If you’ve been feeling like buying a home is just too expensive lately, you’re not alone. Many buyers are stuck wondering why prices are high — yet the answer isn’t what most people assume. The root of the feeling isn’t greed or big investors taking over. It’s something far more basic: a shortage of homes.
Here at Best Option Mortgage (a DBA of ML Mortgage Corp., NMLS #362312), we know buyers need solutions that match the reality of the market. That’s why we offer versatile and innovative financing options like our non‑QM mortgage programs and the signature Home 100 product. In this blog, we’ll break down the article’s key findings, explain how they impact you, and show how you can position yourself to succeed in today’s market.
1. What’s Really Driving the “High Cost” Feeling?
Investor Blame vs. Weak Supply
Many people point fingers at investors, arguing they’re buying up homes and driving costs up. But the data doesn’t support that narrative. According to this article, while 48% of Americans believe large investors are to blame, only about 2.8% of all home purchases last year were made by big investors (those owning more than 50 properties).
Instead, the real culprit is supply. The nationwide housing stock simply can’t keep up with demand. As the article states:
“There simply haven’t been enough homes for sale to meet buyer demand.”
The Impact of the Shortage
Fewer homes listed → less competition among buyers means fewer choices.
Sellers staying put (often because they locked in a low rate) → fewer existing homes on the market.
Construction not keeping pace with household formation and demand → pressure on prices and perceived affordability.
All of these factors combine to make buyers feel like the market is beyond reach.
2. So What Does This Mean for Your Homebuying Strategy?
When the issue is scarcity rather than just rate hikes or investor activity, your mortgage strategy must change. Traditional paths alone may not get you across the finish line. Here’s how you can adapt:
Be ready: Because supply is limited, when a home you like becomes available you may need to move quickly.
Be flexible on financing: You may need a program that accommodates your unique situation (self‑employment, unconventional income, lower down payment) because the market isn’t forgiving.
Be confident with your lender: Working with a team that understands the current dynamics gives you an edge.
At Best Option Mortgage, we help you align your financing with this reality. Whether it’s through our non‑QM mortgage programs or our Home 100 solution, we give you options tailored to the shortage‑driven market.
3. How Non‑QM Mortgage Programs Fit Into This Picture
When supply is tight and competition is strong, being “traditional” might not always be enough. That’s where non‑QM mortgage programs shine.
What Is a Non‑QM Mortgage Program?
Rather than being built around rigid conventional guidelines, non‑QM loans offer more flexibility. They’re especially useful if you:
Are self‑employed, freelance or have variable income
Have a complex asset profile or non‑traditional income sources
Found a home you love and need fast underwriting or non‑standard documentation
Why They Matter Now
You might qualify where a traditional loan might say “no.”
You can act more quickly and decisively in a market with limited supply.
You give yourself a wider set of financing tools in a competitive market.
And yes — at Best Option Mortgage we offer strong non‑QM solutions to help make that happen.
4. Exploring the Home 100 Program from Best Option Mortgage
If our non‑QM offerings provide flexibility, then our Home 100 program provides opportunity. This product is built precisely for buyers who want access to homeownership but need a low or no‑down‑payment path.
Home 100: Key Features
Up to 100% financing (in eligible cases)
Lower down payment or none at all
Flexible documentation options and competitive rates
Support for borrowers with strong assets or non‑standard income
Specialized underwriting tailored to your needs
Why It’s Especially Relevant Today
Because homes feel expensive largely due to limited supply, securing financing that maximizes your buying power matters more than ever. The Home 100 program helps mitigate one major barrier: down payment and cash‑to‑close. When you pair that with a lender who understands the supply constraints, you’re positioned to act when a home that fits your goals appears.
5. Combining Market Insight with Smart Financing
Here’s how you tie it all together:
Recognize the market reality: scarcity is raising the floor on home pricing and tension among buyers is real.
