I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. I’ve been in California mortgage lending since 2000 and founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. San Francisco self-employed buyers with complex income are a regular part of my practice — I move fast because the SF market demands it. Call (800) 239-1103.
San Francisco is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world — and it’s also home to a disproportionate share of self-employed professionals, startup founders, tech contractors, freelancers, and consultants. The combination of high home prices and complex income structures makes non-QM mortgage expertise essential in this market. Most retail banks will reject a self-employed SF buyer outright; I have access to the programs that work.
San Francisco Mortgage Realities for Self-Employed Buyers
The median home price in San Francisco routinely exceeds $1.2 million. Competitive offers in desirable neighborhoods — Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, the Mission, Cole Valley, Glen Park — often start at $1.5 million or more. This means most SF purchases require jumbo financing, and conventional jumbo lenders scrutinize self-employed income aggressively. A founder who took modest salary through a startup for three years, or a consultant who writes off half their revenue, or a tech contractor who works through an LLC — all face conventional qualification challenges even with strong cash flow. Non-QM bank statement lenders operate outside those constraints and regularly fund SF purchases at $1.5M, $2M, $3M and above using actual deposit history rather than taxable income.
Self-Employed Mortgage Options for SF Buyers
A bank statement loan is the most common path for SF-based business owners, startup founders, and consultants. The lender averages 12 or 24 months of business or personal bank deposits — no tax returns reviewed. Loan amounts to $3 million or more with select lenders. A 1099 loan works for SF-based contractors, agents, and gig workers whose income is documented on 1099s — it qualifies on gross 1099 earnings before deductions, common for tech contractors working with SF startups and established companies. A P&L only loan uses a CPA-prepared profit and loss statement without bank statements or tax returns — clean and efficient for business owners with organized books. Asset depletion converts portfolio value into qualifying income — ideal for high-net-worth SF buyers with significant investment portfolios and relatively modest current income needs.
SF Condo Considerations
San Francisco has a high concentration of condo purchases, and condo financing carries additional complexity — including Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Full Review requirements for 11+ unit buildings and SB 326 balcony inspection requirements. Ask me about your specific building before assuming it’s financeable. Some SF condos that appear straightforward have warrantability issues that require non-QM or portfolio financing. Current SF condo mortgage rules.
Frequently Asked Questions — Self-Employed Mortgage San Francisco
Can I get a mortgage in San Francisco if my tax returns show low income?
Yes — with the right loan program. If your bank statements show strong monthly deposits but your tax returns reflect significant write-offs, a bank statement loan qualifies you on actual cash flow rather than taxable income. If you’re a 1099 contractor, a 1099 loan qualifies on gross earnings before deductions. If you have a CPA-maintained P&L, a P&L loan may be even simpler. These are legitimate loan programs used regularly in the SF market — not workarounds or risky products. The rates are slightly higher than conventional but competitive for the loan size and borrower profile.
How fast can I get pre-approved for a self-employed SF mortgage?
24–48 hours once your documents are in hand. I work on accelerated pre-approval timelines because the SF market moves fast and sellers favor buyers with strong, documented pre-approvals. For a bank statement loan, you’ll need 12 or 24 months of bank statements, 2 years of business registration/CPA letter, and standard purchase documentation. I review everything same-day and can issue a pre-approval letter that clearly states the program and loan amount — written to give listing agents confidence in your financing.
What down payment do I need for a self-employed mortgage in San Francisco?
For bank statement and non-QM jumbo loans in San Francisco, typical down payment requirements are 10–20% depending on loan amount and program. At the $1.5M–$2M purchase price range, 10% down options exist with the right credit score and cash reserves. At $2M–$3M+, most programs require 20–25% down. Reserve requirements are typically 6–12 months of PITI, which lenders want to see in liquid or near-liquid accounts. I review your complete financial picture — deposits, reserves, credit — and identify the program that requires the least cash while still closing at your target price.
Related: Self-employed mortgage hub | San Francisco mortgage hub | Bay Area bank statement loans
Talk to Michael Directly
DiVita Home Finance | Tiburon, CA | In lending since 2000, founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. Michael DiVita DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655. Company DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700.
💬 Text: (310) 849-9124
