Being your own boss shouldn’t keep you from owning your dream home. Self-employment loans are specifically designed for business owners, freelancers, contractors, and gig workers whose income may not fit the traditional mold. These loans offer alternative ways to verify income, helping you qualify based on your real earning potential—not just a W-2.
Traditional mortgage guidelines often don’t account for the unique way self-employed borrowers earn and report income. That’s why self-employment loans are structured to look at the full picture—business revenue, tax strategies, and overall financial health.
Instead of penalizing you for write-offs or variable income, lenders analyze bank deposits, profit trends, or 1099 forms to better assess your ability to repay the loan. It’s a flexible, realistic approach to home financing for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
One of the biggest advantages of self-employment loans is the flexible documentation requirements. Rather than relying solely on tax returns, you can use other qualifying documents like bank statements, profit and loss statements, or even CPA letters to prove income.
This opens the door for many self-employed buyers who may not show their full income on paper due to tax deductions. With the right documentation and guidance, homeownership is absolutely within reach—even if your income isn’t traditional.
Bank statement loans are a popular option for self-employed borrowers who may not qualify through conventional means. These loans allow you to use 12–24 months of business or personal bank statements to demonstrate income, instead of W-2s or tax returns.
If your deposits reflect consistent earnings, this can be a strong alternative for qualifying—especially if your tax returns don’t tell the full story. Bank statement loans help bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and accessible mortgage financing.
Not always. Many lenders offer alternatives such as bank statement loans, profit and loss statements, or CPA-prepared income letters to verify your income without traditional tax documents.
Most lenders require at least two years of self-employment history, although some may accept just one year with a strong track record and additional compensating factors.
Interest rates for self-employment loans can be slightly higher than traditional loans due to the non-standard documentation, but competitive options are available—especially if you have strong credit and solid income.