Self-employed mortgage FAQ

Yes. Self-employed borrowers can qualify with traditional tax-return loans, or with non-QM programs that use bank statements, 1099s, a CPA-prepared P&L, liquid assets, or a rental's cash flow. We compare both paths on your file.

Most banks qualify you on the taxable income after write-offs on your tax return. Smart tax planning can make a healthy business look like a low income on paper. Non-QM programs fix that by looking at deposits, 1099s, or a P&L instead.

About two years is typical. Some lenders consider less, especially if you stayed in the same line of work you did as an employee.

Many non-QM programs start around 620, and some ask for more. Pricing usually improves as your score rises. Every lender sets its own rules, which is why we shop 150+ of them.

Yes. Bank statement, 1099, and P&L programs often allow primary homes, second homes, and investment properties. DSCR loans are built specifically for rentals.

Not for income on bank statement, 1099, P&L, asset-based, or DSCR programs. Those use other documents to calculate income. Some lenders may still ask you to sign a standard IRS form or show proof of self-employment.

No. Our prequalification form doesn't pull your credit. A full application later requires a credit report, and we'll tell you before that happens.

It depends on the program: bank statements, 1099s, a CPA-prepared P&L, asset statements, or a lease. After your prequal, your loan officer sends a checklist built for your file.

Most of it. You can prequalify online, upload documents from your phone, and e-sign disclosures. Closing details depend on your state and title company.

Non-QM loans are priced differently than conventional loans, and pricing depends on your credit, down payment, reserves, and the property. We don't quote rates on this site. We compare real offers on your actual file.

A bank can only offer its own programs. Matador Lending is an independent mortgage broker with access to 150+ wholesale lenders, including non-QM specialists. We shop your scenario and tell you plainly which option fits.

Small Business Mortgages is a marketing brand of Matador Lending, NMLS #2072896, an independent mortgage broker based in Houston, Texas. Every loan is originated by Matador Lending's licensed loan officers.

Yes, through Matador Funding, Matador's business-purpose lending arm. Small Business Mortgages focuses on home loans: primary homes, second homes, and residential investment properties. For an office, warehouse, retail space, your own business's building, or a fix and flip, use our commercial loan inquiry form and we'll send your request to Matador Funding, or visit matadorfunding.com.

Then that's what we'll recommend. If your tax returns already support the loan you want, a conventional or government loan may price better, and we'll show you the comparison.