The Secret to Successfully Getting a Mortgage in 2025

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting a mortgage would be too difficult, know this: qualifying is starting to get a bit more achievable, even though lending standards remain strong. Lenders are making it slightly easier for well-qualified buyers to access financing, which is opening more doors for people ready to make a move. So, if strict requirements were holding you back, this shift could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, without repeating the risky lending practices that led to the housing crash back in 2008.

Lenders Are Opening More Doors

Banks are offering credit to more people in an effort to boost activity in the housing market, including buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. That means more people are getting a mortgage approved. However, this shift does not signal another crash like in 2008. Even with recent easing, lending standards today remain much stricter than they were in the past.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) has been going up. This index shows how easy or hard it is for people to get a mortgage. When the index rises, it means banks are easing their lending standards. And in May, credit availability hit its highest point in almost three years (see graph below):

Why does this matter to you? It means you may now be able to qualify for a mortgage that you wouldn’t have just a few months ago. The National Association of Underwriters (NAMU) explains:

Mortgage credit availability surged in May, reaching its highest level since August 2022. The uptick signals that lenders are increasingly willing to loosen underwriting standards, providing borrowers with greater access to financing options . . .

But What About 2008?

Now you might be thinking, “Didn’t looser lending standards play a role in the 2008 housing crash?” That is a smart question and an important one. But here is the key difference. While credit availability is rising, the process of getting a mortgage is still governed by responsible lending standards. Based on MCAI data going all the way back to 2004, today’s lending levels are still way below what they were leading up to the housing bubble (see graph below):

So, increasing mortgage credit availability right now isn’t a concern. It’s just a good thing for anyone looking to buy a home. As Brett Hively, SVP of Mortgage, Finance, and Strategy at Ameris Bancorp, recently said:

“This uptick is opening the door for many borrowers to move forward with a home purchase or a refinance program.”

Bottom Line

So if you’ve been holding back because you thought getting a mortgage would be out of reach, now is the time to take a closer look. With more flexible lending conditions and strong standards still in place, the path to homeownership may be more accessible than you think. Speak with a trusted lender to explore your options and find out what getting a mortgage could look like for you today. It might be the perfect moment to make your move. Let’s talk with a lender about your options and see if you’re ready to take that next step toward homeownership.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.