SELF EMPLOYED MORTGAGE LOANS MADE EASY
Get approved for the home loan you deserve—without W2s or two years of employment history. We help business owners and 1099 earners qualify with just bank statements.
What is a Bank Statement Loan?
A self employed mortgage lets you qualify using your bank statements instead of W2s or tax returns. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or contractor, we offer flexible home loans built for entrepreneurs like you.
For many business owners with fluctuating income or multiple income streams, a mortgage for self employed borrowers is the only realistic way to buy a home. Traditional lenders often require two years of consistent W2 income, which disqualifies business owners and 1099 earners who are otherwise financially strong applicants. Home loans for self employed individuals solve this problem by focusing on cash flow and deposit history, not outdated paperwork.
Unlike conventional loans, self employed mortgage programs:
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Accept 1099 income, business deposits, and personal statements
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Don’t require W2s, pay stubs, or employment verification
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Work well for sole proprietors, LLC owners, and freelancers
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Can be used to buy any home, whether a primary residence, vacation home or investment property.
If you're tired of being penalized for tax write-offs or non-traditional income, a self employed mortgage may be your best path to homeownership.
Why Self Employed Borrowers Choose LendFriend
LendFriend Mortgage is one of the best mortgage lenders for self employed individuals, entrepreneurs, and 1099 earners who need flexible, hassle-free mortgage options.
Our intuitive self employed loan app process is fast and frictionless. With LendFriend, there’s no need for tax returns, pay stubs, or long employment histories. Instead, we make it easy to qualify based on your business or personal bank statements—something most self-employed buyers already have ready to go.
Traditional, one-size-fits-all loans rarely work for self-employed buyers. We know how frustrating it can be to hear “no” from big banks just because your income doesn’t fit into a W2 box. That’s why we built a better way. That’s why we offer a wide range of non-QM and asset-based mortgage programs, designed to let you qualify based on real-world income from bank statements, 1099s, or assets—not just tax returns.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a larger space, or investing in a second property, LendFriend gives you the tools, transparency, and support to succeed. From our self-employed mortgage calculators to our direct access to expert loan advisors, we’re committed to making homeownership easier for people like you.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Here’s How LendFriend Makes It Simple to Qualify for a Bank Statement Mortgage
With our trusted network of lenders, LendFriend Mortgage helps self-employed borrowers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners qualify for flexible home loans for self employed individuals—even if you don’t have W2s or traditional tax returns.
Whether you're a 1099 earner or running your own business, we make it simple to get preapproved with confidence using our easy loan app for self employed borrowers.
Step 1: Gather Your Bank Statements
Provide 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements. These statements help us calculate your average deposits and cash flow, reflecting your real earning power—not just your taxable income.
Step 2: Calculate Your Income
We analyze your monthly deposits—excluding transfers and irregular activity—to determine a consistent income figure that can be used for mortgage qualification. This step is essential for unlocking mortgage options for self employed borrowers.
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Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for the Right Loan
Once we calculate your qualifying income, we match you with the best-fit self employed mortgage program based on your goals. You’ll get pre-approved quickly and easily—without the red tape of tax returns, pay stubs, or employment verification.
Eric and Michael’s Mission: Simplifying Home Loans for Self-Employed Buyers and Entrepreneurs
When Eric and Michael founded LendFriend, they had one goal: to make it easier for self-employed people to buy homes—without jumping through hoops or getting denied over paperwork.
They had both experienced firsthand how frustrating the process was. Despite being financially qualified, they were told they couldn’t get approved for a mortgage because they didn’t have W2s or two years of “consistent” income. Like many freelancers, contractors, and business owners, they had great credit, solid revenue, and strong assets—but the system didn’t see them that way.
That experience inspired them to launch LendFriend: a lender built specifically for self-employed borrowers, 1099 earners, and entrepreneurs. Instead of forcing borrowers to fit into outdated underwriting guidelines, they focused on creating smarter, simpler home loans for self employed individuals—using just what matters: bank statements, cash flow, and deposit history.
Their mission is now baked into everything LendFriend does:
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Streamlining the application process through a dedicated loan app for self employed borrowers
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Offering flexible alternatives to W2 income—like 12- or 24-month bank statement mortgages
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Providing real guidance from experts who understand how business owners earn and grow
Today, LendFriend is proud to be considered one of the best mortgage lenders for self employed borrowers in the U.S., helping thousands of entrepreneurs qualify for home financing they were told wasn’t possible.
If you’ve been told “no” by a traditional lender—or you’re just looking for a process that respects your time—you’re exactly who LendFriend was built for.
Want to learn more about Self-Employed Loans?
Talk to Eric today!
FAQs: How Bank Statement Loans Work for Self-Employed Borrowers
What’s the difference between providing 12 months vs. 24 months of bank statements?
Both options can help you qualify for a bank statement mortgage, but providing 24 months of bank statements usually gives lenders more confidence in your income stability—often resulting in better mortgage rates and terms.
