Self-employed?
You can qualify.
Being your own boss is something to be proud of — it shouldn’t hold you back from getting a mortgage. I specialize in lending for self-employed borrowers, and I’ll show you exactly what documentation you need and why.
Here’s why self-employed borrowers face extra scrutiny.
When you’re self-employed, traditional income verification looks different. Lenders need to see consistent income through tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and sometimes bank statements. Here’s the catch: many self-employed borrowers take legal deductions that reduce their taxable income — making them appear lower-earning on paper than they actually are.
That’s exactly where specialized loan programs come in. Bank statement loans, asset depletion loans, and non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) options use alternative documentation to show your true earning power.
Bank Statement Loans
Use 12 or 24 months of bank statements to verify income instead of tax returns. Lenders analyze your deposits to calculate qualifying income. Ideal for borrowers with strong cash flow but high deductions. This is often the best path when your tax returns don't reflect your true earning power.
Asset Depletion Loans
Qualify based on your liquid assets rather than income. Lenders calculate a monthly "income" from your asset base to determine borrowing power. Great for retirees or high-net-worth borrowers with significant savings.
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio)
For investment properties, qualify based on the property's rental income rather than your personal income. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage (typically 1.0x or more), you can qualify without showing personal tax returns or employment.
Conventional with Tax Returns
If your tax returns show sufficient income, conventional financing is available with competitive rates. I'll help you present your returns in the best light and identify the best deduction strategy.
Self-employed borrowers
always ask me.
Can I qualify with only one year of tax returns?
It depends on the program. Some conventional and FHA guidelines require 2 years of self-employment history, but certain exceptions exist — especially if you were previously employed in the same field. Some non-QM and bank statement loan programs may accept just 1 year of tax returns. I'll review your specific situation and match you with the right program.
What if my write-offs reduce my income?
This is the most common challenge. You might earn $200,000+, but after business deductions, your taxable income shows $80,000 on paper. Bank statement loans solve this by using 12–24 months of bank deposits to calculate your qualifying income instead of tax returns, giving a much more accurate picture of your actual earning power.
Can I buy investment property without showing income?
Yes — through a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan. These qualify you based on the property's projected rental income, not your personal income. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage, you can qualify without traditional income documentation.
How long does the self-employed loan process take?
Bank statement and non-QM loans can take slightly longer than conventional — typically 30–45 days. The key to a smooth process is having your documentation organized upfront. I provide a detailed checklist and video walkthrough of exactly what you need.
Being self-employed
doesn’t mean being denied.
I’ve helped hundreds of self-employed borrowers qualify for mortgages. Let me show you your options with a personalized video breakdown of what you need and which programs fit best.