I've had similar experiences. Smaller lenders can definitely be more accommodating when your finances don't neatly fit into their checkboxes. But honestly, I've found that flexibility sometimes comes at a hidden cost—like slightly higher fees or less favorable terms buried in the fine print. Big banks might be rigid, but at least you know exactly what you're getting into. It's all about weighing convenience and peace of mind against squeezing out every last dollar...depends on your comfort level, really.
Totally get where you're coming from. I had a client once who went with a smaller lender because their income was a bit unconventional—freelance gigs, side hustles, you name it. The lender was super accommodating, but later we found out the interest rate was slightly higher than what the big banks offered. Still, for them, the trade-off was worth it just to avoid the headache of endless paperwork and rigid criteria. Sometimes convenience and sanity are worth paying a little extra for...depends on your priorities, I guess.
I hear you on the convenience factor, but honestly, I'd be careful about paying extra just to dodge some paperwork. A slightly higher interest rate might seem minor at first glance, but over a 20-30 year loan, that adds up to thousands of dollars—money you could invest elsewhere or put toward renovations.
When I refinanced a few years back, my income situation was similar—lots of freelance work and side projects. Sure, the paperwork was a pain, but I just buckled down and got it done. Ended up saving a decent chunk by sticking with a traditional lender. I'm all for avoiding headaches, but sometimes the short-term hassle is worth the long-term savings.
Not saying smaller lenders aren't a good option—they definitely have their place—but it's worth crunching the numbers carefully before jumping in.
Totally agree—paperwork can be a headache, but it's usually worth pushing through. When I refinanced, the hassle felt endless at first, but seeing those savings stack up over time made it all worthwhile. Hang in there, you'll thank yourself later.
"seeing those savings stack up over time made it all worthwhile"
Yeah, refinancing can definitely pay off, but sometimes the hassle isn't just paperwork. When I looked into refinancing, my situation didn't fit the usual criteria, and the standard route wasn't really an option. Ended up exploring alternative lenders—bit unconventional, but worked out pretty well in the end.