Self-employed, 1099, newcomer or investor — pick your situation and compare the loan types that actually fit, with sample rates and what you’ll need to qualify.
Twelve months of sample movement across the loan types self-employed borrowers weigh most.
We don’t rank by who pays us. We map your income to the products that fit — across the whole market.
Every guide checked by NMLS-licensed loan officers.
Sourced to CFPB, HUD, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac.
Read and estimate freely. Connect only when you choose.
Conventional to non-QM — compared honestly, side by side.
Plain-English, reviewed by licensed pros. Start where you’re stuck.
What 12–24 months of deposits really need to show.
The tax-deduction trade-off — and how to plan it.
ITIN loans and the documents that build trust.
Qualify a rental on its own cash flow.
Slide your numbers and switch loan types — no email, no credit pull.
Illustrative: 36% DTI, 30-yr term at the selected sample rate. Not a pre-approval, quote, or financial advice.
Yes. Lenders typically want two years of history, but bank-statement and non-QM loans exist specifically for borrowers whose tax returns understate their real income.
Conventional lenders qualify you on net income after deductions, so heavy write-offs lower the number you qualify on. Bank-statement loans qualify you on deposits instead.
Usually 0.75–1.5% above conventional, because they're non-QM. The trade-off is qualifying on income a conventional lender won't count.
No. Mortgage Merlin is educational and is not a lender or broker. Confirm specifics with a licensed professional before deciding.
One calm email when the full self-employed toolkit goes live. No spam, no sales calls.