Self-employed & business owners
Your income doesn’t always fit in a W-2 box.
Business owners, 1099 earners, and entrepreneurs often have income that’s real but complicated to document. Let’s look at how your income may be reviewed — and which options may be worth exploring.
About a minute. No credit check. No obligation.
What Alexandro looks at
Potential ways income may be considered
Every lender and program has its own rules. These are the pieces that usually shape the conversation:
Business income
1099 income
Multiple income sources
Tax returns
Bank statements (where applicable)
Asset-based considerations (where applicable)
Alternative-documentation programs are not available from every lender, often have different requirements and pricing than traditional loans, and do not guarantee approval. Having bank statements, 1099s, or assets does not by itself mean you qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting and lender guidelines.
Why a broker helps here
Different lenders read the same income differently.
Your situation deserves to be reviewed before someone tells you that you don’t qualify. Because Alexandro works with multiple lenders, he can compare how different programs may treat your income — instead of fitting you into one lender’s box. Whether an option fits still depends on your details and lender guidelines.
Helpful to know going in
- How long you’ve been self-employed
- How your business is structured
- Which documents you have (returns, 1099s, statements, P&L)
- Your goal: buy, refinance, access equity, or invest
Loan programs, terms, availability, and eligibility vary by state, lender, property, and borrower profile. Not every program is available in every state. Licensing information.
FAQ
Self-employed mortgage questions
Straight answers in plain English. For anything specific to you, Alexandro can walk through it.
Why is getting a mortgage harder when I’m self-employed?
Traditional programs often calculate income from tax returns after business deductions — which can make qualifying income look lower than what you actually earn. Documentation can also be more complex when you have multiple income sources.
What is a bank-statement loan?
Some lenders offer programs that review 12–24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns to evaluate income. These are typically non-QM loans, and requirements and pricing often differ from traditional loans. Having bank statements does not by itself mean you qualify.
How long do I need to be self-employed?
It varies by program and lender. Many look for a history of self-employment, and some may consider related prior experience. Share your situation and Alexandro can tell you what’s worth exploring.
Should I talk to my CPA first?
It’s a great idea to involve your CPA, especially before filing returns in a year when you plan to buy or refinance. Alexandro can coordinate with them on what a lender may need to see.
Other ways Alexandro can help
- HELOC & home equityAccess equity while keeping your first mortgage.
- Cash-out & rate-and-term refinanceSee whether refinancing actually helps.
- Hard-money refinancePlan the exit from short-term investor debt.
- DSCR & rental property loansFinancing based on the property’s rental income.
- Purchase & preapprovalGet ready to make a strong offer.
Let’s review your situation.
Share your goal and timing — no documents needed yet. Alexandro will follow up to review how your income may be documented.