Told "no" by a bank? The box was wrong.
Non-QM loans qualify you on the income you actually have — bank deposits, rental cash flow, assets, or 1099 income — instead of a tax return that undersells you. Available in California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Tennessee, and Washington.
Non-qualified mortgage — not non-qualified borrower
"Non-QM" just means the loan doesn't fit the CFPB's strict Qualified Mortgage rulebook — not that you don't qualify. It gives lenders room to underwrite on real-world income instead of a tax return.
Bank statement
12–24 months of deposits instead of tax returns.
DSCR
Qualify on the property's rental income, not yours.
Asset depletion
Turn savings and investments into qualifying income.
Common non-QM questions
What does non-QM mean?
A loan that doesn't meet the CFPB's Qualified Mortgage rules, giving flexibility to qualify on bank statements, rental income, or assets.
Who needs a non-QM loan?
Self-employed borrowers, investors, foreign nationals, ITIN holders — anyone whose income doesn't show cleanly on a W-2.
Are non-QM rates higher?
Typically somewhat higher than conventional, to offset flexible documentation — often still less than the cost of not qualifying.
Is non-QM available in California?
Yes — across California and every state we're licensed in: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Tennessee, and Washington.
Not sure which program fits?
One conversation, real numbers, no obligation.