Non-QM and Jumbo Loans for Chicago’s Most Desirable Properties
Buying a luxury home in North Shore communities like Highland Park, and Northbrook requires a mortgage strategy as sophisticated as the properties themselves. As a local mortgage broker, we deliver exactly that. We specialize in Jumbo Loans in Chicago and flexible Non-QM programs, providing custom financing solutions for borrowers.
Jumbo & Non-QM Loan Options Built for Chicago’s Top Neighborhoods
Financing a high-value home in Chicago and the North Shore requires a loan designed for premium properties. Our jumbo mortgage options give you the borrowing power, flexibility, and speed you need to compete in top neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, River North, Gold Coast, Bucktown, and Highland Park. Here’s what you can expect from our Jumbo Loans:
- Higher Loan Amounts: Finance Chicago’s premium condos, single-family homes, and luxury estates without restrictive conforming limits.
- More Than Just 30-Year Fixed: We offer ARM options like 7/1 and 10/1, perfect for buyers planning to sell, refinance, or relocate within a few years.
- Competitive Jumbo Rates: Strong borrowers access pricing comparable to, or better than, traditional mortgage rates.
- Fast Pre-Approvals: Receive a strong, seller-ready approval quickly to compete in the Chicago and North Shore markets.
- Personalized Complex Income: Ideal for self-employed buyers, executives, retirees, and high-net-worth borrowers with layered financial profiles.
Loan Programs To Suit Every Borrower's Needs!
With access to hundreds of investors, we offer solutions for jumbo loans in Illinois and all non-traditional situations, self-employed, 1099 income, crypto or stock-heavy income, investors, or complex balance sheets. Banks say no. We say yes.
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Asset Depletion Mortgage for HNW Individuals
Turn your assets into qualifying income to purchase high-value homes without relying on traditional salary documentation.
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Self Employed Mortgages For Entrepreneurs and 1099 earners
Flexible underwriting for business owners and freelancers, making it easier to secure a mortgage without standard W2s or tax returns.
Crypto-Backed Mortgages for Bitcoin and Ethereum Investors
Use cryptocurrency holdings as collateral to buy a home while keeping your digital assets intact.
RSU Mortgages For Tech Employees
Use vested stock grants and restricted units to recognize income and secure faster home financing.
Buy Before You Sell
Purchase your next home before selling your current property to simplify timing and reduce stress in competitive markets.
How We Get You Approved for a Jumbo Loan
Banks want standard W2s and simple pay stubs, but most executives, entrepreneurs, doctors, and investors don’t have that. We do. Here’s how we get your jumbo loan approved in North Shore markets like Highland Park, Winnetka, and Glencoe.
Self-Employed or 1099 → Use 12-24 months of bank statements instead of W2s
Bonus, RSU, or Stock Income → Structured to maximize qualifying potential
High DTI or Layered Finances → Up to 50% DTI accepted
Recent Credit Event → Programs available for borrowers with recent credit history
Investments as Reserves→ Used to strengthen your application
Start Your Jumbo Loan Application Now
Take the first step toward your North Shore home. Whether you’re looking at a Highland Park estate or a Northbrook residence, our team will match you with a competitive jumbo or Non-QM loan strategy, featuring options like 10% down payments and investor-friendly terms.
Your path to closing starts here:
Apply Online in Minutes - Get a preliminary review and rate assessment instantly.
Same Day Consultations - We’ll discuss your personalized loan options.
Move Forward with Certainty - Receive a clear closing timeline; many local clients close in 30 days or less.
Why Choose LendFriend for Your Jumbo Loan in Chicago
We live and breathe jumbo and non-QM loans, we pride ourselves on closing deals that the big banks reject. From Gold Coast condos to Winnetka lakefront estates, we deliver same-day pre-approvals that win offers, zero lender fees on most files, and one dedicated loan officer from application to funding.
Self-employed, RSU-heavy tech execs, doctors, investors, crypto holders, and buyers with recent credit events, we approve and close them every week with lower rates and faster timelines than retail banks. You get wholesale pricing, flexibility, and zero runaround.
Around the Clock
Our team is available 7 days a week to answer questions, review options, and guide you through the jumbo loan process from application to closing.
Flexible Loan Programs
Choose from fixed-rate, adjustable-rate (7/1, 10/1), non-QM, bank statement, or asset depletion programs personalized to complex incomes or self-employed borrowers.
Get Pre-Approved Quickly
Our jumbo preapproval process strengthens your offer and gives sellers confidence in your ability to close on higher-priced properties. You can apply for a jumbo loan online in minutes, making it faster and easier to get started.
Top Rates Without Hidden Fees
We shop multiple lenders to secure the best jumbo rates for your profile, with no unnecessary points, hidden fees, or last-minute changes.
Dedicated, Personalized Guidance
Your jumbo mortgage specialist understands Chicago’s luxury market, structures applications for approval, and guides you through underwriting from start to finish.
