Self-employed mortgage refinancing
Jul 7 – Oct 17, 2026Updated Oct 17, 2026
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
Rocket Mortgage has a clear lead for self-employed mortgage refinancing, with guidance and bank-statement options for qualifying borrowers.
It depends
For switching from a variable to a fixed rate, First National Bank of America is recommended most for refinancing rates.
Which brands AI mentions
Guidance, bank-statement options, and digital applications for self-employed borrowers.
Streamlined online applications and competitive rates for self-employed refinancing.
Bank-statement loans and loan variety for borrowers with complex income.
Alternative documentation and flexible underwriting for self-employed borrowers with complex finances.
Bank-statement and DSCR loans among its options for self-employed borrowers.
Mentioned in
ChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode
Widest split: First National Bank of America, 0% on ChatGPT and 70% on Google AI Mode.
- #1tiedRocket MortgageChatGPT 76%Google AI Mode 45%
- #1tiedNew American FundingChatGPT 29%Google AI Mode 70%
- #1tiedCrossCountry MortgageChatGPT 24%Google AI Mode 70%
- #4tiedFirst National Bank of AmericaChatGPT 0%Google AI Mode 70%
- #4tiedGuild MortgageChatGPT 5%Google AI Mode 65%
Questions and answers
ChatGPTOct 8, 2026
Yes. I checked current October 2026 pricing and lender programs. The important point is that the best lender for a self-employed borrower depends heavily on whether you qualify using tax returns or need bank-statement/non-QM underwriting.
Current market
As of October 8, 2026, the national average for a 30-year fixed refinance is about 7.57%. Bankrate's current marketplace shows top advertised offers around 6.62%–6.99%, but those rates assume a relatively strong borrower profile and can require substantial points.
For example, Bankrate currently shows:
Lender 30-year refi rate APR Points Sage Home Loans 6.623% 6.848% 1.887 Tomo Mortgage 6.750% 6.928% 1.17 loanDepot 6.990% 7.207% 1.705 These are marketplace offers, not guaranteed self-employed quotes.
My shortlist for a self-employed borrower
1. Sage Home Loans — best place to check for conventional pricing
Sage is particularly interesting if your tax returns can support the loan. It's headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, offers refinances, and its current marketplace rate is the lowest of the lenders I found.
2. NASB — one of my first calls if tax returns understate your income
NASB specifically offers bank-statement refinance loans for self-employed borrowers, using 12 or 24 months of personal/business deposits rather than traditional tax returns. It also offers a 1099 program. Its published guidelines include a 700 minimum FICO for its bank-statement program and up to 90% LTV in qualifying cases.
NASB self-employed mortgage options
3. Griffin Funding — especially worth pricing if you need bank-statement underwriting
Griffin offers bank-statement rate-and-term refinancing and specifically serves self-employed borrowers. It uses 12–24 months of bank statements and offers fixed-rate options. Its South Carolina program explicitly includes refinance transactions.
Griffin Funding bank-statement loans
One caution: Griffin's published bank-statement examples currently show rates around 6.50%–6.875%, but those examples are accompanied by 2.625–3.50 points, so don't compare the headline rate without comparing APR and total closing costs.
4. New American Funding — good alternative for complex self-employment income
New American Funding offers non-QM options using bank statements and other alternative documentation. Its published guidance says programs can use 12–24 months of business/personal statements and, in some cases, a one-year P&L.
New American Funding self-employed mortgage options
The big decision for you
If your tax returns show enough income, I'd try conventional first. Fannie Mae's current rules specifically allow self-employed income to be evaluated through a documented cash-flow analysis, so being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you need a more expensive bank-statement loan.
If you've taken substantial business deductions and your taxable income looks artificially low, I'd get simultaneous quotes from NASB + Griffin + New American Funding for a bank-statement refinance. Bank-statement loans are normally more expensive than conventional mortgages, so you want to establish whether the underwriting flexibility is actually worth the higher rate/cost. NASB explicitly notes that its bank-statement rates are generally higher than conventional rates.
Also, switching from your ARM to fixed doesn't necessarily mean your payment will immediately fall—you're buying payment certainty and protection against future rate increases. loanDepot specifically notes that an ARM-to-fixed refinance can result in a higher rate/payment while eliminating future rate uncertainty.
I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 lenders for your situation
If you give me these 6 numbers, I can compare the likely conventional vs. bank-statement route and calculate your refinance break-even:
- Current mortgage balance
- Current interest rate
- Years remaining on the mortgage
- Approximate home value
- Credit score
- Approximate annual taxable income vs. annual gross business income/deposits
Also tell me whether this is your primary residence, second home, or investment property.
Sources cited in this answer12
- bankrate.com30-Year Refinance Rates | Compare rates today | Bankrate.com
- bankrate.comBest Mortgage Refinance Lenders in 2026 | Bankrate
- sagehomeloans.comSage Home Loans
- sagehomeloans.comSage Home Loans | Refinance
- nasb.comBank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers | NASB Home Loans
- nasb.comSelf-Employed Mortgage Loans | Bank Statement, 1099 & P&L Loans | NASB
Google AI ModeSep 21, 2026
Switching from a variable (adjustable) rate mortgage to a stable fixed-rate mortgage is a smart move if you want to lock in predictability. However, for self-employed individuals, the "best" refinancing rate often depends heavily on how you document your income (traditional tax returns vs. 1099/bank statements).
Because self-employed borrowers face extra scrutiny regarding write-offs and fluctuating revenue, top lenders are categorized below by their strengths for this specific borrower profile:
Top Refinancing Lenders for Self-Employed Borrowers
- New American Funding
- Best For: Overall flexibility and specialized programs. They feature alternative documentation paths (Non-QM options) that accommodate fluctuating or non-traditional incomes, making it easier if your tax returns show heavy write-offs.
- Guild Mortgage
- Best For: Niche loan variety. They excel in providing alternative documentation options like bank statement loans (using 12 to 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns to prove cash flow).
- CrossCountry Mortgage
- Best For: Speed and accommodating complex files. They have a strong reputation for manual underwriting capabilities, which helps self-employed applicants whose business structures don't fit standard automated bank algorithms.
- Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
- Best For: Personalized guidance. They offer a wide variety of refinance products and specialized loan officers experienced in untangling self-employed tax documents and schedules.
- Local and Regional Credit Unions (e.g., PenFed Credit Union)
- Best For: Relationship-based pricing and lower fees. Credit unions are often more willing to manually review a member's multi-year business stability rather than relying purely on rigid automated underwriting systems.
Key Strategy for Self-Employed Refinancing
- If your taxable income is high (clean tax returns): You can qualify for standard conventional fixed-rate refinances through major volume lenders like Rocket Mortgage or PNC Bank , which frequently offer competitive market rates.
- If you write off a lot of expenses: Avoid standard big-box retail banks that rely strictly on line 31 of your Schedule C. Instead, target lenders that offer Bank Statement Refinancing (like Guild or specialized Non-QM lenders) to avoid getting unnecessarily denied or stuck with high rates.
To help narrow down which lender will give you the best deal, tell me:
- Do your tax returns reflect a strong net income, or do you utilize heavy business write-offs?
- What is your approximate credit score range?
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