1. Tell us how you earn
Share your business history, income sources, property plans, and goals.
Financing for the way you work
Self-Employed Home Loans
You work for yourself.
Let’s find financing that fits.
Business owner, freelancer, or independent contractor? Your income may need a closer look. We’ll help you compare mortgage paths and understand how your documentation supports the financing.
Explore My Mortgage OptionsBegin with the right question
Self-employed describes your income.
It doesn’t choose your loan.
You may qualify for conventional financing using tax returns and business records. Being self-employed does not automatically mean you need a bank statement or Non-QM loan.
When traditional documentation doesn’t support the financing you’re seeking, alternative-documentation programs may be worth comparing. We’ll review the available paths, their requirements, and their costs with you.
Know your choices
Different records. Different financing paths.
| Path | How income may be reviewed | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Personal and applicable business tax returns, ownership, income trends, and business cash flow. | Qualifying income may include permitted adjustments. Gross revenue and taxable income alone don’t tell the whole story. |
| Bank statements | Eligible personal or business deposits over the lender’s required statement period. | Business expenses and ownership can affect the calculation. Transfers and other ineligible deposits may be excluded. |
| 1099 / P&L options | Eligible contractor income records or profit-and-loss documentation under specific lender programs. | Supporting records, business history, and expense adjustments vary. A document alone doesn’t establish approval. |
| Qualify with assets | Eligible financial assets under an applicable conventional or alternative program. | Asset type, liquidity, calculation rules, and required reserves matter. Business revenue is not the same as qualifying assets. |
Alternative documentation still involves underwriting. Compare the interest rate, fees, payment structure, down payment, and reserves alongside the income method. Availability and approval are not guaranteed.
Understand the income review
Your business brings in revenue.
What can the lender count?
The lender needs income that can reasonably support your personal mortgage payment.
Revenue is the starting point
Business expenses, ownership share, income trends, and access to earnings can affect the amount used to qualify.
Deductions need a closer look
Some eligible noncash or nonrecurring items may be adjusted in a tax-return analysis. Not every deduction can be added back.
Deposits need context, too
Bank statement programs evaluate eligible deposits and applicable expenses. Moving money between accounts doesn’t create new income.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Bring your business story.
We’ll explain the records.
Start with how long you’ve been in business, what you do, your ownership share, and whether income has changed. Tell us whether you’re buying or refinancing and your preferred payment range.
- Recent personal and applicable business tax returns, including schedules.
- Personal and business bank statements, with all pages.
- Current profit-and-loss information and a balance sheet when requested.
- 1099s, K-1s, or other records relevant to your income.
- Documentation of down-payment funds, reserves, and monthly debts.
Your broker will tailor the checklist to the loan path. Share financial documents only through the secure process your broker provides.
Protect your business cash flow
Using business funds?
Plan before moving money.
Business assets may be eligible for a down payment, closing costs, or reserves. The lender must verify ownership and access to the funds.
When you also use that business’s income to qualify, a conventional lender may need to confirm that the withdrawal won’t negatively affect the business. Additional statements, cash-flow information, or a balance sheet may be needed.
Find a broker to discuss your situation →Your next steps
A clearer financing plan starts here.
2. Compare the paths
We’ll review documentation needs and discuss conventional and alternative options that may fit.
3. Review the full cost
Consider payment, upfront costs, reserves, and loan terms before choosing your next step.
Get a clearer picture
Self-employed mortgage questions
Do I have to use a bank statement loan?
No. Eligible self-employed borrowers can qualify for conventional financing. We’ll review that path alongside alternatives when appropriate.
Do I always need two years of self-employment?
A two-year earnings history is common in conventional underwriting, but documented exceptions may apply for borrowers with a shorter history and relevant prior experience. Alternative programs have their own rules. Your broker will check the specific requirements.
Do tax deductions prevent me from qualifying?
Not automatically. Deductions can affect qualifying income, while some eligible noncash or nonrecurring items may be adjusted. The lender reviews the complete income analysis, business trends, and other qualifying factors.
Does every bank deposit count as income?
No. The lender reviews eligible deposits, transfers, business expenses, and ownership under its program rules. Total deposits are not automatically your qualifying income.
Can I use business money for the down payment?
Possibly. Ownership, access, and the source of funds must be documented. If you also use the business’s income to qualify, the lender may need to confirm the withdrawal will not negatively affect the business.
Are alternative-documentation loans easier or cheaper?
They use a different income-review method and still require underwriting. Costs and requirements vary by lender and borrower. Compare the rate, fees, payment, reserves, and loan terms with other available financing.
Sources and program information
Research checked October 9, 2026. Sources: Fannie Mae self-employed underwriting, Fannie Mae business income analysis, CFPB documentation guidance. Requirements, availability, and approval vary by lender, borrower, and property.
Your next step
Let’s put your income
in the right context.
Tell us how you work. We’ll help you explore your mortgage options.