Hi, I’m Trevor Sanders, owner of SD-Loans—and if you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or self-employed creative in San Diego trying to buy a home, I know you’ve probably hit some walls.
Maybe a bank told you, “You don’t have consistent income.” Or “Come back when you have two years of W-2s.”
But here’s the truth: just because you don’t have a traditional job doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a mortgage.
Helping people get a mortgage for freelancers in San Diego is something I specialize in. I’ve worked with everyone from real estate agents and photographers to graphic designers, YouTubers, and software consultants—and I understand how to present your income in a way that lenders understand and accept.
Let’s dive in.
Why Traditional Lenders Make It Hard for Freelancers
When you walk into a bank with a W-2, it’s simple. The bank sees your salary, calculates your debt-to-income ratio, and runs the numbers. But as a freelancer?
It’s not so black and white.
You might have:
- Fluctuating income month to month
- Several 1099 clients instead of one employer
- Business expenses that reduce your taxable income (even though you’re earning plenty)
Banks often look at your net income—after deductions—and assume that’s all you make. That’s where the challenge begins.
How I Help Freelancers Qualify for a Mortgage in San Diego
Here’s the good news: you can get approved. It just takes a loan broker (like me) who knows how to work with non-traditional income and connect you to lenders who see the full picture.
1. I Work with Lenders Who Understand Freelance Income
Not all lenders are stuck in the “W-2 only” mindset. I’ve built relationships with lenders who specialize in working with:
- 1099 earners
- Self-employed individuals
- Gig economy professionals
- LLC and sole proprietorship business owners
These lenders know that income can look different—and they’re willing to be flexible if we provide the right documentation.
2. I Help You Prepare the Right Paperwork
Lenders typically want to see 1–2 years of income history. That could include:
- Tax returns (personal and business)
- Profit & Loss (P&L) statements
- 1099 forms
- Bank statements
- Invoices and contracts from clients
If you’re early in your freelance journey, we can even explore bank statement loans or non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) options, which base approval on cash flow rather than tax documents.
Common Mortgage Options for Freelancers
Let me break down a few mortgage programs I’ve used for freelance clients here in San Diego:
Conventional Loans (with Strong Documentation)
If you’ve been freelancing for two years and your tax returns show solid income, a conventional loan is absolutely within reach.
Bank Statement Loans
Perfect for freelancers who write off a lot of expenses. These loans look at your monthly deposits instead of your taxable income.
Non-QM Loans
These are great when your financials don’t fit inside a box. They offer more flexibility, and I can walk you through what’s needed to qualify.
Real San Diego Freelancer Story: The Photographer Who Made It Work
One of my clients, a wedding photographer in North Park, had been turned down by her bank because her tax returns showed a low net income (thanks to write-offs for gear, travel, and editing software).
We used 12 months of bank statements, compiled a clean P&L, and presented her case to one of my lender partners. Not only did she get approved—she closed on a two-bedroom condo in Mission Valley with a great rate and a manageable monthly payment.
That’s the power of the right approach.
Tips to Make Your Mortgage Approval Smoother as a Freelancer
I always share this advice with my self-employed clients:
1. Get Your Finances Organized Early
Keep your personal and business expenses separate. Clean bookkeeping shows the lender that you’re responsible and credible.
2. Save for a Down Payment
While there are low down payment options, having 10% or more saved up can open the door to better programs and rates.
3. Be Ready to Explain Your Business
You don’t need a formal business plan, but a quick explanation of what you do, how long you’ve been doing it, and who your clients are can go a long way.
Why Work with SD-Loans Instead of a Big Bank?
I’m not here to push a one-size-fits-all product. My job is to tailor a mortgage plan around you—your income, your lifestyle, and your goals. I take the time to understand your business and help you tell your financial story in a way that lenders respect.
And best of all? I’ll make the process smooth, fast, and stress-free.
You won’t have to worry about what forms to submit, how to format a P&L, or what to say to underwriters—I’ve got you covered.
FAQs
- Do I need two years of freelance income to get a mortgage?
Not always. Some programs allow for one year with strong documentation, or even just bank statements. Let’s review your situation together. - What credit score do I need as a freelancer?
It depends on the loan program, but ideally 660+. I work with lenders that offer options for a wide range of credit profiles. - Will all my business expenses count against me?
On a traditional loan, yes—but that’s why we can explore alternatives like bank statement loans that focus on deposits, not write-offs. - What’s a non-QM loan?
Non-QM stands for “non-qualified mortgage.” These are flexible loans for people who don’t fit standard W-2 criteria—like freelancers, real estate investors, and self-employed buyers. - Can I still buy a home if I just started freelancing?
It’s tougher, but not impossible. We may need to wait a bit or look at creative programs. Let’s map out a plan based on where you’re at.
Next Steps: Let’s Turn Your Freelance Income Into Homeownership
You’ve worked hard to build your business. Let’s turn that hustle into a home.
If you’re self-employed, a contractor, or earning 1099 income and ready to stop renting, let’s talk. I’ll show you your options, answer your questions, and put a game plan in place to help you buy your own piece of San Diego.
Final Thoughts from Trevor Sanders
If you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or self-employed professional in San Diego, you know the mortgage struggle is real when you don’t have a W-2. Traditional lenders often miss the full picture of your income, leading to frustrating rejections.
But here’s the truth: your independent hustle can get you a home loan. As an expert loan broker and owner of SD-Loans, I specialize in helping San Diego’s freelancers qualify for mortgages. I work with lenders who understand non-traditional income and know how to present your unique financial story for approval.
You deserve a mortgage solution tailored to your entrepreneurial spirit. That’s what I do here at SD-Loans: I help you turn your hard-earned 1099 income into keys to your own home with clarity, confidence, and a loan strategy designed just for you.
So, if you’re ready to stop renting and start owning your piece of San Diego, don’t let a W-2 be your roadblock. Reach out. Let’s talk numbers—and make sure they work in your favor. Text me at SD-Loans to create your custom freelance mortgage plan: 619-855-5061.
Keys In Hand, New Chapter Unlocked