Prepare in advance: Get pre‑qualified, review your financing options (including non‑QM and Home 100), and set your budget accordingly.
Move when you’re ready: Because supply is limited, being ready gives you a competitive advantage.
Choose the right program: If your income, assets or timeline don’t fit a standard loan, explore non‑QM or Home 100.
Work with a lender who knows this market: At Best Option Mortgage we combine industry insight with product flexibility.
6. Common Questions (and Real Answers) About This Market & Financing
Q1: Is the housing market just overpriced because of greedy investors?
No. Only about 2.8% of purchases last year were by large investors, and the real driver is supply shortage.
Q2: Why does it matter if supply is low?
Scarcity gives sellers more leverage, limits buyer choices, and pushes prices higher—even if demand stays flat. With fewer homes to choose from, you may pay more or act faster than you might have expected.
Q3: What if my income is non‑traditional (freelance, commission, etc.)?
That’s exactly where non‑QM mortgage programs shine. At Best Option Mortgage we offer options tailored for you.
Q4: Why should I consider a low‑down‑payment option like Home 100 now?
When homes feel expensive, maximizing your purchasing power becomes critical. Home 100 lowers one critical barrier: down payment. You’re in a stronger position when you have more financial flexibility.
Q5: Will this shortage last forever?
No. Inventory may improve over time. However, in the near term buyers should act strategically while conditions are still favorable.
Q6: Does that mean conventional loans are obsolete?
Not at all. Conventional loans work great for many borrowers. But if you find your profile doesn’t fit perfectly (income, assets, timeline), it's smart to have alternatives like non‑QM or Home 100 in your toolkit.
Q7: I’m worried about rates. How does this factor in?
Rates always matter, but financing structure and program flexibility matter even more in a constrained‑supply market. Getting the right loan terms can give you an edge even if rates are higher than a few years ago.
Q8: Where do I start?
Begin with a conversation. At Best Option Mortgage we’ll evaluate your goals, profile, and timeline. Then we’ll help select the right path — conventional, non‑QM, or Home 100 — aligned with today’s market realities.
7. Your Next Step With Best Option Mortgage
Because the supply‑driven dynamic is real and gives advantage to buyers who prepare, here’s what to do:
Schedule a consultation with Best Option Mortgage. We’ll review your goals and profile.
Explore program options including non‑QM mortgage programs and Home 100.
Get pre‑qualified so you’re ready when opportunity knocks.
Act when you’re ready — in a tight‑supply market, being prepared often wins.
Stay informed by checking our mortgage blog and reach out via our Contact Us page when you’re ready to move forward.
At Best Option Mortgage we’re committed to being your partner in a market where challenges and opportunity exist side by side.
8. Final Thoughts
If you’ve felt like homes cost too much lately, you’re onto something—but the reason might not be what you thought. The primary issue is supply, not investor greed or just rate spikes. Because homes are harder to find, buyers face fewer options and higher competition. That’s why pairing your search with an agile financing strategy—especially through non‑QM mortgage programs or the Home 100 product—gives you an upper hand.
When you’re ready to align your financing with today’s reality, let Best Option Mortgage lead the way. We’ll match you to the right program, get you prepped, and help you act confidently in a market characterized by fewer homes and more opportunity for the prepared.
Reach out today via to schedule your complimentary strategy session. Let’s explore whether our non‑QM mortgage programs or Home 100 solution match your goals — and take advantage of the market while conditions are favorable.
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Best Option Mortgage is a DBA of ML Mortgage Corp. ML Mortgage Corp. is a state-licensed mortgage lender, NMLS ID #362312, licensed by the CA Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the Finance Lenders Law, License #60DBO69831. For other states, visit www.mlmortgage.net. To verify licenses, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans are subject to credit approval and acceptable collateral. Additional terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions may change without notice. Not all programs are available in all states. There is no guarantee that all borrowers will qualify. Restrictions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. © 2025 ML Mortgage Corp. All rights reserved.