Self-Employed Mortgages - Home Loans for Business Owners

Home Financing in NJ Without the W-2 Headache

Being your own boss has its perks-until it's time to apply for a mortgage. If you're self-employed in New Jersey, you've probably already heard the horror stories: strict income requirements, endless paperwork, and loan officers who just don't "get" how your income actually works.



At Elias Mortgage, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners qualify for home loans without jumping through hoops. Based in Monroe Township and serving all of Middlesex County, we offer flexible mortgage solutions that reflect your real earning power-even if your tax returns don't.

When Traditional Lending Doesn't Fit, We Find What Does

Standard mortgage requirements don't always align with how self-employed people manage their finances. Maybe your income varies month to month. Maybe your CPA does a great job keeping your tax bill low (but your net income even lower). We understand-and we offer alternatives.


Here are the self-employed loan programs we work with:

Bank Statement Loans

Use 12-24 months of bank deposits to show income instead of W-2s or tax returns

1099 Income Loans

Qualify using your 1099 forms if you're a contractor or freelance earner

Asset Utilization Loans 

Convert your investment, retirement, or savings assets into qualifying income

Not sure which one fits? We'll walk you through the options.

Choosing the Right Path

Here's how to think about your options:

  • Go with a Bank Statement Loan if you have consistent deposits in your personal or business accounts, even if your tax returns look lean.
  • Choose a 1099 Income Loan if you're a contractor or consultant who receives regular 1099s and can show stable income over time.
  • Consider Asset Utilization if you have strong savings, investment accounts, or retirement funds, but little active income.

These loans are called Non-QM loans (non-qualified mortgages), and they're designed for people with complex income situations-not bad credit. You're not alone in needing one. In fact, these are some of the fastest-growing mortgage programs in New Jersey today.

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What You'll Typically Need

Requirements vary slightly between lenders, but here's what most self-employed home loan programs include:

  • Credit Score

    Usually 620 or higher, depending on the program

  • Down Payment

    Most start at 10% (some require more depending on credit/income profile)

  • Bank Statements

    12-24 months of personal or business bank statements for income documentation

  • Assets

    For asset-based loans, proof of sufficient funds in qualified accounts

  • Other Docs

    Business licenses, CPA letters, or P&L statements in some cases

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And here's the best part: No W-2s, no tax returns required. That means fewer hoops-and a better chance of approval for qualified business owners.

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You've Got Questions. We've Got Straight Answers.

  • Will I pay a higher interest rate for a Non-QM loan?

    Usually yes, but not drastically. Rates are slightly higher than conventional loans due to added risk-but they're competitive, and we shop 30+ lenders to keep things fair.

  • How many months of bank statements do I need?

    Most programs ask for 12 or 24 months of consistent personal or business statements. We'll guide you to the one that makes the most sense.

  • Do I need a bigger down payment?

    Typically yes. Many programs start around 10-15% down. If you can put more down, it helps with both approval and rate.

  • Can I still get a conventional loan if I'm self-employed?

    Absolutely-as long as your last two years of tax returns show enough net income to qualify. We always check your eligibility for both conventional and alternative programs.

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Real Mortgage Solutions for Real Entrepreneurs

Self-employment shouldn't disqualify you from owning a home. At Elias Mortgage, we're built for borrowers who don't check every traditional box-but still have strong financials.



And because founder Adam Elias is also a [real estate attorney], we bring an added layer of insight to complex closings that most brokers just can't offer.


Explore your self-employed loan options:

Need help comparing? Just get in touch-we're happy to walk you through it.

Ready to Qualify on Your Terms?

Whether you're running your own business, freelancing full-time, or just don't have traditional income documentation, we'll help you navigate the mortgage process with clarity, confidence, and options.