Being your own boss is great until you try to get a mortgage. Traditional lenders often don’t know what to do with self-employed folks who don’t have a steady paycheck or a W-2. That’s where Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans come in. They’re made for people with unique financial situations, like entrepreneurs, freelancers, and gig workers.
Let’s break down what Non-QM loans are, how they work, and why they might be a good fit for you. Non-QM loans are mortgages for people who don’t fit into the box of traditional lending requirements. Regular loans focus heavily on strict rules around debt-to-income (DTI) ratios, tax returns, and credit scores. Non-QM loans, on the other hand, are all about flexibility. They look at the bigger picture of your finances.
These loans are a lifesaver for freelancers, small business owners, and gig workers. If you rely on 1099s, bank statements, or business profits instead of pay stubs, recent financial hiccups or low credit scores might still work.
Here’s how these loans make it easier for self-employed people to get approved. Forget W-2s and long tax returns. Lenders might look at Bank statements (personal or business), Profit and loss (P&L) statements, assets as proof of your ability to pay. Traditional lenders can be strict about how much debt you have compared to your income. Non-QM lenders might be more flexible. A less-than-perfect credit score? That may be’s okay. If you’ve got other strong points, like a solid income, you’re still in the game.
Non-QM loans are like the “choose your own adventure” of mortgages. You can tailor the loan type (like interest-only or adjustable-rate) to fit your needs. Since these loans focus on alternative documentation, you may be able to skip the drawn-out approval process tied to traditional loans. Need a jumbo loan for that dream house or investment property? Non-QM loans often make that possible. Even if you’ve had credit challenges or inconsistent income, Non-QM lenders are more likely to say yes.
Non-QM loans are amazing, but they’re not perfect. Here are a couple of trade-offs since these loans are riskier for lenders, you might pay a bit more in interest. You may need to put more money down upfront. Not every lender offers Non-QM loans, so you might need to search a bit but we do.
If you think a Non-QM loan might be for you, here’s how to get started, work with a lender who understands self-employed finances or a Certified Liability Advisor. Be prepared to share alternative proof of income, like bank statements or a P&L. Make sure the loan terms match your financial goals and cash flow.
Non-QM loans make homeownership possible for self-employed individuals and anyone for some with a unique financial story. These loans focus on what you can do, not where you don’t fit in. If you’ve been struggling to get a traditional mortgage, it might be time to explore a Non-QM loan.
A Non-QM loan may be your key to making it happen. Ready to see if you can unlock your dream home? Let’s get started! Call 858-526-3037 or email carl.spiteri@benchmark.us.
Have Questions, Reach out to me for more information.
Call me at (858) 526-3037
Carl Spiteri Branch Manager – Mortgage Advisor
NMLS ID 286890
(858) 526-3037
Benchmark Mortgage
Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143
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