“I didn’t think
it was possible.”
That’s what business owners tell us — usually after a lender looked at their tax return and said no. The number they were judged on isn’t the number their business actually earns.
— the words our clients keep using, for eighteen years
Good accounting makes you look poor on paper
Every deduction you take is money you legitimately keep in the business. Equipment, vehicles, premises, staff, depreciation — all of it doing exactly what it should.
It also shrinks the one number a traditional lender looks at. Underwriting leans heavily on taxable income, and for a business owner that figure often bears little resemblance to the cash actually moving through the business.
So the better your accountant, the worse you can look to a mortgage desk. That is the whole problem — and it is a documentation problem, not a you problem.
Illustrative only. Every business is different, and no figures here represent any particular borrower, program or outcome.
Some programs look at your bank statements, not just your tax return
Depending on the program and your eligibility, alternative documentation may be used to evaluate income. Which documents apply, and whether you qualify, is confirmed by the lending partner — not assumed here.
Documentation that fits how you earn
Bank statements or other qualifying documentation may be considered instead of relying on tax-return calculations alone.
Down payments from around 3.5–5%
Options in that range may be available to eligible borrowers, subject to program guidelines. Not a guarantee of approval or terms.
An answer before you dig out paperwork
A specialist reviews your situation first and tells you exactly what the applicable program needs. No weekend spent scanning documents on spec.
Eighteen years of five-star reviews
Pulled live from Google, not selected by us. We opened in 2008, while other brokerages were closing — the founder-broker still runs the firm.
No state income tax, and less down than you think
Under a minute on why Florida works in your favour, and what may be available to eligible business owners.
Not ready to talk? Read it first.
Our mortgage guide answers the twelve questions business owners ask most — approval, documentation, down payments, and what happens at each stage. Straight to your inbox.
- 12 financing questions, answered plainly
- Read it on your own time, no call needed
- Free — we just need somewhere to send it
12 Essential Mortgage FAQs · PDF · free
The questions everyone asks first
Program details vary by lender and circumstance. Everything below is general information, not a commitment to lend.
Do I need two years in business?+
Do I need two years in business?
Many programs look for roughly two years of operating history, but it varies by lender and program. Established businesses tend to be the best fit. A specialist can tell you where your situation sits.
Are tax returns always required?+
Are tax returns always required?
It depends on the program. Some may evaluate income using alternative documentation rather than relying on tax-return calculations alone. Whether returns are required, conditionally required, or simply not the primary calculation is confirmed by the lending partner for your situation.
What documents may be used instead?+
What documents may be used instead?
Depending on eligibility, programs may consider bank statements or other qualifying documentation. The exact list, and the period it needs to cover, comes from the lending partner before you submit anything.
What types of businesses can qualify?+
What types of businesses can qualify?
Self-employed professionals, 1099 earners, LLC and S-Corp owners, contractors and service businesses are all common. Eligibility depends on the individual profile and the program, not on the industry alone.
Is 3.5%–5% down available to everyone?+
Is 3.5%–5% down available to everyone?
No. That range reflects options that may be available to eligible borrowers under the applicable program. Your down payment depends on the program, your profile and lender guidelines. Nothing here is a guarantee of approval or of any particular terms.
Does the first enquiry affect my credit?+
Does the first enquiry affect my credit?
[LENDER TO CONFIRM before launch — the content guide flags “no impact to credit score” as a claim that must be verified as accurate at the enquiry stage. Do not publish this answer until the lending partner confirms the wording.]
What property and occupancy types are eligible?+
What property and occupancy types are eligible?
[LENDER TO CONFIRM before launch — permitted property and occupancy types are on the pre-launch approval checklist and must come from the lending partner.]
What Florida areas are covered?+
What Florida areas are covered?
U.S. Prime Realty serves clients across Florida from four offices — Naples, Cape Coral, Miami / Hallandale Beach and Orlando. Lending eligibility by state and area is confirmed by the lending partner.
How quickly will someone contact me?+
How quickly will someone contact me?
You’ll get an immediate confirmation by email and text, and a specialist follows up. If you’d rather not wait, call or text 239-513-0011.
Want the long version?
We wrote the full guide for Florida business owners — the same ground this page covers, in far more depth. No form, no email, just the article.
- Why tax deductions can affect mortgage qualification
- Whether 3.5% down is realistic for a business owner
- What documents might be needed, and how the process works
Find out whether it’s possible for you.
Two ways in. Both quick, and neither commits you to anything.
or call/text 239-513-0011
Check My Options
Name, phone and email — that’s all we need.