A QM loan refers to a “Qualified Mortgage,” which is a type of mortgage that meets certain criteria set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in the United States. These criteria were established as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in response to the 2008 financial crisis. The purpose of QM loans is to ensure that borrowers are offered mortgages that are safer and more sustainable, with features designed to reduce the risk of default.
Non-QM loans, also known as Non-Qualified Mortgages, are mortgage loans that do not meet the criteria for a Qualified Mortgage (QM) as defined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Unlike QM loans, which must meet specific requirements related to the borrower’s ability to repay, Non-QM loans offer greater flexibility in underwriting standards and loan features but typically have higher interest rates and closing cost than QM Loans.