09/18/2026
NEW FANNIE MAE UPDATE — This Could Be BIG for Homeowners!
Fannie Mae has made it easier in some situations for homeowners to keep their current home as a rental while purchasing another home.
Previously, you might have needed a signed lease, a tenant in place, and rent/deposit collected before closing in order for rental income to help with qualifying.
Now, if the property and borrower meet the guidelines, lenders may be able to use 75% of the estimated market rent to help offset the current mortgage payment — even if you don’t have a tenant lined up yet.
For example:
Estimated market rent: $800/month
75% that may be used for qualifying: $600/month
That could make a difference for homeowners who want to move but don’t want to give up their current 3–4% mortgage rate.
Keep the house. Rent it out. Keep that low-rate mortgage. Buy your next home.
Of course, the property, borrower, loan type, and rental income must meet the applicable Fannie Mae guidelines, and your lender will determine what can actually be used for qualifying.
If you’ve been thinking, “I’d love to move, but I hate to give up my low interest rate,” this is definitely something worth asking your lender about.
Bottoms Realty
Serving Southeast Arkansas
32+ Years