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.

On September 17, the Federal Reserve announced its first interest rate reduction of the year, lowering rates by a quarter point. To better understand how this change could affect both homeowners and potential buyers, we spoke with John Hummel, head of retail home lending at U.S. Bank.

How does this affect homeowners?
Over the past several years, rising property values have pushed home equity to record highs, and many homeowners have been tapping into that equity to cover major costs—such as renovations, tuition, or debt consolidation.

With the Fed’s rate cut bringing down the prime rate, borrowers who use home equity products may notice slightly more favorable borrowing conditions. For instance, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to access funds as needed at a variable rate, and existing or new borrowers could see their rates dip a little on new draws. On the other hand, those applying for a home equity loan—typically a lump-sum loan with a fixed rate—might also benefit from modestly lower interest rates.

What about buyers? Will mortgages get cheaper?
Interestingly, mortgage rates don’t directly follow the Fed’s prime rate. Instead, they are more closely tied to bond markets and the 10-year Treasury yield. Because investors often anticipate rate cuts, mortgage rates sometimes reflect those expectations in advance. As a result, when the Fed announces a cut, mortgage rates don’t always move immediately.

That said, earlier this month mortgage applications hit their highest level of the year. Even before the latest Fed move, some mortgage rates had already begun to ease, creating opportunities both for buyers actively making offers and for homeowners considering refinancing—particularly those with larger loans, where even a small dip in rates can make a noticeable difference.

Advice for buyers
If you’re preparing to purchase a home in the near future, the best first step is to connect with a knowledgeable mortgage loan officer. They can walk you through affordability, estimated monthly payments (including taxes and insurance), and special financing opportunities such as down payment assistance.

Across the U.S., there are nearly 2,500 down payment assistance programs available through state and local agencies, as well as certain lenders. For example, U.S. Bank offers specific programs in more than 30 states and several local markets.

Advice for homeowners
Now may be an opportune time to evaluate home equity options for upcoming financial needs. Consulting with a mortgage specialist can clarify how much you might be able to borrow against your equity.

For those nearing retirement, applying for a HELOC before leaving the workforce can be especially beneficial. Since approval factors in current income, applying while still employed may strengthen your application. At U.S. Bank, there’s no fee to apply, making it a potentially strategic step to take ahead of retirement.