Bank Statement Mortgage Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers
Use qualifying personal or business bank statement deposits to document income instead of relying only on traditional tax returns. Available options may include home purchases and refinances for eligible self-employed borrowers.
- Certain programs may use eligible deposits instead of traditional tax-return income
- Personal or business bank statements may be used, depending on the program
- Available for purchase and refinance scenarios, subject to qualification
- Reviewed by a licensed Watermark Home Loans loan officer
See which bank statement mortgage options may fit
Answer a few quick questions about your business income and loan goal. A licensed Watermark Home Loans loan officer reviews your answers personally.
Takes about 1–2 minutes. No obligation.
- A few simple questions — no documents, no application
- Your information is used only to review your options
- Reviewed by a licensed Watermark Home Loans loan officer
Bank Statement Home Loans, Explained Simply
A bank statement mortgage is designed for self-employed borrowers whose tax returns may not show the full cash flow of their business.
Income From Deposits
Certain programs may calculate qualifying income using eligible deposits shown on recent bank statements.
Built for Self-Employed Borrowers
Designed for business owners, contractors, freelancers, and other borrowers with nontraditional income documentation.
Purchase or Refinance
Bank statement programs may be available for purchases and refinances, depending on the borrower, property, and program.
The right documentation method depends on your scenario.
The best documentation method depends on your business structure, income, deposits, loan amount, property, credit profile, and the specific mortgage program. Program requirements vary and all options are subject to qualification.
Bank Statement Loans for Purchase or Refinance
Eligible self-employed borrowers may be able to use alternative income documentation for either goal.
Buying a home
Explore purchase mortgage options designed for eligible self-employed borrowers using alternative income documentation.
Refinancing
Explore refinance options if you want to change your existing mortgage, access equity, or evaluate a different loan structure, subject to qualification.
How Does a Bank Statement Mortgage Work?
Instead of relying solely on traditional tax returns, certain programs may calculate qualifying income using eligible deposits shown on personal or business bank statements.
Personal Bank Statements
Certain programs may calculate qualifying income using eligible deposits shown in personal bank accounts.
Business Bank Statements
Certain programs may use deposits into business accounts, with applicable expense factors or other program-specific calculations.
Program Requirements Vary
Documentation periods, expense factors, and eligibility differ by program, borrower, and property. All options are subject to qualification.
- 1
Provide bank statements
Eligible programs may review recent personal or business bank statements to identify qualifying deposits.
- 2
Calculate qualifying income
Business-related expenses and other program requirements may be considered when determining usable monthly income.
- 3
Review your mortgage options
A licensed loan officer reviews the scenario and available purchase or refinance options.
Takes about 1–2 minutes. No obligation.
Who Can Benefit From a Bank Statement Loan?
A mortgage using bank statements is primarily designed for borrowers with self-employed or nontraditional income. Eligibility depends on the specific program.
Business owners
Borrowers who own and operate a business and may have significant business deductions.
Independent contractors
Borrowers whose income may not be reflected accurately by traditional tax-return calculations.
1099 borrowers
Certain borrowers receiving 1099 income may have alternative mortgage documentation options.
Freelancers & consultants
Borrowers with variable or nontraditional income streams.
Real estate professionals
Agents, brokers, investors, and other commission-based or self-employed professionals.
Other self-employed borrowers
Borrowers whose tax returns may not fully reflect the cash flow available to support a mortgage payment.
How it works
A short questionnaire, then a real conversation with a licensed loan officer who works with self-employed borrowers.
- 1
Answer a few quick questions
Share your goal, how you earn income, and a few basics about the property.
- 2
We review your documentation options
Your loan officer looks at whether personal or business bank statements, 1099s, or other documentation may fit your scenario.
- 3
You review your options
You'll get a clear explanation of the loan structures that may be available, then you decide whether to move forward.
Reviewed by a licensed Watermark Home Loans loan officer who works with self-employed borrowers.
A licensed mortgage professional reviews how your business actually earns, explains which documentation paths may fit, and helps you compare available options — subject to program requirements and qualification.
Bank Statement Loan FAQs
Common questions about bank statement mortgage programs.
Certain bank statement programs may qualify eligible borrowers without using traditional personal tax returns as the primary income documentation. Requirements vary by program and borrower.
The required period varies by program. A loan officer can determine which documentation is appropriate after reviewing the borrower's scenario.
Yes, certain programs may use eligible deposits from business bank statements. Program-specific expense calculations and documentation requirements may apply.
Certain programs may allow qualifying income to be calculated from eligible personal bank statement deposits.
Bank statement mortgage programs may be available for home purchases for eligible borrowers.
Certain programs may be available for refinance transactions, subject to borrower, property, equity, credit, and program requirements.
Rates and pricing depend on the specific loan program, borrower qualifications, loan structure, market conditions, and other factors. A licensed loan officer can review what may be available for your scenario.
They are primarily designed for borrowers with self-employed or nontraditional income, but eligibility depends on the specific program.
See If You Qualify
Answer a few quick questions to see which self-employed mortgage options may fit your situation. No obligation.
Takes about 1–2 minutes. One question at a time.
Ready to get started?
If you already know you want to move forward, you can start the full mortgage application now.