At Newrez, we’re continually expanding access to homeownership by evolving how borrowers can qualify for a mortgage. We’re excited to introduce a new enhancement to several of our Smart Series loans: borrowers can now use eligible crypto holdings when verifying assets or calculating income— potentially without having to liquidate them.
This enhancement reflects our commitment to innovation and flexibility, helping borrowers leverage modern assets while pursuing their homeownership goals.
Understanding the Growing Role of Crypto
Over the past several years, crypto adoption has accelerated as more Americans incorporate these assets into their investment portfolios.1 Today, the global crypto market surpasses $3 trillion.2 Many of these investors could be well-positioned to make a home purchase.
Newrez believes in offering great financial solutions to our broad range of borrowers. As crypto becomes a more common part of household balance sheets, we want to enable those assets to support a borrower’s path to homeownership.
What This Means for Borrowers Who Own Crypto
Borrowers today can already use traditional assets like stocks and bonds in the mortgage approval process; historically, however, crypto holders often had to liquidate their assets to qualify, limiting flexibility and investment autonomy.
With this enhancement, Newrez is among the first major mortgage lenders to recognize crypto assets across several loan types for mortgage qualification, reinforcing our commitment to modern, borrower‑centric solutions.
What Is a Crypto‑Backed Mortgage—and Which Loans Allow Crypto?
Newrez now allows the use of eligible crypto assets for mortgage qualification on several of its Smart Series products, supporting both home purchases and refinances for primary residences and investment properties.
The Smart Series is one of the industry’s most comprehensive suites of non‑agency loans, designed for borrowers who fall outside the conventional mortgage model—often due to non‑traditional income sources.
Smart Series Loan Options:
- SmartSelf
Designed for self‑employed borrowers who prefer to qualify using bank statements, profit‑and‑loss statements or 1099s instead of a W‑2. - SmartEdge
Allows borrowers to qualify based on asset value rather than income—ideal for retirees, high‑net‑worth individuals or others with non‑traditional cash flow. - SmartVest
Built for real estate investors who may qualify based on a property’s cash flow.
Eligible Crypto Assets and How They’re Used in the Mortgage Process
At launch, Newrez will recognize Bitcoin® (BTC), Ethereum® (ETH), SEC‑approved spot ETFs backed by BTC or ETH and USD‑backed stablecoins.
Eligible crypto assets must be held with U.S.‑regulated crypto exchanges or retail fintech apps, SEC‑ or FINRA‑regulated brokerages, or nationally chartered banks under OCC oversight.
Borrowers using a SmartEdge, SmartVest or SmartSelf loan may apply eligible crypto holdings toward asset verification or income calculation during qualification, potentially without liquidating those assets. At closing, required funds must be provided in U.S. dollars—giving borrowers flexibility in deciding how to fund their transaction.
The Cutting Edge of Mortgage Innovation
As borrower needs continue to evolve, Newrez remains focused on delivering flexible, forward‑looking solutions. This latest enhancement may help self‑employed professionals, first‑time homebuyers and investors experience a smoother path to homeownership—without forcing trade‑offs between long‑term investment strategies and near‑term financing needs.
Have questions? Our loan experts are here to walk you through your options and help you determine the best solution for your goals.
Bitcoin® is a registered trademark of Bitcoin Global Mission Trust and Ethereum® is a registered trademark of Stiftung Ethereum.
References:
1 2026 Cryptocurrency Adoption and Sentiment Report | Security.org
2 Cryptocurrency Prices, Charts And Market Capitalizations | CoinMarketCap
