Todd Claus - GFS Home Loans NMLS #209512

09/09/2026

Nobody types these questions into a search bar because they are curious.

They type them because they are scared the answer is no.

Here is what actually happens. Student loans get factored in, not counted against you automatically. A new job can work, and in some cases a signed offer letter is enough. Credit does not have to be perfect. Twenty percent down has not been the standard in a long time. And getting denied once is not a permanent record.

You are not disqualified. You are undiagnosed.

The only way to find out where you actually stand is to have someone look at your real numbers.

Comment ANSWERS and I'll go through your questions one at a time.

Get Pre-Qualified at https://www.gfshomeloans.com/loan-officer/todd-claus

09/09/2026

The 20% down rule is the single most expensive myth in real estate.

✅ 3% down on a conventional loan — $22,500 on a $750K home
✅ 3.5% down with FHA, 580+ credit
✅ Gift funds from family are allowed
✅ California down-payment assistance programs may stack on top

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

09/08/2026

Self-employed? Your write-offs shouldn't cost you the house.

✅ Qualify on 12 or 24 months of bank deposits — not tax returns
✅ 1099 contractors, sole props, S-corps and LLCs all welcome
✅ No W-2s and no K-1 gymnastics required
✅ Purchase, refinance and cash-out options

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

09/08/2026

Everyone's waiting for the perfect moment. While they wait, the market quietly handed buyers something it hasn't offered in seven years: choices.

Here's where things actually stand:

Inventory is at its highest level since 2019
New listings hit a four-year high last month
The 30-year fixed climbed to 6.71%, a new high for the year
Inflation data lands Thursday and Friday, and the Fed meets next week

Softer asking prices and more homes on the market mean negotiating room. That's the part nobody's talking about.

A rate can be changed later. The house you didn't see is gone.

Comment UPDATE and we'll walk you through what this week actually means for your situation.

Get Pre-Qualified at https://www.gfshomeloans.com/loan-officer/todd-claus

09/08/2026

My weekly email detailing the weeks mortgage, real estate and business news

A weekly email detailing the weeks mortgage, real estate and business news.

09/07/2026

Bay Area prices push a lot of buyers past the conforming limit. That's not a dead end — that's a jumbo.

✅ High-balance conforming caps out at $1,209,750 in our counties
✅ Jumbo financing available up to $3M
✅ As little as 10% down on many jumbo purchases
✅ Fixed and ARM structures compared side by side before you commit

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

09/04/2026

Branch managers: if you're producing like an owner, you should be paid like one.

✅ Your P&L, your comp plan, your team
✅ Full product menu — Conventional, FHA, VA, DSCR, Non-QM
✅ An AI-powered lead engine built into the platform
✅ 25+ years of NorCal lending behind you

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

09/03/2026

FHA or Conventional? Same house — two very different paths in.

✅ FHA: 3.5% down ($26,250 on a $750K home), 580+ credit
✅ Conventional: 3% down ($22,500 on a $750K home), 620+ credit
✅ FHA mortgage insurance stays for the life of the loan
✅ Conventional PMI drops off at 20% equity

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

09/02/2026

A "no" from the bank isn't the last word on your file.

✅ Asset-depletion and 1099-only income programs
✅ Recent credit event? Options as soon as 12 months out
✅ Foreign national and ITIN borrower programs
✅ Real underwriting judgment instead of a checkbox

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org

09/01/2026

Your rental income can qualify you — your tax returns don't have to.

✅ No W-2s, no tax returns, no personal DTI calculation
✅ Qualify on the property's rent vs. its payment (DSCR ~1.15+)
✅ Close in an LLC to keep the asset separate
✅ 1–4 units, portfolio and cash-out options available

Start here 👉 https://localbest.ai/directory/mortgage-lending/walnut-creek-ca/todd-claus-of-gfs-home-loans

Todd Claus | Division Regional Manager | NMLS # 209512
GFS Home Loans, Inc. | NMLS # 35960
Equal Housing Lender | nmlsconsumeraccess.org