TEXAS' TOP MORTGAGE LENDERS SINCE 1996
1099 Earners? No Problem. We offer Self-Employed Home Mortgages with Top Terms & Fast Approval. No W-2s Required
If you're self-employed, a freelancer, or a 1099 contractor, you're likely juggling fluctuating income, complex tax filings, and a lack of "traditional" employment paperwork. Still, that doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach.
As Texas' top-rated mortgage brokers, we tap into our local network of local lenders to secure the most competitive rates and terms for you.
- No W2 & No Tax Returns Required
- In-House Underwriters (1 Day Pre Approval)
- Custom Loan Products
Get Pre Approved for a Self Employed Home Mortgage!
Most conventional mortgages were designed with W-2 employees in mind—people with fixed salaries, consistent pay stubs, and a single employer. But when you run your own business or work on contract, your income often comes in waves.
That doesn’t make your income less reliable—it just makes it different. The right lender knows how to read between the lines of your tax returns, P&L statements, and bank deposits to see your real earning power.
Get pre approved for a self employed home mortgage in Texas now.
Fill the form below, it only takes 2 minutes and won't affect your credit score. Try now!
Hear From Our Happy Homeowners!
As Texas' top rated mortgage lenders, we have a stellar reputation with an average rating of 5 Stars ocross all channels: Google, Yelp, Zillow, BBB and Facebook.
What are the eligibility requirements for self employed loans in 2025?
You’ll still need to meet the minimum mortgage requirements that apply to all borrowers, but lenders will scrutinize your finances more closely.
Guidelines vary from lender to lender, but the factors often used to determine the financial health and viability of your business include:
→ How the business operates
Lenders want to ensure that your business is financially sound.
An underwriter may research the location and type of business you’re in, how much demand there is for your product and how likely your business is to stay financially strong and profitable.
→ Personal income vs. business income
If you’re using income from your business to qualify for a loan, your lender may want to see evidence that your business has a healthy cash flow and isn’t buried in debt.
Personal income is typically verified with individual tax returns.
→ Your income stability
A lender may consider you to be at higher risk of missing mortgage payments if your earnings tend to vary from month to month.
That’s why some lenders ask for additional proof that your business is stable and that you have enough cash flow to handle a lower-earning month.
→ How long you’ve been self-employed
A lender prefers for you to have at least two years of experience earning income from self-employment.
The approval process may be simpler, however, if you’ve been in business for at least five years.
What forms/documents do I need for a self employed home loan?
For self-employed individuals seeking a mortgage, lenders typically request documents that provide a clear picture of your income stability and business viability.
- Personal Tax Returns
Your two most recent tax returns help demonstrate steady self-employment earnings.
However, some lenders may be satisfied with just last year’s tax return if you’ve been self-employed for at least a year.
- Profit and Loss Statements
Also called a P&L for short, this financial statement shows how much total profit you’ve made after subtracting your business expenses.
Lenders expect these documents to show earnings similar to or higher than what you listed as income on your tax returns.
- CPA Letters
Lenders may ask your certified public accountant (CPA) for a letter of explanation to verify your self-employment status.
- Documentation of Business Funds used for a Down Payment
If you want to use cash that’s in your business accounts to fund the down payment on a home, be prepared to provide extra documentation.
You may need business bank statements and tax returns, as well as a letter from your CPA or tax lawyer confirming that taking the funds won’t harm the business.
- IRS Transcripts
You may be asked to sign a form (IRS Form 4506-T) authorizing your lender to obtain a transcript of your tax return.
They’ll typically use it to verify that the information you provided in your loan application matches what’s in the IRS database.
- Business Tax Returns
The business tax returns you need to gather will depend on how your business is structured.
Here’s a breakdown of which forms you’ll likely need, depending on the type of business you operate.
FHA Home Loan for the Self Employed
Who is it for?
First-time homebuyers and self-employed individuals with less-than-perfect credit or non-traditional income.
Credit Score Requirement
- 3.5% down payment: 580 or higher
- 10% down payment:
500-579
Down Payment Requirement
- As low as
3.5%.
- Pros:
Lower down payment requirements, more lenient credit and income requirements.
- Cons:
Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) required, loan limits apply.
Conventional Home Loan for the Self Employed
Who is it for?
Self-employed individuals with strong credit and financial history.
Credit Score Requirement
- Typically 620 or higher.
Down Payment Requirement
- Usually
3% to 20%
of the purchase price.
- Pros:
Competitive interest rates, flexibility in loan terms.
- Cons:
Strict documentation requirements, higher credit score needed.
Bank Statement Loan for the Self Employed
Who is it for?
Self-employed borrowers looking for an alternative income verification.
Credit Score Requirement
- Varies by lender, but typically
620
or higher.
Down Payment Requirement
- Varies by lender.
- Pros:
Uses bank statements for income verification, helpful for self-employed with fluctuating income.
- Cons:
Higher interest rates, may require larger down payment.
Non QM Loans for Self Employed Borrowers
Who is it for?
Borrowers who don't meet traditional mortgage standards, including self-employed individuals with complex income.
Credit Score Requirement
- Varies widely among lenders, but
620
or higher is common.
Down Payment Requirement
- Varies by lender.
- Pros:
Flexible eligibility criteria, considers non-traditional income.
- Cons:
Higher interest rates, shorter loan terms.
VA Home Loan for the Self Employed
Who is it for?
Eligible veterans and active-duty service members, including self-employed individuals.
Credit Score Requirement
- No
set
minimum, but most lenders prefer
620
or higher.
Down Payment Requirement
- No down payment required for most borrowers.
- Pros:
No down payment required, competitive interest rates.
- Cons: Limited to eligible veterans and active-duty service members, VA funding fee.
USDA Home Loan
Who is it for?
Eligible rural borrowers, including some self-employed individuals.
Credit Score Requirement
- Typically
640
or higher.
Down Payment Requirement
- No down payment
required.
- Pros:
No down payment required, low-interest rates.
- Cons:
Limited to eligible rural borrowers, income limits apply.
WHY CHOOSE AUSTIN CAPITAL MORTGAGE?
25+ Years of Excellence: Experience the ACM Difference
We've been serving the needs of homebuyers and homeowners throughout Central Texas since 1996, and it shows in the numbers!
Texas' Top Rated Mortgage Lenders
We've been ranked among Texas' top mortgage companies since 1996, by Austin Business Journal.
95% Faster Closing than Industry Average
We have an innovative streamlined process that allows you to apply online. This leads to faster closings. We've closed houses in as little as 1-2 weeks for our clients.
100% Customer Satisfaction, 5 Stars Average Rating
With an A+ rating from BBB, and over 500+ FIVE Star Reviews on Google, Zillow and Yelp - customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do.
Competitive Mortgage Lending Rates
We ensure that you get the best deal possible on your mortgage, making home ownership more affordable and accessible for you.
Did you know? Austin Capital Mortgage has been on Texas' Top Mortgage Lenders list by the Austin Business Journal every year since 1996.
Home Loan Options for Diverse Self Employed Professionals
At Austin Capital Mortgage, we specialize in leveraging unique income scenarios for the self-employed - ensuring that you secure the best mortgage solutions tailored to your financial profiles.
Meet the Dream Team
Dive into the heart of what makes Austin Capital Mortgage truly special: our Dream Team. A group of top loan producers in Texas with over 25+ years of local mortgage industry expertise, dedicated to get you the perfect mortgage for your needs.

