Real income doesn't always fit in a W-2.
Non-QM loans use alternative documentation — bank statements, rental cash flow, or assets — designed for self-employed borrowers, investors, and anyone whose finances don't fit the standard box.
What is a Non-QM loan?
A Non-Qualified Mortgage is a home loan that doesn't follow the standard underwriting rules required for sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Rather than relying solely on tax returns and W-2s, these programs can verify your ability to repay through bank statement deposits, property rental income, or liquid assets — serving self-employed professionals, business owners, real estate investors, high-net-worth borrowers, and those with unconventional income.
- Alternative documentation using bank statements, rental cash flow, or assets instead of standard paperwork
- Designed for self-employed professionals, business owners, investors, and unique income profiles
- Can finance primary residences, second homes, and investment properties depending on program
- Loan amounts may exceed conforming limits in certain programs
- Typically requires stronger credit, larger down payments, and cash reserves
Why borrowers choose Non-QM.
Flexible income verification
Qualify using 12 or 24 months of bank statements, rental income documentation, or asset-based methods rather than tax returns alone.
Built for the self-employed
Business deductions can understate your real income on tax filings. These programs look at a more complete financial picture.
Unique property flexibility
Options for investment properties, condos, and scenarios that traditional guidelines handle poorly.
Room to grow a portfolio
DSCR programs qualify the loan on the property's rental income rather than your personal income — so you can keep expanding.
Types of Non-QM loans.
Bank Statement Loan
Qualify using 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank deposits instead of tax returns.
DSCR Loan
For investors: qualification is based on whether the property's rental income covers the payment, not your personal income.
Asset-Based Loan
For borrowers with significant liquid assets, eligible holdings are converted into qualifying income.
ITIN Loan
A mortgage option for borrowers who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number rather than an SSN.
What it takes to qualify.
Credit score
Typically 680 or higher, with better pricing for scores of 740+. Requirements vary by program.
Down payment
Generally at least 10–20%; some programs require more depending on documentation type and property.
Cash reserves
Usually 6 to 12 months of projected mortgage payments, depending on program and scenario.
Documentation
Alternative paperwork — bank statements, leases, asset statements — must be complete and verifiable.
Loan-to-value
Lower LTVs typically receive better terms; higher LTVs may be possible with compensating factors.
Housing & employment history
Solid payment history and a stable work or business background support approval.
How to apply for a Non-QM loan.
Talk through your profile
Tell us about your income sources — business earnings, rentals, assets — and your goals. Soft credit inquiry only.
Match to a program
Your advisor selects the documentation approach that presents your finances most favorably.
Gather your documents
Bank statements, leases, or asset statements, uploaded once through our secure portal.
Specialized underwriting
A Non-QM-experienced team reviews your file with updates in your dashboard throughout.
Lock & close
Secure your rate, sign electronically, and close with your team coordinating the details.
Non-QM FAQs.
Who is eligible for a Non-QM loan?
Can self-employed borrowers get a Non-QM mortgage?
Can I buy an investment property with a Non-QM loan?
Can I refinance a Non-QM loan?
How much down payment does a Non-QM loan require?
Your income is real. Let's document it the right way.
No hard credit inquiry to explore your programs. Tell us your situation and we'll identify the options that fit.
Important rate & fee disclosures
Non-QM programs use alternative documentation to verify ability to repay and are subject to program-specific criteria that typically include down payments of 10–20% or more, credit scores of 680 or above, and 6–12 months of cash reserves. Requirements vary by program and scenario. Program availability, rates, APRs, and terms vary by credit profile, documentation type, loan-to-value, and property type and are not guaranteed. Not a commitment to lend.