Self-employed mortgages that count what you actually earn
Write-offs shrink the income on your tax return, and that is the number most banks use. We match business owners, contractors and 1099 earners across Southwest Florida with loans that qualify you on bank deposits, 1099s or a P&L instead.
Can you get a mortgage if you are self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers can qualify with two years of tax returns, or with a non-QM loan that uses 12 to 24 months of bank statements, 1099s or a CPA-prepared profit and loss statement instead. The right choice depends on how much your tax return understates your cash flow. Non-QM programs usually need a larger down payment and carry a higher rate than a conventional loan, so we price both side by side before you choose.
Talk it through with a licensed loan officer. No credit pull to ask questions. NMLS # 226100.
- Who it is for
- Business owners, LLC and S-corp owners, independent contractors, real estate agents, gig and commission earners
- Income documents
- Tax returns, or 12 to 24 months of bank statements, 1099s, or a CPA or tax preparer P&L
- Time self-employed
- Typically 2 years; some programs accept 1 year with prior experience in the same field
- Down payment
- Often 10% or more for bank statement loans; conventional full-doc can start lower
- Property types
- Primary homes, second homes and investment properties
- Tradeoff
- Non-QM rates are usually higher than conventional; we show you both
What to have ready before you call
You do not need all of this on day one. It is the short list that gets you an accurate answer fastest.
- Proof of self-employment. A business license, CPA letter or state filing showing how long you have been in business.
- Your income documents. 12 to 24 months of bank statements, your recent 1099s, or your last two tax returns.
- Assets for closing. Statements showing your down payment and reserves, from personal or business accounts.
- The property, if you have one. An address, price and whether it is a primary home, second home or rental.
Built for how Southwest Florida earns
A big share of Lee County runs on small businesses and seasonal income. Loan files here need someone who knows how to present it.
Seasonal deposits
Tourism, marine and hospitality income peaks in winter. A 24-month bank statement average smooths out the slow summer months.
Trades after storms
Roofers, contractors and remediation crews often have big post-hurricane years. We document the trend so a spike reads as income, not a one-off.
Agents and brokers
Real estate and insurance professionals paid on 1099s can often qualify on 1099s alone, without the write-offs on their returns.
From first call to closing, step by step
Talk it through
A 15-minute call about your business, how you are paid and what you want to buy or refinance.
Pick the income method
We compare bank statement, 1099, P&L and full-doc options to find the one that qualifies you best.
Apply securely
Upload statements and documents through our secure online application.
Close on schedule
We manage underwriting questions about your business so nothing stalls before closing.
Self‑employed mortgage questions, answered
Straight answers. If yours isn't here, call or send it through the form below.
How many years do I need to be self-employed to get a mortgage?
Most programs want two years of self-employment history. Some bank statement and P&L programs accept one year when you worked in the same field before going out on your own.
What is a bank statement loan?
A bank statement loan is a non-QM mortgage that calculates your income from 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank deposits instead of your tax returns. Business account deposits usually have an expense factor applied.
Can I get a mortgage with only 1099s?
Yes. 1099-only programs let independent contractors and commission earners qualify using one or two years of 1099 forms, without providing personal or business tax returns.
Are self-employed mortgage rates higher?
Bank statement, 1099 and P&L loans are non-QM loans, and their rates are usually higher than conventional loans. If your tax returns already show enough income, a conventional or FHA loan is often cheaper, so we price both.
How much down payment do I need as a self-employed borrower?
It depends on the program and your credit. Bank statement loans often start around 10% down for a primary home, while conventional full-doc loans can go lower. Investment properties usually need more.
Can I use business funds for my down payment?
Often, yes. Lenders usually want proof that you own the business account and that taking the money will not hurt the business, such as a CPA letter or a cash flow review.
Find out what your business income qualifies for
Tell us how you are paid and what you want to buy or refinance. We will come back with the programs that fit and what each one costs.
- Phone
- (239) 634-6685
- Serving
- Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Southwest Florida
- NMLS
- Company 2371310 · Loan Officer 226100
