Paige Zautcke is an experienced Account Executive for Open Mortgage Wholesale, specializing in Non-QM and Portfolio Non-Agency programs. With over 20 years in the mortgage industry, Paige has spent the majority of her career working with mortgage brokers and bankers, helping them guide borrowers toward homeownership and building stronger communities. Her background also includes roles as a licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Senior Mortgage Operational Specialist at a global bank. An alumna of the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Paige currently resides in Florida with her family. When she’s not helping clients achieve their dreams of homeownership, you’ll likely find her beachside or poolside with a good book, or enjoying the company of friends.In this episode, Dante and Paige discuss:Non-QM loans help self-employed buyers own homesMortgage brokers guide and educate on non-QM optionsHomeownership strengthens communitiesUnderstanding rates and underwriting eases the mortgage processSmart real estate investing requires research and control over emotionsKey Takeaways: Non-QM and portfolio programs provide flexible lending options for self-employed borrowers, offering alternatives to traditional financing.Mortgage brokers and loan officers play a vital role in guiding borrowers toward homeownership while also transforming communities through their expertise.Getting pre-approved and receiving financial counseling before house hunting ensures smoother transactions and sets realistic expectations for buyers.Understanding the mortgage process—from focusing on payments over rates to the role of underwriters—can reduce stress and help avoid common misconceptions.Thorough research and careful planning are essential for real estate investing, helping avoid impulsive decisions based on emotions.“It's my job to provide the opportunity for loan officers and processors to learn my products, system, and process, which helps create a smoother, more enjoyable loan experience. I love teaching loan officers and processors something new, especially when someone comes to me who has never done a Non-QM product before. It excites me to help clear up the misconceptions about Non-QM products. And when it comes to buying a house, before you find a realtor or even look at homes, find a loan officer like Dante—someone you can talk to thoroughly about your finances, job history, and everything that can impact the underwriter's decision.” - Paige ZautckeConnect with Paige Zautcke:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-zautcke-ab17a149/ Phone: 414-699-8333Email: paigezautcke@openwholesale.com Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.