California self employed mortgage specialist
Write offs welcome. Let's get you qualified anyway.
Your tax strategy saves you money, but it can make your income look small to a lender. I help business owners, 1099 earners and investors qualify on their real income. 26 years in the business, and I work alongside your CPA.
Tax Return vs Bank Statement Income
EXAMPLE NUMBERS · EDIT ANY FIELDEstimate only. "Housing payment room" is the most your total house payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA) could be at the debt ratio above. Expense factors and debt ratio limits vary by program, and some programs let your CPA or tax preparer set the expense factor. Not a quote or approval.
How I help
Ways to qualify when your returns don't tell the whole story
Bank statement loans
Qualify on 12 or 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns. Built for owners who write off a lot.
How it works →P&L and 1099 loans
Use a profit and loss statement prepared by your CPA or tax preparer, or your 1099s, to show your income.
P&L and 1099 options →Investors and asset based
DSCR loans qualify on the property's rent. Asset based loans turn savings and investments into qualifying income.
Investor options →Your returns may work better than you think
Lenders add back depreciation, depletion, business use of your home and some one time expenses. Before you give up on a regular loan with the best rates, let me read your returns the way an underwriter will.
Timing matters
Talk to me before you file, not after
The most common problem I see: a business owner has a great year, writes off everything, then finds out the return doesn't show enough income to buy. Here's how to avoid it.
Plan with your CPA
If you're buying in the next 12 months, I look at your numbers with your CPA so you can weigh the tax savings against what you need to qualify.
Get fully underwritten
I pick the right program, full doc or bank statement, and get you a real approval so sellers take your offer seriously.
Close on time
Self employed files get the most questions. I handle the business documentation up front so there are no surprises late in escrow.
About Christian
26 years of closing self employed loans
I'm Christian Alvarez, a mortgage consultant based in San Diego and licensed across California. I've spent 26 years working with business owners, contractors, investors and commission earners: people whose income doesn't fit on a W2.
As a broker I can shop conventional, FHA and VA loans plus portfolio and non QM programs, so you get the option that fits instead of the only one a bank offers. My approvals are fully underwritten up front. Hablo español, and I'm available nights and weekends.
You built a business. Buying a house shouldn't mean undoing your tax strategy.
Questions people ask me
Self employed and getting a mortgage
Can I get a mortgage if my tax returns show low income?
Often, yes. If your write offs bring your taxable income down, a bank statement, P&L or 1099 program can qualify you on what actually comes into your accounts instead. Rates and down payment are usually a bit higher than a standard loan, so I'll show you both options side by side.
How many years do I need to be self employed?
Most programs want two years in business. Some allow one year if you were in the same line of work before, for example a W2 nurse who now runs her own staffing company. I'll tell you which applies to you.
Should I talk to you before I file my taxes?
Yes, if you plan to buy or refinance in the next year or so. The return you file becomes the income a lender uses. A quick review with me and your CPA before you file can keep a smart tax move from costing you an approval.
What is a bank statement loan?
Instead of tax returns, the lender looks at 12 or 24 months of business or personal bank statements and uses your deposits, minus an expense factor, as your income. It's built for business owners who write off a lot.
Can I use my business account for the down payment?
Usually, yes. The lender has to confirm that taking the money out won't hurt the business. Often I can document that from your statements without asking your CPA for a letter.
Do you need a letter from my CPA?
Sometimes. Some programs ask your CPA or tax preparer to confirm you're self employed and own the business. I never ask a CPA to vouch for your ability to repay a loan.