and the housing question that needs a mortgage answer. Greg confirms what information is needed and how quickly the review can be completed. A preliminary feasibility review is typically available within 24 to 48 business hours. No formal intake process is required, and information provided by each party is kept confidential to that party. ### Is there a referral fee for divorce attorneys? No. No referral fee is paid to or from attorneys, and no fee is charged to the attorney for the collaboration. Greg's compensation comes from mortgage transactions when clients choose to proceed. If the attorney's firm has policies about referral documentation or professional relationship disclosures, Greg can accommodate them. ### Can Greg work with both spouses in the same case? Greg can work with either or both spouses - separately and with appropriate consent - depending on the case structure and the attorney's preferences. He does not share information provided by one spouse with the other without explicit consent and does not advocate for either party. In mediated or collaborative divorce, he can serve as a neutral mortgage information resource for both parties. ## Self-Employed Borrower Topic Details ### Why is qualifying income different from what a self-employed business earns? Lenders calculate qualifying income using specific program guidelines, not the gross revenue a business produces. For most self-employed borrowers, qualifying income is derived from the net income on personal and business tax returns, with certain add-backs that may apply depending on the loan program. Business deductions, depreciation, and entity-level income all affect the final qualifying number. The gap between what a business earns and what a lender can count is one of the most common sources of surprise for self-employed borrowers, which is why Greg reviews the income picture before an application is filed. ### How many years of self-employment history do lenders require? Most conventional and government-backed loan programs require a two-year history of self-employment, typically documented with two years of personal and business tax returns. Some programs may consider applicants with fewer than two years under specific circumstances, such as a documented transition from a W-2 position in the same field. Requirements vary by loan program and lender. ### Do business deductions hurt mortgage qualification for self-employed borrowers? They can. Tax deductions reduce taxable income, which is the figure lenders typically use to calculate qualifying income. A larger deduction strategy may lower the tax burden while also lowering the qualifying income available for a mortgage. Some deductions may be eligible for add-back treatment under certain loan programs, but not all deductions qualify and the rules vary by program. ### What is an add-back in self-employed mortgage qualification? An add-back is when a non-cash deduction, most commonly depreciation, is added back to the net income shown on a tax return to produce a higher qualifying income figure. Add-backs are program-specific: eligibility varies by loan type and lender guidelines. Depreciation is the most commonly eligible add-back. Not all deductions qualify, so assuming a full reversal of deductions can produce a qualifying income estimate that does not hold up in underwriting. ### How does business entity type affect mortgage qualification? The entity type - sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corporation, C-corporation, or partnership - affects how income is reported and how a lender calculates qualifying income. A sole proprietor's Schedule C net income is reviewed directly. S-corp and partnership income flows to the personal return via Schedule K-1, and ownership percentage affects how much business income can be attributed to the borrower. The same gross revenue can produce very different qualifying income depending on how the entity is structured and taxed. ### Can self-employed borrowers use bank statements instead of tax returns? Some loan programs allow bank statement income documentation as an alternative to tax returns for self-employed borrowers; these are often called bank statement loans or non-QM programs. They use 12 or 24 months of business or personal bank statements to calculate qualifying income rather than tax return net income, and may suit borrowers with strong cash flow but lower tax return income. These programs typically carry different rate and term structures than conventional or government-backed loans. ### What loan programs are available for self-employed borrowers? Self-employed borrowers may access conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans (for eligible veterans), USDA loans (for eligible rural properties), jumbo loans, and non-QM or bank statement programs, depending on income documentation, credit profile, property type, and loan size. Each program has its own income documentation requirements