Ask Money MelVA & Alaska loans

🧾 Non-QM Loans

For people whose income doesn’t fit on a W-2

Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are built for borrowers who are perfectly creditworthy but don’t fit the standard documentation mold — business owners, contractors, 1099 earners, investors. Instead of tax returns, qualification can be based on bank statements, a CPA-prepared profit-and-loss statement, or (for rental properties) the property’s own cash flow.

What would my payment be?💬 Ask Mel about non-qm loans

Is this you?

Non-QM Loans tend to be a great fit for…

  • Self-employed buyers whose tax returns understate real income
  • Real estate investors — DSCR loans qualify on the rental income, not yours
  • Recent business owners or 1099 contractors with short history
  • Buyers with strong assets but non-traditional income
I own a fishing charter. my tax returns look terrible on paper but I make good money. am I stuck?
Not stuck. Bank-statement loans qualify you on deposits, not your Schedule C. Send me 12 months of business statements and I’ll tell you what works.

Questions people actually ask

Non-QM Loans: straight answers

What is a DSCR loan?

A Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan qualifies an investment property on its own rental income versus the proposed payment — your personal income and employment aren’t the focus. Popular with investors building a portfolio.

Are Non-QM loans more expensive?

Usually somewhat, because the lender carries more risk and the loans aren’t sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. For many self-employed buyers the alternative is not qualifying at all, so Mel compares the real cost against conventional and FHA side by side.

Do I need a huge down payment for a bank-statement loan?

Down payment requirements are typically higher than conventional minimums and vary with credit and documentation strength. Mel will tell you the actual number for your scenario, not a range off a flyer.

Keep exploring

Conventional Loans

The workhorse of home financing — flexible terms, competitive costs, and down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers.

Learn more →

FHA Loans

The first-time buyer favorite — 3.5% down, friendlier credit requirements, and forgiving guidelines for real-life finances.

Learn more →

VA Loans

For those who served — $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and some of the strongest terms in all of lending.

Learn more →

Not sure if non-qm loans are right for you?

That’s literally what Mel is for. One conversation, all your options side by side, zero pressure to move forward.

💬 Text Mel: 253-353-4566Apply with Mel →