The Challenge of Traditional Mortgages, If you have been turned down for a traditional mortgage, or you are self-employed, a freelancer, gig worker, or real estate investor, you might think homeownership or expansion is out of reach. The truth is, it is not.
Traditional mortgages, known as Qualified Mortgages (QM), follow strict government rules. They are designed for W-2 employees with simple income that is easy for lenders to verify and sell to agencies like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. For salaried employees, this system works well. But for millions of modern borrowers, it creates unnecessary barriers.
Call Today! 800-401-1363
If you are self-employed, your tax returns do not always tell the full story. You might bring in $250,000 a year, but after deductions and write-offs, your taxable income could show as only $60,000. Big box banks and lenders focus on that lower number, your adjusted gross income, instead of the real cash flow that supports your lifestyle and business.
Real estate investors face a different roadblock. Even if a property generates strong rental income, QM lenders often focus on your personal debt-to-income ratio or require rental income to be seasoned for years before it counts. This can keep even experienced investors from moving forward.
The result is the same. High earners and savvy investors are told no, not because they cannot afford the property, but because they do not fit into the QM paperwork mold.
Non-Qualified Mortgages (Non-QM) were created for borrowers who do not fit into the narrow mold of traditional loans. These programs still require proof that you can repay, but they allow for more flexible ways to show your income and financial strength.
Instead of relying only on W-2s and tax returns, Non-QM programs may use:
By looking at income differently, Non-QM programs give credit for your actual financial picture and create opportunities where traditional banks say no.
Non-QM loans are not second-choice products. They are built for modern borrowers who work for themselves, manage multiple income streams, or build wealth through real estate.
We specialize in helping self-employed borrowers and investors find Non-QM programs tailored to their goals. We have access to hundreds of investors. That means we can match nearly any scenario with a solution while keeping rates competitive and saving you the stress of shopping lender to lender.
Whether you are buying your first home, expanding your portfolio, or refinancing to access equity, we provide a path forward when traditional banks cannot.
At SEI Mortgage, our mission is to empower those often overlooked by traditional banks. From self employed professionals and gig workers to entrepreneurs and real estate investors, we provide mortgage programs that reflect your true financial picture. We believe hard work and smart business decisions should open doors, not close them, which is why we offer innovative options like bank statement loans, DSCR financing, and private money solutions when others cannot.
Whether you’re self employed, investing in property, or looking for flexible financing options, our FAQ section covers the most common questions we hear from clients. Explore practical answers about Bank Statement Loans, DSCR Loans, Asset-Based Lending, and more, so you can move forward with confidence.
A Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) is a loan program designed for borrowers who don’t fit into the strict requirements of traditional Qualified Mortgages. Instead of relying only on W-2s or tax returns, Non-QM loans allow flexible ways to show income, such as bank statements, 1099 forms, P&L statements, or property cash flow. They are built for self employed borrowers, freelancers, and investors who need financing options that reflect their real financial situation.
Non-QM Mortgages are ideal for self employed professionals, independent contractors, gig workers, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors. They are especially useful for those who use tax deductions and write-offs that reduce reported income on paper but still have strong cash flow or assets. Investors also benefit from Non-QM programs that qualify based on property income rather than personal debt-to-income ratios.
No. Non-QM loans are fully regulated and still require lenders to verify that you have the ability to repay. They simply allow more flexible documentation to prove income. These programs are not “subprime” loans — they are designed for creditworthy borrowers who fall outside the narrow box of traditional lending guidelines. With proper underwriting, Non-QM loans are a safe and effective solution for modern borrowers.
Non-QM programs allow a variety of documentation methods, including:
Bank statements showing deposit history
1099 forms for independent contractors
CPA-prepared profit and loss statements
Rental property income (DSCR)
Verified assets as income
This flexibility makes it possible for borrowers to qualify based on their true income and financial strength.
At SEI Mortgage, we specialize in matching self employed borrowers and investors with Non-QM programs that fit their goals. With access to hundreds of lending partners, we can create tailored solutions whether you are buying, refinancing, or expanding your real estate portfolio. We focus on keeping rates competitive and saving you time by finding the right program without the stress of shopping lender to lender.