With just 12 months, qualification is still possible, but lenders may require a higher down payment, stronger credit, or charge slightly higher rates due to the shorter income history.
LendFriend is a top self employed mortgage broker because we're able to tell you which option gives you the best chance to qualify for a competitive self employed home loan.
Can I combine bank statement income with other income sources?
Yes! Most lenders will let you combine your bank statement income with other documented income such as rental property income, part-time W2 earnings, Social Security, or spousal income. This can help you qualify for a larger mortgage amount or meet specific underwriting requirements.
Will my business expenses on bank statements affect my qualifying income?
In most cases, lenders focus on your gross deposits, not your net income after expenses. That means your self employed mortgage qualification is based on cash flow—how much money is coming in—not necessarily how much you write off.
However, if your bank statements show inconsistent patterns or personal vs. business crossover, lenders may ask follow-up questions. We’ll help you present your finances clearly.
What happens if my bank statement income varies from month to month?
Fluctuating income is totally normal for self-employed borrowers. Lenders typically average your deposits over the past 12 to 24 months to calculate a consistent, qualifying income figure. That average is what determines how much home you can afford.
Can I qualify for a bank statement mortgage if I have multiple businesses or income streams?
Yes! Bank statement loans are ideal for borrowers with multiple income streams—whether you run several businesses, have 1099 income, side hustles, or freelance work. We’ll structure your application to reflect your full income picture, so you can qualify based on everything you earn.
WHY CHOOSE LENDFRIEND?
After exploring the best mortgages for self employed buyers, it’s clear that who you work with matters just as much as the loan itself. At LendFriend Mortgage, we’re more than just a lender—we’re your dedicated mortgage broker, focused on securing the best possible outcome for self-employed borrowers, freelancers, and 1099 professionals.
Around the Clock
We’re here 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you compare mortgage rates, get pre-approved, and move forward with confidence to buy or refinance your home on your timeline.
Specialized Non-QM & Bank Statement Loan Options
We specialize in non-QM loans, bank statement mortgages, and asset-based solutions designed for self-employed borrowers who earn differently. You don’t need W2s or tax returns—just consistent income shown through deposits.
Get Pre-Approved Quickly
Apply online to secure a pre-approval that strengthens your offer and moves you one step closer to your new home.
Flexible Documentation Requirements
We focus on real-world income—from bank statements, cash flow, and deposits—not traditional employment paperwork. Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and business owners.
Personalized Mortgage Guidance
Every borrower works 1-on-1 with Eric or Michael, each a dedicated self employed mortgage expert who understands self-employment income and helps you choose the right loan for your unique financial picture.
Close in 3 Weeks
Most LendFriend clients close their self employed mortgage in 21 days or less, even without W2s. Our process is built for speed—without sacrificing service.
5-Star Google Reviews From Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Borrowers
5/5 Star Reviews on Google, Zillow, and Experience.
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LendFriend is the only place to go for mortgage brokerage services. Their unparalleled technical knowledge, relationships with a wide array of lenders, and outstanding service make them the absolute best place to secure your next mortgage.
Robert Daake
Closed March 2025 -
I am so grateful for Micheal and his team. 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 .... They are truly amazing people to have on your team. Thank you Micheal, Morgan and Crystal.
Annie Momin
Closed September 2024 -
Can’t imagine going through the home buying process without the team at LendFriend. Their communication through every part of this was above and beyond. Always checking in to make sure that any document or info coming my way was understood (it’s a lot to take in as a FTHB). Also appreciate that Eric was also able to follow the market and get me a lower rate closer to close since we weren’t locked in at the start of our process. Overall you’ll have a great experience no matter who your point of contact is there. Highly recommend and will definitely be coming back to them for any future needs!
Nick Brito
Closed May 2024 -
I had a great experience working with Eric and his team @ LendFriend. As a CEO/business owner my personal finances can be complex. Eric was able to bring me a tailored solution that met my needs without making the process unnecessarily clunky or painful. I highly recommend Eric and his team if you’re looking for alternative solutions with great rates.
Andrew Didier
Closed August 2024 -
Eric and his team are great! They helped me get the best rate and were incredibly proactive on getting me the best deal as the market was changing. I will definitely work with him again and highly recommend anyone else that has questions about real estate to give him a call and he will do his best to understand and provide you the best outcome
Blake
Closed May 2024
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH OUR PROCESS.
Get ready for a loan experience unlike any you’ve ever had. A friendly, responsive representative will help guide you throughout the entire process; from application to funding to anything you’ll ever need beyond. A different way to mortgage by a different kind of mortgage company.
Step 1: Application
Complete our easy online application.
Step 2: Disclosure
Review and e-Sign our disclosure forms.
Step 3: Initial Documentation
Submit your documents.
Step 4: Conditional Approval
Receive your loan approval from underwriting.
Step 5: Loan Closing!
A notary comes to your house for closing.