Non-QM Loans for Self-Employed | Treasure Coast

Edgar DeJesus • July 8, 2025

Struggling to get approved? Learn how Non-QM loans help self-employed borrowers with unique income or credit challenges.

Non-QM Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers: A Smarter Solution

Being self-employed is a dream for many—flexibility, freedom, and control over your income. But when it comes to buying a home, that freedom can become a frustrating roadblock. If you're self-employed, freelance, or a business owner, chances are you've experienced the dreaded runaround from traditional lenders. Endless paperwork, unexplained denials, and credit score scrutiny can leave you feeling like a second-class borrower—even if you're financially stable.


Credit blemishes, fluctuating income, or non-traditional documentation shouldn’t keep you from homeownership. That’s where Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans come in. Designed for those who don’t fit the strict boxes of traditional lending, Non-QM loans offer a real solution to real-world borrowers. At Treasure Coast Home Loans, we specialize in helping clients like you find the right fit.


Why Non-QM Loans Are Ideal for Self-Employed Borrowers

You’re Not Broken—The System Is

Traditional mortgage underwriting was built around W2 employees with steady paychecks and predictable tax returns. If you're self-employed, your income may be strong—but not straightforward. Write-offs, multiple revenue streams, and business deductions make your financials look complicated on paper. To many lenders, that’s a red flag.


But here’s the truth: your income is legitimate—it just doesn’t fit into traditional guidelines.


Non-QM loans exist to serve borrowers with:

  • Self-employment or freelance income
  • Bank statements instead of pay stubs
  • High assets but inconsistent monthly income
  • Credit scores below the standard threshold
  • Recent credit events like bankruptcy or foreclosure
  • Unique properties or investment strategies

Why Some People Don’t Understand Non-QM Loans

There's a lot of misinformation out there. Some borrowers are hesitant to explore Non-QM options because:

  • They think it’s "subprime" (it’s not)
  • They fear higher interest rates
  • Their previous lender didn’t offer it
  • They didn’t know it was available

In reality, Non-QM loans are simply different—not worse. They’re designed to reflect the realities of today’s diverse borrowers. Interest rates can be competitive, and the terms are flexible, depending on your unique profile.


At Treasure Coast Home Loans, we love the loans other lenders walk away from. Because we know your story matters more than your score.


How Non-QM Loans Work: A Breakdown

Flexible Documentation Options

Instead of asking for two years of tax returns and W2s, Non-QM lenders can work with:

  • 12-24 months of personal or business bank statements
  • Profit & Loss statements verified by a CPA
  • Asset-based qualifying (using savings or investments as income)
  • Rental income analysis for investors
  • Foreign national documentation

More Than Just the Credit Score

Unlike traditional mortgages that might require a 680+ credit score, many Non-QM lenders consider applications with scores as low as 600—or even lower with compensating factors like strong assets, large down payments, or stable income.


Designed Around Real Life

You’re more than a number. Non-QM underwriting takes a common-sense approach. Got a 620 score but $300K in savings? No problem. A recent bankruptcy but strong current income? Let’s talk. Just paid off business debt that hit your DTI last year? We understand.


Types of Non-QM Loan Programs

  • Bank Statement Loans: Qualify based on your deposits—not tax returns.
  • Asset Depletion Loans: Use your liquid assets as income.
  • DSCR Loans: For real estate investors using rental income.
  • Interest-Only Loans: Lower payments, flexible cash flow.
  • Foreign National Loans: For international buyers with no U.S. credit.

What You Need Before Contacting Treasure Coast Home Loans

Ready to explore your options? Here’s what to gather to streamline the process:


1. Your Income Picture

Even without tax returns, we’ll want:

  • 12–24 months of bank statements (business or personal)
  • Any P&L statements (if you have them)
  • Details of recurring deposits and average balances

2. Asset Documentation

If you’re qualifying based on assets, bring:

  • Investment account statements
  • Savings and checking balances
  • Retirement account statements

3. Credit Report

We can help pull this for you, but if you already know your score or have a recent copy, bring it along. Non-QM doesn’t require perfection, but knowing your credit profile helps tailor the best options.


4. Property Goals

Let us know what kind of property you're looking to buy or refinance:

  • Primary home, second home, or investment
  • Single-family, multi-unit, or condo
  • Purchase price or estimated loan amount

5. A Quick Conversation

Sometimes all it takes is a short 15-minute chat to get clear on what direction makes the most sense. We're not pushy—we're professionals.


We Love Non-Traditional Loans. Let’s Get You Home.

At Treasure Coast Home Loans, we’re Non-QM experts—not just another lender. We don’t shy away from unique situations. In fact, we thrive on them. Our team specializes in matching borrowers with the right alternative financing—even if you've been told "no" elsewhere.


Whether you’re a business owner with fluctuating income, an investor looking for cash-flow financing, or someone with past credit hiccups—you deserve a lender who listens.


  • We understand self-employed borrowers
  • We have dozens of Non-QM programs
  • We work fast and get things done

Give us a call today. Let’s get creative and get you home.

Start Your Mortgage Application with Treasure Coast Home Loans

Your Local Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Broker Port St. Lucie, Florida

Learn More About the Mortgage Process.


