Author name: Justin Leach

I’m Justin Leach, a mortgage broker in Santa Barbara. Getting your offer accepted is a great feeling, but it’s the start of escrow, not the finish line. The next few weeks are when your loan is finalized, the home is appraised, and every detail has to line up before you get the keys. If you’ve

I’m Justin Leach, a mortgage broker in Santa Barbara. When you find the right home here, the first thing the listing agent will ask is how you’re paying for it. A strong pre-approval is your answer. It tells the seller your financing has already been reviewed, and it gives you the confidence to negotiate. If

I’m Justin Leach, a mortgage broker in Santa Barbara. Before I went independent, I spent 12 years as a mortgage banker at Wells Fargo. So when a buyer asks me whether they should get their loan through a bank or a broker, I can answer from both sides of the desk. Here’s the short version.

Self-employed in Santa Barbara? A bank statement loan lets you qualify using 12 or 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns. Here’s how it works.

In Santa Barbara County, any loan above $941,850 is a jumbo loan. Here’s what lenders look for and how to qualify in 2026.

Most lenders prefer a credit score of at least 700 for a jumbo loan, although some may allow lower scores depending on the borrower’s income, assets, and down payment. What Is a Jumbo Loan? A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans are

Bank statement loans allow self-employed borrowers to qualify using personal or business bank statements instead of traditional tax returns and W-2s. What Is a Bank Statement Loan? A bank statement loan is a non-QM mortgage designed for borrowers with non-traditional income documentation. Instead of tax returns, lenders evaluate: These loans are commonly used by: Who

Most bank statement loans take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to get approved, depending on your financial documents, lender requirements, and property details. If you’re self-employed and planning to buy a home or investment property, understanding the bank statement loan approval timeline can help you prepare for the mortgage process in 2026.

Most lenders prefer a credit score of at least 620 for a bank statement loan, but stronger scores can help you qualify for better rates, lower down payments, and more flexible loan terms. What Is a Bank Statement Loan? A bank statement loan is a non-QM mortgage designed for borrowers who may not qualify using

Yes, you can buy an investment property with a bank statement loan. These loans allow self-employed borrowers to qualify using bank deposits instead of traditional tax returns. What Is a Bank Statement Loan? A bank statement loan is a non-QM mortgage designed for borrowers who may not qualify using traditional income documentation. Instead of tax