Asset Depletion Mortgage East Bay | Qualifying on Investments Without Earned Income

The East Bay is home to a large population of tech executives, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals who have accumulated substantial investment portfolios but may show limited earned income on paper. For these borrowers — particularly those approaching or in retirement — an asset depletion mortgage provides a path to home purchase or refinance that standard income documentation cannot.

Asset Depletion in a High-Cost Market

With Alameda County’s 2026 conforming limit at $1,209,750 and median home prices in many East Bay communities well above $1M, loan amounts are substantial. Asset depletion allows a borrower with $2–5M in investment assets to qualify for a jumbo mortgage without showing employment income — critical for retirees, tech professionals between jobs, or business owners who retain earnings in corporate accounts.

How It Works in Practice

A lender divides your eligible assets by the loan term (typically 360 months for a 30-year loan) to arrive at a monthly income figure. A borrower with $3.6M in eligible assets would have $10,000/month in qualifying income under this formula. Combined with Social Security, rental income, or pension, the qualifying picture often becomes much stronger.

Eligible Assets

• Checking, savings, and brokerage accounts — typically 100% of value
• 401(k), IRA, and other retirement accounts — typically 60–70% for borrowers under 59½; higher for those over 59½
• Vested RSUs and stock options (documented)
• Proceeds from business sale or real estate sale

East Bay Markets We Serve

Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, San Leandro, Fremont, Union City, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Dublin, and throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to liquidate assets to qualify?

No. Asset depletion is a calculation methodology. Your assets simply need to be documented (statements, brokerage records). No liquidation is required to use this program.

Can a retiree in Oakland use asset depletion to buy a home?

Yes — this is one of the primary use cases. A retiree with Social Security, a pension, and $2M in investment accounts can combine all three income sources to qualify for a significantly larger loan than Social Security alone would support.