Check Out Our Google Verified Reviews

By Edgar DeJesus June 24, 2025
Are you looking to buy a home but struggling to meet strict mortgage qualifications?
By Edgar DeJesus June 23, 2025
Are you ready to take the exciting leap into homeownership, but worried about that daunting down payment? You're not alone!
By Edgar DeJesus September 9, 2024
Will Fed rate cuts stop the housing market roller coaster?
By Edgar DeJesus March 28, 2023
Are you in the market for a new home? If so, it's essential to understand the role of appraisals in the buying process. Appraisals are an important part of the homebuying process that assesses the value of a property. They provide an objective opinion of the property's market value, and lenders use them to determine how much money they are willing to lend. In short, appraisals protect buyers and lenders from overpaying for a property. A low appraisal can have a significant impact on your ability to purchase a property, potentially causing you to lose the deal altogether. For example, if you are pre-approved for a loan based on a certain purchase price, but the appraisal comes in lower, your lender may only be willing to lend you the appraised value, leaving you to make up the difference. In this article, we'll explore what you can do if you receive a low appraisal. Losing a Property Due to Low Appraisal A low appraisal can be devastating for homebuyers. In some cases, it may even result in losing the property altogether. However, it's essential to remember that there are steps you can take to contest the appraisal and potentially salvage the deal. One of the first things you should do if you receive a low appraisal is to review the report in detail. Look for any errors or omissions that may have affected the value. For example, if the appraiser overlooked a significant feature of the property, like a pool or an additional bathroom, that could impact the appraisal. Once you have identified any errors or omissions, you can request a review of the appraisal or file a formal appeal with the lender. If you are unable to resolve the issue through a review or appeal, you may need to renegotiate with the seller. If the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, you can request that the seller lower the price or split the difference with you. However, be aware that the seller is not obligated to renegotiate the price, so you may need to walk away from the deal if you cannot reach an agreement. Contesting the Appraisal One way to contest a low appraisal is to complete a rebuttal form. This form allows you to provide additional information that may have been overlooked during the appraisal process. By doing so, you may be able to sway the appraiser's opinion and receive a higher evaluation. When filling out the rebuttal form, be sure to include any documentation that supports your claims. For example, if you believe the appraiser overlooked a significant feature of the property, provide photos or other evidence that shows the feature exists. Once you have completed the form, submit it to the lender or appraiser for review. It's important to note that a rebuttal form may not always result in a higher appraisal. However, it's still worth taking the time to fill out the form and provide additional information. Doing so may help you get a more accurate appraisal and improve your chances of securing financing. Renegotiating with the Seller Another option is to renegotiate with the seller. If you can't secure financing for the full amount, you can potentially come up with the difference by negotiating a lower purchase price or making a larger down payment. This may help you bridge the gap and still acquire the property. When renegotiating with the seller, it's important to be respectful and professional. Explain the situation and provide evidence to support your claims. For example, if you have a higher appraisal from another lender, share it with the seller to demonstrate the property's true value. Remember that the seller is not obligated to renegotiate the price, so be prepared to walk away from the deal if you cannot reach an agreement. If you do reach an agreement, make sure it's in writing and signed by both parties. This will protect you in case any issues arise later in the process. It's also important to communicate with your lender throughout the renegotiation process to ensure that you are still on track to close on time. Ultimately, renegotiating with the seller can be a viable option for homebuyers who receive a low appraisal. It may require some negotiation and compromise, but it can help you get the home you want at a price you can afford. Accepting the Offer with a Low Appraisal Alternatively, you may decide to accept the offer despite the low appraisal. In this case, you can come up with the difference between the appraisal value and the purchase price by making a larger down payment or securing additional financing. If you decide to go this route, it's important to understand the risks involved. First, you will need to make up the difference between the appraised value and the purchase price, which could be a significant amount of money. This may require dipping into your savings or securing additional financing, which can impact your financial situation. Second, accepting a low appraisal could make it more difficult to sell the property in the future. If you decide to sell the property down the line, you may find that the appraised value is lower than what you paid for the property. This could make it harder to sell the property for a profit, or even at all. If you do decide to accept the offer with a low appraisal, make sure you are comfortable with the risks involved. Consider talking to a financial advisor or real estate agent to understand the implications of your decision. It's also important to communicate with your lender throughout the process to ensure that you are still on track to close on time. If you're facing a low appraisal, it's important to take action quickly. Contact Edgar DeJesus at Treasure Coast Home Loans to discuss your options and find a solution that works for you. Edgar has years of experience in the mortgage industry and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the appraisal process. Call Edgar at (772) 444-6362 to learn more about mortgages and appraisals today.
By Edgar DeJesus October 3, 2022
Here are 4 ideas that will help you take years off of your mortgage and help you find financial freedom!
By Edgar DeJesus June 30, 2022
I just finished publishing a new article where I share the 83 different forms of turbulence you can experience when buying a home. Can you believe it, they’re 83 different things that can interfere with you closing on time or even closing at all on your new home purchase.
By Edgar DeJesus June 17, 2022
Our current seller's economy puts many homeowners in an unusual predicament. In an ideal world, you'll have sold your old home and purchased a new one hand in hand - yet that's just not the case right now.
By Edgar DeJesus May 26, 2022
You've found the home of your dreams, but there's one problem: It needs work.
By Edgar DeJesus May 19, 2022
Your credit report impacts your life more than the average person realizes, with more negative consequences than you may think.
By Edgar DeJesus May 12, 2022
If you are looking for a mortgage program that allows your buyers to get a lower rate, consider our 2-1 buy down program. This is one of the most popular mortgage programs we offer, as it allows you to get 2% below market rates in year 1 and 1% below market rates in year 2.
More Posts