Draft — unreviewed sample, not for publication. Pending named-byline and licensed-LO review.
The Bank Statement Loan Playbook
Qualifying on deposits instead of tax returns: 12 vs 24-month programs, expense ratios, and how underwriters turn your statements into usable income.
· 1 min read
Outline — pending named byline + LO review. Section scaffolding below; prose to be written.
Who this is for
- Self-employed borrowers whose tax returns understate real cash flow
- Business owners with strong deposits but heavy write-offs
How the income is computed
- 12-month vs 24-month statement programs — when each wins
- Personal vs business statements
- Expense ratio / expense factor: how underwriters haircut deposits
- Transfers, one-time deposits, and what gets excluded
Scenario examples
- [Service business owner, 24-month personal statements]
- [Established LLC, business statements, fixed expense factor]
Qualification matrix
| Program | Months | Typical max LTV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal statements | 12 / 24 | — | Fill from current lender matrices |
| Business statements | 12 / 24 | — | Expense factor applies |
What typically goes wrong
Indicative rate range
Add rateRange + asOfDate to frontmatter once LO-reviewed.
Related reading
- The P&L-Only Playbook — when a CPA letter beats statements
- The DSCR Playbook — when the property can carry the file instead
Estimates only. Actual rates, terms, and approval subject to lender underwriting, appraisal, and qualifying criteria.
We are currently licensed to originate in Texas. For other states this page is educational only and is not an offer to lend.