Truss Financial Group (TFG), a specialized mortgage lender, has introduced alternative underwriting solutions designed to help self-employed homeowners overcome barriers to accessing home equity. The initiative follows the release of the 2026 Home Equity Gap Index by The Mortgage Reports, which estimates that U.S. homeowners with mortgages collectively hold nearly $11 trillion in untapped home equity.
Although 43.3% of mortgaged homes in the United States are considered equity-rich, the report indicates that a significant portion of this wealth remains inaccessible. For the country's estimated 15 million self-employed individuals, conventional lending standards often create obstacles because legitimate tax deductions and business write-offs can significantly reduce reported taxable income. In addition, many homeowners with existing mortgage rates in the 3% to 4% range are hesitant to refinance through traditional cash-out options.
To bridge this gap, Truss Financial Group utilizes alternative documentation programs that assess eligible borrowers using 12 to 24 months of bank statements rather than relying exclusively on personal tax returns. Through its specialized digital HELOC platform, qualifying homeowners can access up to $750,000 in home equity while preserving the low interest rates on their primary mortgages.
By emphasizing verified gross business cash flow instead of net taxable income, the second-lien financing program enables qualified entrepreneurs to maintain business operations and growth strategies. TFG's automated platform begins with a soft credit inquiry to provide transparent financing options, pairing borrowers with complex income structures to flexible alternative-documentation lending programs. Rather than enduring lengthy approval processes and extensive paperwork requests, eligible applicants can receive funding decisions quickly and complete transactions securely using mobile notary services and online verification technologies.
"Many financially strong borrowers are overlooked by conventional underwriting methods," said Jeff Miller, founder and CEO of Truss Financial Group. "Today's lending environment requires a broader understanding of financial strength beyond traditional income documents. Our equity solutions are designed to accommodate the unique financial realities of entrepreneurs, transforming dormant home equity into a resource for business expansion."
This financing flexibility is particularly important for real estate investors and independent contractors who rely on structured capital to grow investment portfolios, finance property improvements, or support ongoing business expenses. By maintaining existing primary mortgage rates, self-employed borrowers can avoid substantial increases in borrowing costs while gaining access to immediate liquidity and preserving long-term financial stability.
TFG's lending performance is further supported by audited industry results. In the 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Originators rankings, Jeff Miller placed second nationally in total loan closings with 1,351 transactions and led the non-QM category with 569 loans totaling $325.9 million.
Homeowners interested in evaluating their borrowing options can determine their HELOC eligibility or speak with a TFG loan specialist through the Truss Financial Group contact portal. The company's secure proprietary platform instantly assesses home equity and credit qualifications, providing transparent preliminary information without initiating a hard credit inquiry on a consumer's credit report.
Although 43.3% of mortgaged homes in the United States are considered equity-rich, the report indicates that a significant portion of this wealth remains inaccessible. For the country's estimated 15 million self-employed individuals, conventional lending standards often create obstacles because legitimate tax deductions and business write-offs can significantly reduce reported taxable income. In addition, many homeowners with existing mortgage rates in the 3% to 4% range are hesitant to refinance through traditional cash-out options.
To bridge this gap, Truss Financial Group utilizes alternative documentation programs that assess eligible borrowers using 12 to 24 months of bank statements rather than relying exclusively on personal tax returns. Through its specialized digital HELOC platform, qualifying homeowners can access up to $750,000 in home equity while preserving the low interest rates on their primary mortgages.
By emphasizing verified gross business cash flow instead of net taxable income, the second-lien financing program enables qualified entrepreneurs to maintain business operations and growth strategies. TFG's automated platform begins with a soft credit inquiry to provide transparent financing options, pairing borrowers with complex income structures to flexible alternative-documentation lending programs. Rather than enduring lengthy approval processes and extensive paperwork requests, eligible applicants can receive funding decisions quickly and complete transactions securely using mobile notary services and online verification technologies.
"Many financially strong borrowers are overlooked by conventional underwriting methods," said Jeff Miller, founder and CEO of Truss Financial Group. "Today's lending environment requires a broader understanding of financial strength beyond traditional income documents. Our equity solutions are designed to accommodate the unique financial realities of entrepreneurs, transforming dormant home equity into a resource for business expansion."
This financing flexibility is particularly important for real estate investors and independent contractors who rely on structured capital to grow investment portfolios, finance property improvements, or support ongoing business expenses. By maintaining existing primary mortgage rates, self-employed borrowers can avoid substantial increases in borrowing costs while gaining access to immediate liquidity and preserving long-term financial stability.
TFG's lending performance is further supported by audited industry results. In the 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Originators rankings, Jeff Miller placed second nationally in total loan closings with 1,351 transactions and led the non-QM category with 569 loans totaling $325.9 million.
Homeowners interested in evaluating their borrowing options can determine their HELOC eligibility or speak with a TFG loan specialist through the Truss Financial Group contact portal. The company's secure proprietary platform instantly assesses home equity and credit qualifications, providing transparent preliminary information without initiating a hard credit inquiry on a consumer's credit report.
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