Your Bank Statements
Are Your Pay Stubs
Built for the self-employed: qualify for a home loan on 12–24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns. If your business is healthy but your tax return says otherwise, this is the program written for you.
What Is a Bank Statement Loan?
It’s a mortgage where your income is calculated from your actual bank deposits — typically 12 or 24 months of statements — instead of your tax returns. The underwriter reviews the deposits, applies an expense factor appropriate to your business, and that becomes your qualifying income.
Why it exists: good accountants minimize taxable income. That’s smart on April 15 and painful at the mortgage desk, where a conforming loan qualifies you on the net number after write-offs. A bank statement loan resolves that conflict — you keep the deductions and still qualify on what the business actually brings in.
Who uses it: business owners, contractors, realtors, truckers, medical and legal practices, salon and shop owners, gig and 1099 earners — anyone whose real cash flow outruns their taxable income.
Three Steps, No Tax Returns
1. Send Statements
12 or 24 months of personal or business bank statements — every page. That’s the core of the file.
2. We Calculate Income
Deposits are totaled, an expense factor is applied for business accounts, and the result is your qualifying monthly income — before you’re ever committed.
3. Underwrite & Close
From there it’s a normal loan: credit, assets, appraisal, closing. The only thing different was how income was proven.
Common Misconceptions
Self-employed buyers can’t get a mortgage without two years of strong tax returns.
For a conforming loan, returns matter. Bank statement programs exist precisely because healthy businesses often show low taxable income — your deposits qualify you instead.
These loans are for people hiding something.
Everything is verified — the statements, the business, the credit, the assets. It’s a different measurement of income, not a lower bar.
I just started my business, so I have to wait two more years.
Most programs want about two years of self-employment, but there are exceptions — especially with prior experience in the same field. Ask before you assume.
Bank Statement Loan Questions, Answered
Either can work. Business statements get an expense factor applied; personal statements showing business deposits are often simpler. We'll look at both and use whichever qualifies you higher.
Programs vary, and stronger scores unlock better terms and lower down payments. Tell us where you are and we'll match the program to it rather than quoting one number.
Typically more than a conforming minimum — the exact figure depends on your credit, the program, and the property. We'll give you the real number for your scenario up front.
Usually somewhat, reflecting the alternative documentation. Many owners still come out ahead versus not buying — and refinancing into conventional later, once your returns support it, is a common play we'll plan with you.
Yes — bank statement programs cover purchases, refinances, and investment properties. For rentals, also ask about DSCR loans, which qualify on the property's rent instead.
This page is general educational information and is not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Non-QM programs have different rates, terms, down payment, and reserve requirements than conforming loans, guidelines vary by program and are subject to change, and not all applicants will qualify. All loans subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property qualification. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Run Your Deposits, Not Your Returns
Send us 12 months of statements and we'll tell you what income you qualify with — free, and before you commit to anything.