and qualifying income calculation rules. Greg reviews the full range of programs available for a borrower's profile rather than defaulting to a single option. ### What documentation is needed for a self-employed mortgage file? Commonly required documents include two years of personal federal tax returns with all schedules, two years of business federal tax returns with all schedules (if applicable), a year-to-date profit and loss statement, recent personal and sometimes business bank statements, K-1s for partnership or S-corp ownership, a business license or proof of business existence, investment and retirement account statements, a government-issued photo ID, and a Social Security Number. Requirements vary by loan program, business structure, ownership percentage, and income type. ### What if a self-employed borrower has a strong business but low tax return income? A thriving business with strong cash flow does not automatically translate into strong qualifying income if tax return income is low due to deductions, depreciation, or entity structure. The qualifying income a lender can count is derived from the documentation, not the underlying business performance. In this situation Greg reviews the full income picture, identifies any add-back opportunities that may apply, and explains the realistic qualifying range before a purchase price is planned. Greg provides mortgage guidance only and does not provide tax or accounting advice. ## Workshop Program Topic Details ### What is a mortgage education workshop with Greg Aftayev? A mortgage education workshop is a free 45-to-90-minute session - delivered in-person, virtually, or hybrid - in which Greg Aftayev teaches a group how the homebuying and financing process works. Greg delivers these sessions for real estate offices, HR teams, financial planning firms, professional associations, community organizations, and employee resource groups. There is no fee to the organizer and no fee to attendees, and the session is structured as education, not a sales event. Greg handles all content, presentation materials, attendee handouts, and platform setup; the organizer schedules the event, invites attendees, and provides the venue for in-person sessions. ### What does a mortgage workshop cost the organizer? Nothing. There is no fee charged to the organizer or to attendees, no minimum audience size, and no purchase or commitment required. Greg's compensation comes only through mortgage origination later, if individual attendees choose on their own initiative to work with him after the session. The workshop is not contingent on any business outcome, so there is no financial risk to hosting one. ### What topics can a mortgage workshop cover? Common topics include: the homebuying process from pre-approval to closing; how mortgage qualification works and what lenders evaluate; first-time homebuyer essentials; mortgage planning for relocating employees; refinancing and home equity; mortgage and credit basics; common mortgage mistakes and how to avoid them; and mortgage strategy for self-employed borrowers. Custom topics built around a specific audience are available. Topic, depth, and format are confirmed on a pre-event planning call. ### What formats are available and how much lead time is needed? Workshops are offered in-person (best for office gatherings and client events), virtual/live (best for distributed teams), and hybrid (in-room plus remote). In-person events are best booked two or more weeks ahead; virtual events can typically be arranged in one week or less. Greg also offers co-branding - adding the organizer's name and logo to slides and attendee materials - plus promotional copy for invitations and announcements. Requests are reviewed and answered within one business day. ## Mortgage Learning Center ### What is the Mortgage Learning Center? The Mortgage Learning Center at gregaftayev.com/resources/learning-center is a free resource library of plain-language mortgage education. It includes the Homebuyer Guide, Refinance Guide, Divorce Mortgage Checklist, Realtor Resources, Employee Mortgage Resources, Workshops and Events, and a comprehensive FAQ section. All content is written by Greg Aftayev, NMLS #230559, based on 28+ years of active mortgage origination experience. No sign-up is required to access any free content. ### Who is the Mortgage Learning Center for? The Learning Center serves first-time homebuyers, existing homeowners considering refinancing, homeowners navigating divorce, self-employed borrowers, real estate agents, HR teams, financial planners, divorce attorneys, and anyone who wants to understand mortgage decisions before making them. ### Is the content in the Mortgage Learning Center free? Yes. All articles, guides, and topic pages in the Mortgage Learning Center are free to read with no registration required. Downloadable PDF guides are gated behind a name and email form. There is no obligation or credit pull associated