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East Palo Alto buyers often need creative financing beyond agency limits. Portfolio ARMs let lenders price for your actual risk instead of Fannie Mae's checkbox.
Tech workers with equity comp, crypto holdings, or foreign income get denied by conventional underwriting. Portfolio lenders write the rules themselves as of February 2026.
Portfolio ARMs in East Palo Alto
Most portfolio ARM lenders want 20% down and 680+ credit. Income documentation varies wildly—some accept bank statements, others want two years of tax returns.
You'll pay 0.5-1.5% more than agency ARMs. Rates adjust annually after a fixed period, typically 3, 5, or 7 years with 2/2/5 caps.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect portfolio arms eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in East Palo Alto.
East Palo Alto buyers often need creative financing beyond agency limits. Portfolio ARMs let lenders price for your actual risk instead of Fannie Mae's checkbox.
Tech workers with equity comp, crypto holdings, or foreign income get denied by conventional underwriting. Portfolio lenders write the rules themselves as of February 2026.
Most portfolio ARM lenders want 20% down and 680+ credit. Income documentation varies wildly—some accept bank statements, others want two years of tax returns.
We work with 15 portfolio ARM lenders. Each has different appetite for income types—one loves RSU income, another won't touch it.
Some lenders now count verified crypto holdings for reserves. You prove ownership but they haircut the value 30-50% for volatility risk.
Portfolio ARMs work best when you plan to refi in 3-5 years. Don't use them for your forever home unless your income will normalize by then.
I see tech workers use these to buy before their options vest. They refi to conventional once W-2 income catches up to their equity comp.
Bank statement loans cost more but stay fixed. DSCR loans need rental income. Portfolio ARMs split the difference with lower rates than non-QM but more flex than agency.
If you're buying a primary residence with variable income, portfolio ARMs beat DSCR every time. Investment properties flip that equation.
East Palo Alto homes under $1.5M qualify for some portfolio programs other cities can't access. Lenders see appreciation potential here.
The Fed signaled more rate cuts later in 2026. ARM borrowers benefit twice—lower start rates now, and caps limit how high adjustments can go.
Expect 0.5-1.5% higher than agency ARM rates as of February 2026. Your income type and down payment move that range significantly.
Yes, but lenders discount unvested equity 50-100%. Vested RSUs and exercised options count more reliably across our portfolio lenders.
After the fixed period, rates adjust annually based on an index plus margin. Caps limit increases to 2% per year, 5% lifetime.
Depends on the lender. Some require two years, others accept 12 months bank statements. We shop for your documentation situation.
Some lenders now accept verified crypto for reserves with a 30-50% haircut. Income from crypto trading needs two year history.