Many borrowers whose incomes come from commissions or from being self-employed have a more difficult time qualifying for a traditional home loan. Many self-employed feel they are treated as if they wear a scarlet letter when it comes to applying for a loan. Now when applying for a loan on a primary residence, a second home or an investment property, self-employed borrowers or those who write off 2106 unreimbursed expenses will benefit from the Bank Statement Loans for the Self-Employed.
As its name would suggest, to get bank statement loans for the self-employed, you need to provide evidence of solvency, specifically in the form of bank statements from the past 12 – 24 months. These can serve as the means for a down payment. The lender makes a loan based on the terms of the Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule. If a lender makes Qualified Mortgage loan, it means the lender met certain requirements, and you assume that the lender followed the ability-to-repay rule.
In the case of Bank Statement Loans for the Self-Employed, there are
- no tax returns required
- Loans up to $2 million
- Credit scores down to 660
- Rates starting in the 5’s
- Up to 90% LTV
- DTI up to 50% considered
- 7/1 ARM or 30-year fixed
- Bank statement deposits used to qualify
- 3 years seasoning for foreclosure, short sale, BK, DIL
- Owner-occupied, 2nd homes, and investment props
- Non-warrantable condos considered
- Interest Only program available
- No pre-pay penalty for owner-occupied and 2nd homes
- SFRs, townhomes, condos, 2-4 units
- Seller concessions to 6% (2% for investment)
Why are tax Returns not required? Because they don’t reflect true income.
Self-employed people can take advantage of a slew of tax deductions related to their businesses, from retirement plans to business meals and entertainment to interest on business loans or business credit card interest. It reduces their taxable income, so Uncle Sam doesn’t empty their pockets at tax time. And that remains the main reason the self-employed find it difficult to qualify for traditional mortgages,
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for this program, the borrower must be self-employed or earn over 25% of their income from self-employment, rental income, commission, bonus, or tip sources. Self-employed borrowers are:
- Borrowers who derive 25% or more of their primary income from a business in which they hold a controlling interest
- A borrower who derives their primary income from commissions, consultation fees, interest, capital gains, gratuities, or real estate rents
- Borrowers who rely on investments for income such as interest, dividends, capital gains, or real estate
What if one borrower is not eligible?
If one of the borrowers meets this eligibility requirement and the other does not, the borrower that is not eligible must fully document their income. The net deposits used from the bank statements for the self-employed borrower must not reflect the income that is fully documented for the other applicant (i.e., deduct Social Security payments, W-2 wages, etc.).
What banks or mortgage brokers make Bank Statement Loans for the Self-Employed?
You can search the internet. Many lenders I found are seeking borrowers for equipment or borrowers /seeking payday loans. It is hard to find actual businesses specializing in Bank Statement Loans for the Self-Employed for mortgages. I would suggest talking with your real estate agent. In addition, the programs offered vary from the lowest FICO credit acceptable and the amount of loans available.
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