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in South San Francisco, CA
Self-employed professionals in South San Francisco face unique challenges when applying for mortgages. Traditional lenders require W-2 income, but many successful business owners and contractors earn through 1099s or direct deposits.
Both 1099 loans and bank statement loans offer paths to homeownership without traditional income verification. Understanding the differences helps you choose the option that matches how your business operates and how you document income.
1099 loans use your 1099 forms to verify income, making them ideal for independent contractors and freelancers. Lenders typically review one to two years of 1099 documentation to calculate your qualifying income.
This option works well if you receive consistent 1099 income from multiple clients or sources. The underwriting process focuses on the gross income shown on your 1099 forms, though business expenses may still be factored in.
Since these are non-QM loans, you'll find more flexibility than conventional mortgages. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions, with credit score and down payment affecting your final terms.
Bank statement loans analyze 12 to 24 months of your business or personal bank deposits to calculate income. This method captures your actual cash flow rather than relying on tax returns that may show reduced income due to business write-offs.
These loans benefit business owners who maximize tax deductions or operate primarily on cash deposits. Lenders review your statements to determine average monthly deposits, then apply this figure to qualify you.
The flexibility extends to income calculation methods. Some lenders use different percentages of deposits based on your business type, giving you better qualifying power if you have high operating costs.
The primary difference lies in documentation type. 1099 loans require formal tax documents from clients, while bank statement loans rely on deposit records. If you receive cash payments or non-1099 income, bank statements capture this revenue.
Income calculation varies significantly between programs. 1099 loans use reported earnings from forms, while bank statement loans analyze deposit patterns. Business owners with substantial write-offs often qualify for higher amounts with bank statements.
Documentation requirements differ in complexity. 1099 loans need organized tax forms from each client or payer. Bank statement loans require consistent banking records but may accept either personal or business accounts depending on your situation.
Choose 1099 loans if you receive most income as an independent contractor with clear 1099 documentation. This option works when your tax returns accurately reflect your earning power and you don't claim extensive business deductions.
Bank statement loans serve you better if you take significant business write-offs or receive income through various channels. They're particularly valuable for business owners whose tax returns show lower income than actual cash flow.
Consider your documentation habits too. If you maintain detailed bank records but struggle to gather 1099s from all income sources, bank statement loans offer a simpler path. Working with a South San Francisco mortgage broker helps you evaluate which program maximizes your qualifying potential.
Some lenders allow hybrid approaches, using whichever documentation shows stronger income. A mortgage broker can help structure your application to maximize qualifying power using the best combination.
Both typically require 10-20% down, though exact requirements vary by lender and borrower profile. Stronger credit and larger down payments generally secure better terms.
Most lenders require 12-24 months of documentation for either program. Consistent income history over this period strengthens your application and may improve your rate.
Yes. Sole proprietors often work well with 1099 loans, while LLC or S-corp owners may benefit from bank statement loans that capture distributions and draws not shown on 1099s.
Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions rather than loan type. Your credit score, down payment, and overall financial picture determine pricing more than documentation method.