Non-Prime is a term for loan types that do not fit into the restraints of government lending standards known as Prime, Agency, or A-Paper Lending and defined as Qualified Mortgages.
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Non-Prime loans are also known as temporary or fixer loans for borrowers who are on their way to Prime but need a little help before they qualify. Non-Prime loans characteristically are made to borrowers who have had a past credit event or events in the form of Foreclosure(s), Bankruptcy(ies), Short Sale(s), late payment(s), collection(s), charge-off(s), etcetera. Additionally, a borrower seeking a Non-Prime loan can use alternative documentation to qualify, in form of bank statements, liquid assets, and other forms of income not typically accepted by government lending criteria.
Non-Prime loans usually have increased rates of interest and costs for providing access to capital while providing the ability to participate in the economy and housing market. Non-Prime loans should only be looked at as a temporary solution to an immediate need.