Non-QM Loans in California

Not every borrower fits inside the lending box. That’s why Kristy Gannon at Ownity Mortgage offers Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) loan options for self-employed individuals, investors, and anyone with unique income or credit situations. Based in California, Kristy provides personalized guidance to help you qualify with confidence—even when others say no.

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hat Are Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) Loans?

Non-QM loans, or Non-Qualified Mortgage loans, are designed for borrowers who don’t meet the strict documentation or income requirements of conventional mortgage programs. These loans are not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but they are fully regulated and offer flexibility for those with non-traditional income, complex finances, or past credit challenges. With over 20 years of mortgage experience, Kristy Gannon helps California buyers explore Non-QM options that align with their goals and financial realities.

Who Can Benefit from a Non-QM Loan?

Non-QM loans are ideal for self-employed individuals, small business owners, real estate investors, gig workers, and those who have experienced credit events such as a bankruptcy, short sale, or foreclosure. If your tax returns don’t reflect your actual income, or you have complex financials that make traditional loan approval difficult, Kristy Gannon can help you secure a Non-QM loan that works with your unique circumstances.

How Do Non-QM Loans Work?

Unlike traditional mortgage loans, Non-QM loans offer greater flexibility in how income is verified and how borrower qualifications are evaluated. Instead of relying on W-2s or tax returns, these loans may use bank statements, 1099s, profit and loss statements, or asset depletion to verify income. Kristy Gannon will help you understand the best documentation method based on your financial profile, guiding you through the application process with clarity and care.

What Types of Non-QM Loans Are Available?

There are several Non-QM mortgage products available depending on your needs. Common types include Bank Statement Loans for self-employed borrowers, DSCR Loans for real estate investors based on property cash flow, and Asset-Based Loans where liquid assets are used to qualify. Kristy Gannon will help identify the right Non-QM loan option that reflects your income reality and supports your property goals in California.

What Are the Benefits of a Non-QM Loan?

Non-Qualified Mortgage loans provide the flexibility to qualify based on real-world finances. They allow you to apply using alternative income verification methods, accommodate lower credit scores or credit events, and offer options for investment properties or unique income situations. With Kristy’s expert support, you can move forward confidently—even when traditional lending options aren’t available.

Is a Non-QM Loan Right for You?

If you’ve been denied by traditional lenders or have income that doesn’t fit neatly into tax returns, a Non-QM loan may be the key to unlocking homeownership or expanding your investment portfolio. Whether you’re self-employed, recovering from past credit issues, or just need a more flexible path, Kristy Gannon will take the time to review your full financial picture and match you with a mortgage that works for your lifestyle.

Why Choose Kristy Gannon for Your Non-QM Loan?

Navigating Non-QM mortgage solutions requires experience and insight—and that’s where Kristy Gannon shines. With over two decades in the mortgage industry, she specializes in helping non-traditional borrowers succeed where others struggle. Based in California, Kristy takes a personal approach to each client, offering custom strategies, transparent communication, and solutions that make homeownership possible—even when others say no.

Non-QM Mortgage FAQs

From first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, we offer a wide range of Home Loan and Mortgage solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Discover competitive rates, flexible terms, and expert support to help you achieve your homeownership goals.

What is a Non-QM loan, and how does it differ from a traditional mortgage?

A Non-QM loan is a mortgage that does not meet the standard guidelines for a qualified mortgage set by government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Unlike traditional mortgages that require W-2 income verification and strict debt-to-income limits, Non-QM loans allow alternative income documentation and more flexible underwriting guidelines.

Yes, Non-QM loans are fully regulated and follow all federal lending laws. They are simply designed for borrowers who don’t meet conventional underwriting standards.

Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers often benefit from bank statement loans or 1099-only loans—both of which are common Non-QM options. Kristy will guide you to the right program based on your income documentation.

These loans use 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements to verify income instead of tax returns. They’re ideal for business owners and freelancers with fluctuating income.

Many Non-QM lenders accept credit scores as low as 600, though higher scores may offer better terms. Kristy will help you evaluate your credit and match you with the best-fit lender.

Rates and fees can be slightly higher than traditional loans, but the flexibility and access they provide often outweigh the difference—especially if conventional loans aren’t an option.

Non-QM loans typically close in 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the program and how quickly documentation is provided. Kristy’s hands-on approach helps keep everything on track for a smooth closing.

Many Non-QM lenders accept credit scores as low as 600, though higher scores may offer better terms. Kristy will help you evaluate your credit and match you with the best-fit lender.

Yes. Many real estate investors use DSCR loans, a type of Non-QM loan that qualifies based on rental income rather than personal income. Kristy can show you how to leverage these for your investment goals.

Non-QM loans are designed for borrowers who may not meet conventional loan requirements. This includes self-employed individuals, business owners, retirees, foreign nationals, real estate investors, and those with significant assets but limited traditional income. Borrowers with recent credit events, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure, may also qualify for a Non-QM loan.

Non-QM loans accept alternative income verification methods, including bank statements, rental income, profit-and-loss statements, asset depletion, and foreign income. Unlike conventional loans, which require tax returns and W-2s, these loans allow borrowers to demonstrate financial stability through other means.

While traditional mortgage programs typically require higher credit scores, Non-QM loans offer more flexibility. Borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 may qualify, depending on other financial factors such as income, assets, and down payment amount. However, a higher credit score may help secure better loan terms and lower interest rates.

Down payment requirements for Non-QM loans vary by lender and loan type. Some Non-QM programs allow down payments as low as 10 percent, while others may require 20 to 30 percent, especially for jumbo Non-QM loans or investment properties. The exact amount depends on factors such as credit score, loan amount, and income verification method.

Yes, Non-QM loans are an excellent option for real estate investors. Programs such as Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans allow investors to qualify based on the rental income of the property rather than their personal income. This makes it easier for investors to secure financing for multiple properties.

Since Non-QM loans carry more risk for lenders due to flexible qualification requirements, interest rates may be slightly higher than conventional loans. However, competitive rates are available for borrowers with strong financial profiles, high credit scores, or large down payments. Shopping around and working with an experienced lender can help secure the best available rate.

Yes, Non-QM loans can be refinanced. Borrowers may choose to refinance into another Non-QM loan or transition into a conventional mortgage if they meet qualification requirements in the future. Refinancing can be used to secure better loan terms, reduce interest rates, or access home equity through a cash-out refinance.

Bank statement loans allow self-employed borrowers to qualify for a mortgage using 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns. Lenders analyze average monthly deposits to determine income, making it easier for business owners and freelancers to qualify without W-2s or pay stubs.

Yes, Non-QM loans provide financing options for borrowers with recent credit challenges. While traditional lenders may require a waiting period of several years after a bankruptcy or foreclosure, Non-QM lenders may approve loans much sooner, sometimes within one to two years. The exact timeline depends on the loan program, credit score, and other financial factors.

No, Non-QM loans can be used for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. Unlike conventional mortgage programs, Non-QM loans offer greater flexibility, allowing borrowers to secure financing for a variety of real estate needs, including short-term rental properties and multi-unit investment homes.

The timeline for closing a Non-QM loan varies based on the lender and loan complexity. While traditional mortgage loans typically take 30 to 45 days to close, Non-QM loans may take a similar amount of time or slightly longer, depending on documentation requirements and the borrower’s financial profile.

If you don’t qualify for a Non-QM loan, there are other mortgage options to explore. Some lenders offer portfolio loans or alternative lending programs that provide even greater flexibility. Borrowers may also consider improving their credit score, increasing their savings for a larger down payment, or working with a mortgage specialist to find the best possible financing solution.