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DSCR Loans Georgia | 2024 Guide For Real Estate Investors
Real estate investors in Georgia are using debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans to expand their portfolios....
Bank statements are a great way to secure funding for your small business in 2024 if you’re self employed!
Remember the wild ride that was the COVID-19 pandemic? Masks, lockdowns, and enough conspiracy theories to make your head spin. But amidst the chaos, something fascinating happened to the way we work. Offices emptied as employers shifted to remote work (and let's be honest, anyone with kids knows THAT was a whole new level of chaos). But a massive, unexpected change came along with it: the pandemic actually sparked a huge surge in new businesses!
Don't believe me? Check out the data from the brainiacs at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). They've been tracking this stuff since 2004, and the number of new business applications since mid-2020 is off the charts.
The problem? While the way we work has changed, traditional loans and mortgages are still stuck in the past. Being your own boss is awesome – you set your schedule, follow your passion. But getting a loan? Not so awesome.
If you're a freelancer, contractor, gig worker, or small business owner, you know the struggle. W2s, tax returns, paystubs... it's like they were designed for someone else's life.
But what if there was a way to leverage your actual cash flow, not just your tax paperwork?
That's where bank statement loans come in.
Bank statement loans are a type of mortgage designed for borrowers who may not have traditional income documentation, such as W-2s or pay stubs.
Bank statement loan lenders use personal or bank statements (your cash-flow) to verify income, not tax returns, W2s or pay stubs.
Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, there are some criteria you may need to meet.
While bank statement loans offer a lot of flexibility, the lenders still have lending requirements.
While bank statement loans are very flexible, they still have some lending requirements.
They can vary lender by lender, but generally you'll need:
When applying for a bank statement loan, you'll typically need to provide the following documents:
Conventional mortgages often have far stricter income verification requirements. They rely heavily on your tax returns and W-2s, they might have lower interest rates compared to bank statement loans.
Bank Statement Mortgages offer more flexibility when it comes to income verification and loan amounts. They rely on your personal or business bank statement over a period of time (usually 12 to 24 months) for income verification.
This allows them to gauge your recent bank statements for qualifying income and your ability to make mortgage payments down the road.
Some lenders can have highly specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum credit scores and consistent deposits in your account.
The interest rates vary by lender, but may be slightly higher because the lender's taking on more risk.
Income verification is the first step when it comes to getting a mortgage for buying or refinancing a property.
Lenders typically look at your:
Moreover, the tax system is designed to benefit the self-employed in many ways. Business owners often maximize deductions to minimize taxable income, which is a smart and legitimate strategy.
However, this reduced taxable income can make qualifying for a mortgage challenging.
Lenders traditionally look at the adjusted gross income (AGI) on tax returns to determine loan eligibility.
A lower AGI might suggest to lenders that the borrower doesn’t have the necessary income to afford the mortgage, even if this isn't the case.
Instead of a single year's AGI, bank statements provide a more comprehensive overview of a borrower’s financial health, revealing regular income, spending habits, and financial responsibility.
Some of the benefits of bank statement loans for small business owners and freelancers are:
Another important thing is income fluctuation, which is quite common for freelancers and small-business owners.
For instance, a self employed borrower can experience seasonal fluctuations in their income. Some months they earn $15,000, while others they bring in only $3,000.
For those with regular fixed income, let's say a freelancer earns $25,000 a month. After business expenses, their documented taxable income may be around $15,000 a month.
This can reduce their borrowing power when it comes to traditional mortgages.
Bank Statement Loans however, can assess the overall financial health based on average deposits, allowing them to leverage their actual cash flow rather than just taxable income.
Which means a larger loan amount and more options in the market.
First, you'll have to prove that you're self-employed for some time. Different lenders have different requirements on how long the borrower should be in business to qualify for a loan.
This can include invoices, websites, and other supporting documents.
When you submit your bank statements to the lender. They'll assess your net income qualification based on average deposits, monthly revenue and expenses.
After qualifying for the loan you'll have to make a down payment which can be anywhere from 10-20%.
Securing a bank statement business loan can be a streamlined process when you know what to expect. Here's a simplified breakdown of the typical steps involved:
Applying for a bank statement loan may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score.
As with any loan, making timely payments on your bank statement loan can help improve your credit score over time.
Conversely, late or missed payments can negatively impact your credit score and may make it harder to obtain future loans or credit.
Successfully paying off a bank statement loan can demonstrate your ability to manage debt and may boost your credit score in the long run.
It's essential to maintain a good credit standing by consistently making on-time payments and managing your debt responsibly.
There are plenty of online lenders who specialize in these types of loans.
Another great resource is a mortgage broker. They can help you compare different lenders and find the best rates and terms for your situation. They'll also guide you through the application process, making it as smooth as possible.
Remember, interest rates and terms for bank statement loans can vary depending on the lender and your financial profile. So, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare offers before making a decision.
While the process might seem a bit different from a traditional mortgage, don't let that deter you. Bank statement mortgage loans are a great option for self-employed individuals who want to achieve their homeownership dreams.
When choosing a lender for a bank statement loan, consider:
Look for lenders who specialize in working with self-employed borrowers and have experience in handling bank statement loans.
Interest Rates and Terms
Interest rates for bank statement loans can be very competitive, though they might be slightly higher than those for traditional loans.
The rates can vary significantly depending on the lender, your creditworthiness, and the loan amount.
Loan terms can range from 15 to 30 years, similar to traditional mortgages. Rates are influenced by:
While this product is primarily geared towards self-employed individuals, it can also benefit others with non-traditional income streams, such as:
Are you thinking of applying for a mortgage or buying a house soon? If so, you’ll want to definitely consider a bank statement mortgage.
And there’s no better place to start than Truss Financial Group. Truss takes a common sense approach to lending, and they are experts in bank statement loans. They can help you navigate the process and find the right option for you.
If a bank statement loan isn't the perfect fit, consider these alternative loans for your small business:
Q: How long do I need to be self-employed to qualify?
A: Typically, lenders require at least 2 years of self-employment history to qualify for a bank statement loan.
Q:Can I use personal bank statements?
Yes, many lenders accept personal bank statements, but some may prefer business bank statements for a clearer picture of business income.
Q: How quickly can I get approved?
A: The approval process varies by lender but generally takes a few weeks, depending on how quickly you can provide the required documentation.
Q:How Do Bank Statement Loans Affect Credit?
A:Just like other loans - timely repayments can improve your score, while missed payments can damage it.
Q:How long do I need to be self-employed to qualify for a bank statement loan?
A: Lenders typically require at least two years of self-employment history to qualify for a bank statement loan.
Q: Are interest rates higher for bank statement loans compared to traditional mortgages?
A: Yes, bank statement loans often come with higher interest rates due to the perceived higher risk associated with non-traditional income verification.
Q: Can I qualify for a bank statement loan with a poor credit score?
A: It's possible, but a poor credit score may affect the terms of the loan, including the interest rate. Some lenders specialize in bank statement loans for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
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