Dear Itching,
Relax. No-scratch relief is available in these times of plentiful money. But first, here's a simple primer on mortgage lending requirements. The bank looks at three factors when considering your loan: your income, the size of your downpayment, and your credit history. If you are strong in two of the three you can generally get a loan, but good credit is by far the most important.

A great option for people like you, with high incomes but little cash, is a combination of two loans that make it possible for you to buy with zero down. Here's how it works: the lender arranges a traditional first mortgage at 80% loan-to-value and a 20% equity line simultaneously. This eliminates the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is required with down payments of 20% or less. With this program you'll need to have excellent credit. And plan to pay a somewhat higher interest rate on that second 

For anyone with the opposite problem-lots of cash, but an income too low to qualify for a given monthly payment-lenders now have available a "stated income" loan. By virtue of your substantial downpayment (20% or more) and your excellent credit it will accept your "stated" income without verification. Expect to pay about ½% above market rates for the privilege. Higher, yes, but it still looks like a giveaway to those of us who struggled for the requisite cash, income and credit during the tight money years-to get a 12% mortgage!