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Sonoma wine country runs on independent workers — vintners, consultants, hospitality contractors. Standard W-2 loans ignore how these borrowers actually earn.
1099 loans use your contractor income as-is. No tax return averaging that wipes out your buying power.
620–660 typical
Min Credit Score
1–2 years of 1099s
Income Docs
10–20% common
Down Payment
2 years preferred
Self-Employment History
1099 Loans in Sonoma
Lenders typically want 1-2 years of 1099 forms. Some also ask for a CPA letter confirming you're self-employed.
Credit score minimums usually start at 620-660. Expect a larger down payment — often 10-20% depending on the lender.
Big banks rarely offer 1099 loans. These are wholesale non-QM products — meaning you need a broker with the right lender connections.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Several specialize in 1099 and self-employed borrowers specifically.
The biggest mistake 1099 borrowers make is waiting until tax season. Your most recent returns may show deductions that crush your qualifying income.
We look at your gross 1099 income — not what's left after write-offs. That gap is often the difference between qualifying and not.
Bank statement loans are the closest alternative. They use 12-24 months of deposits instead of 1099 forms.
If your 1099 income is steady and documented, a 1099 loan is cleaner. Mixed income streams? A bank statement loan may give you more flexibility.
Sonoma County has a large share of seasonal and contract workers tied to wine, tourism, and agriculture. 1099 income is common here — and so is the need for this loan type.
Property prices in Sonoma can be significant. Getting your full income counted matters more here than in lower-cost markets.
Some lenders accept one year. Most want two. It depends on your income consistency and credit profile.
Yes, typically. Non-QM loans carry more lender risk. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
That can actually help. Lenders can blend both income types. We document each source separately.
It can, with the right lender. Two-year history of seasonal 1099 earnings is usually required.
No. You still document income — just with 1099s instead of tax returns. Income is verified, not stated.