California Non-QM Loans
Non-QM loan programs give borrowers fast approvals and favorable terms without the income documentation requirements of a traditional mortgage loan.
Secure a Non-QM Loan in California
Bridgepoint Funding connects borrowers with a variety of flexible non-QM lenders that get you in the door of your next home without the strict income documentation requirements of a conventional mortgage. Benefits include competitive rates and fast approvals, plus increased loan accessibility for investors, self-employed borrowers, and other non-traditional borrowers.
What is a Non-QM Loan?
A Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loan is a type of mortgage intended for those who cannot meet the strict income documentation rules of conventional mortgages.
Standard qualified mortgages (QMs) exclude many types of borrowers, including self-employed and high-net-worth borrowers with complex and/or non-traditional financial profiles. Non-QM loans help fill in the gap with an alternative lending solution that comes with significantly more flexible income documentation guidelines.
It’s important to note that non-QM loans are not subprime. Borrowers must be creditworthy and financially stable to qualify for a non-QM loan, and if approved, will receive funding with the same protections and regulations as a conventional QM loan.
Non-QM Loan Programs in California
We help alternative borrowers secure home financing without the income documentation requirements of a conventional mortgage. Based in Pleasant Hill, we’re available to qualifying borrowers throughout the Bay Area, including those in high-cost, high-demand markets across Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin counties.
Bank Statement Loans
Ideal for self-employed borrowers, bank statement loans require just 12 to 24 months of income verification and rely on personal and business bank statements instead of pay stubs and W-2s.
DSCR Loans (Investor Mortgages)
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans do not require tax returns and are designed for rental property investors who want to borrow based on the profit potential of a property, rather than their personal finances.
Asset-Only/Asset Depletion Loans
Approval for an asset-only loan is based solely on a borrower’s liquid assets, making it a smart strategy for high-net-worth individuals without a traditional income stream.
Recent Credit Event Loans
Specialized loans for borrowers who have recently taken a hit to their credit from a bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale, or other negative financial event.
Interest-Only (IO) Loans
Useful in high-cost markets, flexible interest-only loans allow riskier borrowers like investors and those with gradually rising incomes to delay amortization and pay only the interest on their loans for the first five to 10 years.
Jumbo Non-QM Loans
Jumbo non-QM loans are a perfect fit for non-traditional Bay Area and L.A. buyers looking to secure higher-than-average loan amounts in California’s costliest communities.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Non-QM Loans in California
Non-Qualified Mortgage Lenders
Non-QM lenders often differ from traditional lenders in their underwriting process and the guidelines they set for loan approval. In general, expect to see more flexible requirements and processes with non-QM lenders vs. conventional, plus alternative methods for verifying borrower eligibility.
Not sure how to get a home loan as a non-traditional buyer? At Bridgepoint Funding, we match you to the most suitable non-QM lender for your personal finances, providing more options, better pricing, and fewer restrictions on your California home loan.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Non-QM Loan?
- Self-employed borrowers with write-offs
- Independent contractors
- Real estate investors
- Borrowers with high assets but low taxable income
- Borrowers with credit events
- First-time buyers with complex incomes
Non-QM Loan Requirements
Specific loan requirements vary based on the non-QM loan program, though all are geared toward borrowers with unique and/or complex financial profiles.
- Credit Score: The average minimum FICO requirement for a non-QM loan is 620, with some loan options suitable for borrowers with lower scores.
- Down Payment: Typically, it ranges from 10% to 20%, which is higher than the requirement for a conventional loan.
- Reserve Requirements: Most non-QM loans require proof of cash reserves (usually anywhere from three to 12 months of money in the bank).
- Documentation Alternatives: Non-QM borrowers can often use non-traditional documentation as proof of income, such as 1099 forms, bank statements, and investment accounts.
- Investor-Specific Overlays: Each lender has their own internal rules (overlays) concerning non-QM loans, which may include property type restrictions or higher minimum credit scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
A non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loan is an alternative loan program with flexible verification requirements for those who don’t meet the financial documentation guidelines of a conventional loan.
Yes, non-QM loans are safe. These types of loans are fully regulated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and must adhere to the same standards as traditional qualified mortgages.
The type of documentation needed for a non-QM loan will vary by lender. Types of commonly-approved documentation include personal and business bank statements, asset statements, 1099 forms, profit & loss statements, and rental income documentation.
Non-QM loan rates are slightly higher than the rates for standard conforming loans since lenders consider these to be riskier.
Yes, DSCR loans and bank statement loans are allowed in the California investment community, and both are great potential options for real estate investors.
Explore Non-QM Lenders in California with Bridgepoint Funding
Our mortgage advisors have the expertise you need to secure a non-QM loan with great rates.
When you work with Bridgepoint Funding, you get:
- Access to dozens of non-QM lenders
- Exceptional service and communication
- Faster turn times
- Tailored solutions for complex financial scenarios
- Human-to-human support
Secure a flexible non-QM loan today! Get in touch now for a free consultation and personalized rate quote.