Charlie Cooper
President | NMLS #326203
Phone: (512) 891-0778
Fax: (512) 891-0779
Email: charlie@austincapitalmortgage.com
Charlie Cooper was born in London and hailed from Jamaican roots, his upbringing unfolded in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. Nurtured by a family deeply ingrained in entrepreneurship, he imbibed the art of chasing passions and charting a course for success from an early age.
His academic journey led him to the University of Houston, where he focused his studies on Finance, complemented by a minor in Accounting.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Charlie is a fervent sports enthusiast, his love for adventure fueling a passion for global travel and immersive exploration. The Houston Oilers hold an unshakable place in Charlie's heart as his beloved football team of choice.

Jeff Wilkinson
Director of Operations
Phone: (512) 891-0778
Email: jeff@austincapitalmortgage.com
Jeff was born in California, although his formative years were spent abroad. It wasn't until high school that he returned to the United States, settling in Houston for his education. Texas Christian University welcomed him for his college years, during which he engaged in football.
After a brief stint in Phoenix, Arizona he found himself drawn back to Texas in 1996, marking the year he became a part of the Austin Capital Mortgage team. Beyond his professional commitments, Jeff’s competitive nature finds an outlet through pickleball, where he embraces the challenge with enthusiasm. His zest for life also extends to exploration alongside his wife and family, as they embark on travels together.

Paul Mitchell
Houston Branch Manager
Phone: (512) 524-9416
Email: paul@austincapitalmortgage.com
Hailing from the Lone Star State, Paul's roots and educational journey unfolded in the dynamic city of Houston. Armed with a Finance degree from the University of Houston, he spent 12 years working in the energy sector.. During this period, Paul assumed roles in sales, marketing, and management for a global oilfield services conglomerate. In 2016, he transitioned to the Austin Capital Mortgage team, where he has thrived as a dedicated Loan Originator.
Beyond the professional realm, Paul's interests encompass weightlifting, honing his skills in Jiu Jitsu, and relishing the joy of watching his daughters excel in softball.
FAQs about Self Employed Home Mortgage
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