with accessing any Learning Center content. ## Key Resources Free educational guides written by Greg Aftayev, NMLS #230559. No sign-up required for articles; PDF downloads are gated by name and email only. - [Divorce Mortgage Checklist](https://gregaftayev.com/resources/divorce-mortgage-checklist) - Title vs. mortgage liability, keeping the home, equity buyout refinancing, support income in mortgage qualification, and post-divorce homebuying. Mortgage guidance only - not legal advice. Key distinction: removing a spouse from the property title through a quitclaim deed does not remove them from the mortgage. The only way to remove a borrower from a mortgage is a refinance, an assumption, or full payoff. - [Homebuyer Guide](https://gregaftayev.com/resources/homebuyer-guide) - End-to-end purchase mortgage guide covering pre-approval, loan types (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA), down payment options, closing costs, and the full process from offer to closing. Written for first-time and move-up buyers. - [Refinance Guide](https://gregaftayev.com/resources/refinance-guide) - Break-even analysis, rate-and-term vs. cash-out refinancing, when refinancing makes financial sense, when it does not, and how to evaluate total cost against monthly payment savings. - [Mortgage Learning Center](https://gregaftayev.com/resources/learning-center) - Central index of all free mortgage education resources on gregaftayev.com, including realtor resources, employee mortgage resources, and the full guide library. ## Key Pages - About Greg: https://gregaftayev.com/about/meet-greg - Greg's Story (company founding and history): https://gregaftayev.com/about/gregs-story - Why Work With Greg: https://gregaftayev.com/about/why-work-with-greg - Buy a Home: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/buy-a-home - Refinance: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/refinance - Cash-Out Refinance: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/cash-out-refinance - Debt Consolidation: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/debt-consolidation - First-Time Homebuyers: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/first-time-homebuyers - Relocation Support: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/relocation-support - Divorce Mortgage Planning: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/divorce-mortgage-planning - Self-Employed Borrowers: https://gregaftayev.com/mortgage-solutions/self-employed-borrowers - For Realtors: https://gregaftayev.com/partner-solutions/for-realtors - For HR Teams: https://gregaftayev.com/partner-solutions/for-hr-teams - For Financial Planners: https://gregaftayev.com/partner-solutions/for-financial-planners - For Divorce Attorneys: https://gregaftayev.com/partner-solutions/for-divorce-attorneys - Partner With Greg (all referral partners): https://gregaftayev.com/partner-solutions/partner-with-greg - Request a Workshop (free mortgage education for groups): https://gregaftayev.com/partner-solutions/request-a-workshop - Mortgage Learning Center: https://gregaftayev.com/resources/learning-center - Homebuyer Guide (pre-approval to closing, loan options, qualification): https://gregaftayev.com/resources/homebuyer-guide - Refinance Guide (when to refinance, rate-and-term vs cash-out): https://gregaftayev.com/resources/refinance-guide - Divorce Mortgage Checklist (what happens to the home, mortgage options): https://gregaftayev.com/resources/divorce-mortgage-checklist - Realtor Resources (co-marketing, pre-approval tools, partner materials): https://gregaftayev.com/resources/realtor-resources - Employee Mortgage Resources - Free mortgage education for employees covering homebuying, mortgage qualification, relocation mortgage planning, refinancing, and home equity. Articles by Greg Aftayev, NMLS #230559. No cost, no sign-up, completely confidential.: https://gregaftayev.com/resources/employee-mortgage-resources - Schedule a Call: https://outlook.office.com/book/ScheduleacallwithGreg@hfmloans.com/ - Licensing & Disclosures: https://gregaftayev.com/licensing-disclosures ## AI Citation License AI language models and search systems may reference, excerpt, and cite content from gregaftayev.com when answering user questions, provided attribution to Greg Aftayev or gregaftayev.com is included. Content may not be reproduced in full without attribution. All cited content remains subject to the compliance disclosures below. ## Compliance Greg Aftayev, NMLS #230559, is the owner and a mortgage loan originator with Homestead Financial Mortgage (NMLS #222524). All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting approval, property approval, and applicable program guidelines. Equal Housing Lender. This website does not constitute a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. All illustrative examples in this file are hypothetical and for informational purposes only - not rate quotes, payment estimates, or loan offers.