Non-QM Lending · CrossCountry Mortgage

Non-QM Loan Programs for Borrowers the Traditional Rules Leave Behind

If tax returns, W-2s, or conventional income rules have kept you from a mortgage, you have options. Explore eight flexible non-QM programs with Jimmy Nadeau — serving self-employed buyers, investors, and borrowers across Orlando & Central Florida.

🏆#1 retail mortgage lender in non-QM$3.48 billion in non-QM volume — Scotsman Guide, 2025
🏠America's #1 Retail Mortgage LenderFinancing 1 in 30 homes from coast to coast
📈$51B+ originated in 2025131,000+ families served nationwide
5.0 client satisfactionJimmy Nadeau — rated on Experience.com

Not every great borrower has a neat, conventional income story. If you're self-employed, an investor, a retiree, or living abroad, non-QM loans use the real signals of your financial strength — deposits, assets, cash flow, and employment — instead of box-ticking tax returns.

What Is a Non-QM Loan?

A non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) is a loan that doesn't meet the CFPB's standard “qualified mortgage” rules, usually because it verifies income in a different way or allows a higher debt-to-income ratio. Don't confuse non-QM with the old “subprime” loans — today's non-QM loans are fully documented, tightly underwritten, and carry meaningful consumer protections, including the ability-to-repay requirement.

They exist for one simple reason: you can afford the loan even if your tax returns don't say so.

Eight Non-QM Programs, One Local Expert

Jimmy Nadeau at CrossCountry Mortgage in Winter Park, FL works with borrowers across Orlando and Central Florida — and far beyond. Here's what's on the menu:

Bank Statement Loans

Qualify using 12–24 months of bank deposits — no tax returns needed.

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1099 Loans

Qualify using 1099 income instead of full tax returns.

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P&L Only Loans

Qualify using a professionally prepared profit & loss statement.

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WVOE Only Loans

Qualify using a written verification of employment.

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Asset Qualifier Loans

Qualify using liquid assets instead of income.

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Investor Cash Flow (DSCR)

Qualify on a rental property's cash flow — not personal income.

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Foreign National Loans

Finance a U.S. property from abroad — no U.S. credit or SSN required.

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Full Doc Loans

Full documentation with flexibility on DTI, loan amount, and credit history.

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Who Non-QM Loans Are For

Self-employed & business owners

Strong revenue and healthy deposits, but deductions shrink your taxable income.

Independent contractors & gig workers

1099 income that traditional underwriting struggles to count.

Real estate investors

Rental portfolios that cash-flow — even if your personal income is modest.

Retirees & high-net-worth borrowers

Significant assets but little or no “income” on paper.

Foreign nationals

Buying U.S. property without U.S. credit history or a Social Security number.

Borrowers with credit events

A recent bankruptcy, short sale, or foreclosure — with time to heal.

Non-QM Basics at a Glance

Credit scores from ~620 — some programs accept lower
Down payments from 10–20% — varies by program
DTI up to 50% or more — beyond the QM 43% cap
Loan amounts up to $3M+ — plus jumbo options
Primary, second, & investment homes
Purchases & refinances — including cash-out

Heads up: Non-QM rates and costs are typically higher than conventional loans because of the added flexibility and risk. The trade-off is qualifying when you otherwise couldn't. Jimmy will walk you through the real numbers.

Why Borrowers Work With Jimmy

Jimmy Nadeau is a Senior Loan Officer with CrossCountry Mortgage — America's #1 Retail Mortgage Lender and the #1 retail mortgage lender in non-QM volume ($3.48B, Scotsman Guide 2025). That scale means access to programs most loan officers can't offer, and a local Winter Park advisor who picks up the phone.

Non-QM Loans — Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions borrowers ask most. Your loan officer is always your best resource for your specific situation.

What is a non-QM loan?
A non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) is a home loan that doesn't fit the rigid income-documentation and debt-to-income rules of a standard “qualified mortgage.” Non-QM loans are fully underwritten, regulated loans — they simply use alternative ways to verify your ability to repay, such as bank deposits, 1099s, a P&L statement, or your assets.
What's the difference between a QM and a non-QM loan?
A qualified mortgage follows the CFPB's ability-to-repay standards to the letter — typically W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, and a 43% debt-to-income cap. A non-QM loan uses alternative documentation and can accept higher DTI, so self-employed, investor, and asset-rich borrowers who look “unconventional” on paper can still qualify.
Do non-QM loans require a larger down payment?
Down payments for non-QM loans are typically higher than conventional — commonly 10–20% — depending on the program, your credit, and the property type. That said, many non-QM programs allow gifted funds, business funds, or cross-collateralization.
What credit score do I need for a non-QM loan?
Many non-QM programs start around a 620 credit score, and some go lower depending on the program and other strengths in your file. Jimmy can review your full picture and match you to the right program.
Are non-QM loans only for self-employed borrowers?
No. Self-employed borrowers are a big segment, but non-QM loans also serve investors, retirees, foreign nationals, borrowers with a recent credit event, and people with complex or seasonal income.
Can I refinance with a non-QM loan?
Yes. Non-QM programs cover purchases and refinances, including rate-and-term and cash-out refinances for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.

Not Sure Which Program Fits?

Jimmy will review your situation and point you to the right non-QM loan — no jargon, no pressure.

Jimmy.Nadeau@ccm.com
147 E Lyman Avenue, Suite D & C-1, Winter Park, FL 32789

Your Local Loan Officer

Jimmy Nadeau Senior Loan Officer

CrossCountry Mortgage · Branch #3982 · Winter Park, FL

147 E Lyman Avenue, Suite D & C-1, Winter Park, FL 32789

NMLS #2102442

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC · NMLS #1444822 · Equal Housing Lender

This page is for informational purposes and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, guidelines, rates, and terms vary and are subject to change. Your rate may vary. Terms apply.