For self-employed individuals and business owners, securing a mortgage can sometimes be challenging due to the nature of their income. Traditional mortgage lenders often require extensive documentation and proof of consistent income, which can be difficult for self-employed borrowers to provide.
However, there is a financing option tailored to the needs of self-employed individuals—the bank statement loan. In this article, we will explore bank statement loans, how they work, their benefits, and considerations for self-employed borrowers.
Understanding Bank Statement Loans
Bank statement loans, also known as self-employed mortgage loans or non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans, are designed to provide financing options for self-employed individuals who have non-traditional income documentation. Instead of relying on traditional income verification methods, such as tax returns or W-2 forms, bank statement loans utilize bank statements to assess the borrower’s income and determine their eligibility for a mortgage.
How Bank Statement Loans Work
Bank statement loans take into account the income shown in the borrower’s personal or business bank statements over a specific period, usually ranging from 12 to 24 months. Lenders will review the deposits made into the borrower’s accounts during this period and calculate an average monthly income based on those deposits.
This approach allows self-employed borrowers to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan without relying solely on traditional income documentation.
Benefits of Bank Statement Loans
Bank statement loans offer several benefits for self-employed borrowers:
Flexibility in Income Verification
Bank statement loans provide flexibility in income verification, allowing self-employed borrowers to qualify for a mortgage based on their bank statements. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with fluctuating income or those who have significant write-offs on their tax returns, which can negatively impact their traditional income documentation.
Expanded Borrowing Opportunities
Bank statement loan expand borrowing opportunities for self-employed borrowers who may not meet the strict income requirements of traditional mortgage loans. By considering bank statements as a source of income verification, lenders can assess the borrower’s true income capacity, potentially enabling them to qualify for a higher loan amount.
Faster Loan Approval Process
Since bank statement loans focus on bank statements rather than traditional income documentation, the loan approval process can be quicker and more streamlined. This can be advantageous for self-employed borrowers who need timely financing to seize investment opportunities or purchase a home.
Tailored Loan Programs
Bank statement loans often come with a range of loan programs and options to meet the specific needs of self-employed borrowers. These programs may include adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), fixed-rate mortgages, interest-only payments, and other customized features to suit the borrower’s financial goals and circumstances.
Considerations for Self-Employed Borrowers
Self-employed borrowers should keep the following considerations in mind when exploring bank statement loans:
Higher Interest Rates and Fees
Bank statement loans typically involve higher interest rates and fees compared to traditional mortgage loans. Lenders may charge higher rates to compensate for the increased risk associated with self-employed borrowers and the alternative income verification process.
Documentation Requirements
While bank statement loans provide flexibility in income verification, borrowers will still need to provide certain documentation, such as bank statements, to support their loan application. Lenders will also assess the borrower’s creditworthiness, employment history, and other factors to determine eligibility.
Limited Lender Availability
Not all mortgage lenders offer bank statement loans, so self-employed borrowers may need to research and identify lenders who specialize in this type of financing. Working with experienced mortgage professionals who understand the unique needs of self-employed borrowers can simplify the loan process and increase the chances of approval.
Higher Down Payment Requirements
Bank statement loans may require a higher down payment compared to traditional mortgage loans. Lenders may require self-employed borrowers to contribute a larger percentage of the property’s purchase price as a down payment to mitigate the increased risk.
Conclusion
Bank statement loans provide self-employed borrowers with a viable financing option to overcome the challenges associated with traditional income verification requirements. With flexible income verification based on bank statements, self-employed individuals can demonstrate their ability to repay a mortgage and access the home financing they need.
However, self-employed borrowers should carefully consider the higher interest rates and fees, documentation requirements, limited lender availability, and potential down payment obligations associated with bank statement loans.
Working with experienced mortgage professionals who specialize in serving self-employed borrowers can provide invaluable guidance and increase the likelihood of securing a bank statement loan that suits their unique financial needs and goals.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Denver Schulz. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on July 22, 2023.
Cover image by Credit Commerce from Pixabay