Access to High-Value Properties
Finance luxury homes, condos, and estates that exceed the Illinois jumbo loan limit. We help buyers understand higher loan amounts without worry and flexibility.
What Our Jumbo and Self Employed Borrowers Say About LendFriend
5/5 Star Reviews on Google, Zillow, and Experience.
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LendFriend has been an outstanding lending partner, reliable, transparent, and incredibly easy to work with. Their team made the entire process smooth from start to finish, always available to answer questions and guide us through each step. I highly recommend LendFriend to anyone looking for a trustworthy and efficient lender.
Trung Nguyen
Closed July 2025 -
Wow my husband and I were truly impressed with how easy the LendFriend team made our home buying experience. Eric and his team took extra care in explaining and outlining each step -- a real customer first experience. On top of that, each member of the team was incredibly knowledgeable, organized, and responsive; resulting in an expeditious close! The website promise of working around the clock to support you is 100% factual, we had staff answering questions late night and weekends. The entire team was a real pleasure to work with, so if you are looking for a mortgage broker look no further, LendFriend is the team for you! They will give you peace of mind, get you the best rates, and make you feel confident when buying your home :)
Sarah Carr
Closed May 2025 -
I had been looking for a house for 2-3 years and while it was a journey as a business owner with a difficult financial situation this company did what 6 others could not. They got me a jumbo loan based off my business income and when I needed more they just made it happen twice. This process of funding can be extremely difficult and basically a blow to the ego but Eric and his team are literally magicians and my fiancee and I are now closed on out dream house. I recommend them whole heartedly
Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD
Closed April 2025 -
LendFriend made my homebuying experience so easy. As a business owner, I heard horror stories about how hard it can be for guys like me to get a mortgage. Thankfully I found LendFriend. Eric and the team had me approved in no time. My rate was great and they closed on time. Couldn’t ask for more
David Marino
Closed August 2025 -
I am so grateful for Micheal and his team at LendFriend. As a first time homebuyer with multiple businesses, I was very nervous about the loan process. Anyone who’s self employed knows loan processes for us are more extensive but LendFriend made it an ease. From getting a great rate to closing, they made clear communication and were extremely helpful in making sure I had everything I needed to ensure we got the final approval well in advance of closing date. They are truly amazing people to have on your team. Thank you Micheal, Morgan and Crystal for your encouraging words and optimism throughout this process.
Annie Momin
Closed September 2024
FAQs – Getting a Jumbo Loan In Illinois
What loan amount qualifies as a jumbo loan in Cook County?
In Cook County, the 2025 conforming loan limit for a one-unit property is $806,500. Any mortgage above this amount is considered a jumbo loan.
Because home prices in communities like Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, and Northbrook often exceed this threshold, jumbo mortgages are the standard financing option for many North Shore buyers.
How much can I borrow with a jumbo loan?
With strong qualifications, jumbo loans in Cook County can reach well into the multi-million range. Approval depends on factors like credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and reserves. Higher credit and more reserves unlock lower jumbo rates and better terms.
Do jumbo loans require perfect credit?
No. While a 750+ score helps secure the best jumbo pricing, borrowers with slightly lower scores can still qualify if they show compensating strengths, such as a larger down payment or significant liquid assets.
Can I get a jumbo loan if I’m self-employed or have complex income?
Yes. We offer non-QM jumbo programs like bank-statement mortgages and asset-depletion loans. These allow entrepreneurs, consultants, high net worth individuals and retirees who want to live along Chicago's North Shore qualify without relying on W-2s or traditional tax returns.
What property types are eligible for jumbo financing?
Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, second homes, and 2–4 unit investment properties. In the North Shore, that might mean a historic estate in Winnetka, a modern lakefront home in Highland Park, or a luxury new construction in Glencoe. We match you with jumbo lenders that offer the best fit for your property type.
How do jumbo loan interest rates compare to conventional rates?
In Cook County, 30-year jumbo mortgage rates are often very competitive with conventional loan rates—and in some cases, even lower. Many North Shore borrowers choose jumbo ARM rates like a 7/1 or 10/1 if they expect to refinance, sell, or relocate within a few years. We compare current jumbo mortgage rates across lenders to ensure you secure the best structure for your situation.
Can I refinance a jumbo loan?
30-year jumbo mortgage rates are often very competitive with conventional loan rates—and in some cases, even lower. Many North Shore borrowers choose jumbo ARM rates like a 7/1 or 10/1 if they expect to refinance, sell, or relocate within a few years. We compare current jumbo mortgage rates across lenders to ensure you secure the best structure for your situation.
Do jumbo loans require 10% down?
Many jumbo programs start at 10% down for strong borrowers, but requirements vary by lender, loan size, property type, and borrower profile. In competitive high-cost markets like Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka and Northbrook, most lenders will require 20% down, especially on luxury condos, second homes, or investment properties. At LendFriend, we recommend using a 20% down payment if you want access to the best jumbo loan rates.