If you’re paid as an independent contractor or freelancer, qualifying for a traditional mortgage can be challenging — even with strong income. 1099 loans are designed specifically for self-employed and contract workers, allowing you to qualify using your 1099 income instead of traditional tax returns or W-2s.
These loans provide a flexible path to homeownership for entrepreneurs, consultants, gig workers, and professionals whose income doesn’t fit into standard lending boxes.
A 1099 loan is a non-traditional mortgage program that uses your 1099 income forms — typically from the past one or two years — to verify earnings rather than relying on tax returns that may show reduced income due to write-offs.
Lenders review your 1099 history and average your income to determine your qualifying amount, making this a simpler and more accurate option for many contract workers.
1099 loans are a great fit if you:
While guidelines vary by lender, most bank statement loan programs require






If you earn good money as an independent contractor but your tax returns don’t reflect your full income, a 1099 loan can give you a practical, flexible path to homeownership — without unnecessary paperwork.