Self-employed mortgage requirements in California: about 2 years of self-employment (some programs less), income proof via tax returns, bank statements, a CPA P&L, or 1099s, a credit score generally in the mid-600s+, roughly 10–20% down, and some cash reserves.
Income documentation
Choose the path that counts the most income: 2 years of tax returns (conventional), 12–24 months of bank statements, a CPA-prepared P&L, or 1099s.
Self-employment history
Two years is standard. Some lenders accept 12–24 months, or a shorter time self-employed if you were in the same line of work as an employee first. See self-employed less than 2 years.
Credit, down payment, reserves
Expect a mid-600s+ score (higher = better pricing), 10–20% down depending on program, and often 3–12 months of reserves for non-QM programs.
Frequently asked questions
How many years self-employed do I need to get a mortgage?
Usually two, but some programs accept less than two years with compensating factors such as prior experience in the same field.
What's the minimum credit score for a self-employed mortgage?
Generally mid-600s for alternative-documentation programs and 620+ for conventional, though requirements vary by lender.
How much down payment is required?
Commonly 10–20% depending on the program, credit, and property type.