Bank Statement Mortgage
Loan Type

Bank Statement Mortgage

Self-employed life can be a major win for the modern go-getter, someone who values creativity, flexibility, and that extra degree of control. But, while being your own boss can come with plenty of benefits, it may throw up a few extra hurdles for those looking to buy a home. But don’t give up hope! A self-starter knows that a solution always exists, and that rule still applies when it comes to securing the finances for a house. The team at The Home Loan Expert has compiled some of the key details of a bank statement mortgage, a loan that can be the perfect solution for the self-employed. Read on to see if this type of mortgage might be the solution you need.

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What Is a Bank Statement Mortgage?

For nearly any loan, especially a large one needed for most home purchases, a bank will need to take a look at your finances. More specifically, it will want a look at your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, paystubs, and W-2. The two latter documents are standard fare for most potential buyers, but if you’re self-employed you are unlikely to have either. In most situations, you won’t be able to receive a loan without proof of net income, no matter how good your credit is.

Fortunately, many banks have recently started to offer bank statement mortgages, in which they look directly at your bank account over a certain period (usually 12–24 months, depending on the bank). As long as you meet a bank’s given requirements (again, this will vary depending on your location and your bank) you can get a bank statement mortgage and enjoy competitive interest rates.

Who Should Get A Bank Statement Mortgage?

Again, that decision falls to the borrower, but if you fall into any of the following categories, it might be worth looking into:

  • Self-employed workers
  • Anyone working in the “gig economy,” whether that means you’re a freelancer or just enjoy a good side hustle
  • Independent contractors
  • Anyone with seasonal income or other forms of irregular cash flow
Refinance

How Can I Qualify For A Bank Statement Mortgage?

Bank statement mortgages are a relatively new type of loan, so there are more variables when compared to conventional loans. Not every bank will offer them, and those that do might have some variance in what criteria you need to meet. That said, here are the general requirements you should expect to meet to qualify for a bank statement mortgage:

  • At least 12 months of consecutive bank statements (from the same account) so that lenders have a consistent picture of your ability to repay a loan
  • A 45% maximum debt-to-income ratio, although lower is always better, no matter what kind of mortgage you are applying for
  • A minimum of two years of self-employment
  • A 660 FICO® credit score or higher

All told, these requirements aren’t too far off the criteria for a regular loan. But with an irregular, or at least harder to quantify, income flow, banks want to make sure that you’re responsible enough with your money to pay them back.

Pros and Cons of a Bank Statement Home Loan

For some self-employed buyers, a bank statement loan may be the best and only option, but it’s still a good idea to know what you’re getting into. We’ve broken down some of the key costs and benefits of this type of mortgage so you can come to your own decision about whether it may be best for you.

  • Pros

    As long as you can satisfy the criteria for a bank statement mortgage, you can expect to enjoy a lot of financial wiggle room when looking for your dream home.f a lender won’t even consider a loan without your standard proof of income, a bank statement mortgage may be the only way you are able to purchase a home. There’s no reason you should have to stick to renting just because you have your own business. With a bank statement mortgage, you can have your own home, too!

    You can get a bank statement mortgage for more than just your first home. If you’re self-employed and looking to invest in real estate, this can be a great way of achieving that goal.

  • Cons

    Because of the nature of your financial situation, banks consider a bank statement mortgage to have a higher risk. You may have a firm grip on your finances, but lenders want to operate with confidence in your repayment, so these mortgages will often come with a higher down payment and higher interest rates (anywhere from 0.5–1% higher than a standard mortgage).

    Bank statement mortgages are not purchased by government mortgage companies (such as Frannie Mae or Freddie Mac), which is another reason those interest rates are higher. If you’re looking for a conforming mortgage, that’s different than a bank statement mortgage.

How Can the Home Loan Expert Help?

At the Home Loan Expert, we know that a mortgage solution should be as flexible as you are. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to something as significant as financing a home, and each potential buyer will have different goals and priorities for their short- and long-term finances. That’s why we want to use our expertise to help you weigh your options, and and help you move forward efficiently with the loan that’s right for you.

Whether you want to purchase a home or refinance your existing mortgage, we will get the process started in no time! And if you want to fill those minutes with some extra number crunching so you can map out a long-term plan, take a look at our easy-to-use mortgage calculator for some quick plug-and-play scenarios.

If you’re unsure of whether or not a bank statement mortgage is right for you, our Experts are happy to walk you through your qualifications, as well as your other potential mortgage options. Give us a call today!

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