Loan programs · Asset-Based
When your wealth is the income.
If you're asset-rich but your income is hard to document, an asset-based mortgage qualifies you on what you've built — your savings and investments — instead of a paycheck. Here's how it works in Orange County.
What is an asset-based mortgage?
An asset-based mortgage — also called asset depletion — qualifies you using your liquid assets instead of income. The lender spreads your qualifying assets across the loan term (commonly dividing by 360 months) to calculate a monthly income, so employment and pay stubs aren't required. It's built for retirees and high-net-worth borrowers. Choice Home Mortgage shops the lenders whose asset rules fit your portfolio.
Asset-based loans, explained in 30 seconds.
Asset-rich? Here's the whole idea — quick, clear, and friendly.
Your portfolio does the qualifying.
An asset-based mortgage — often called an asset depletion loan — lets you qualify on your liquid assets rather than a paycheck. Instead of verifying employment, the lender calculates your ability to repay from the value of your bank, brokerage, and (often) retirement accounts. It’s a clean answer for borrowers whose wealth is real but whose reportable income is low.
The mechanics are straightforward: a lender takes your qualifying assets and spreads them across the loan term — a common method divides by 360 months — to produce a monthly qualifying income. Eligible accounts typically include checking, savings, CDs, brokerage holdings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and frequently retirement accounts. Because treatment varies lender to lender, shopping as a broker matters.
Buying an income property and want it to qualify itself? See our DSCR loans. Self-employed with strong deposits instead? A bank statement loan may be the better lane. We’ll tell you which one fits.
Why an asset-based loan works when income is hard to show.
Assets become income
Lenders take your qualifying liquid assets and spread them across the loan term to calculate a monthly income — no employment or pay stubs required.
Divided across the term
A common method divides your eligible assets by 360 months. Substantial savings can translate into a sizable qualifying income on paper.
Built for retirees & high-net-worth
Ideal for retirees, business owners, and high-net-worth borrowers with strong portfolios but low reportable income.
Eligible accounts
Checking, savings, CDs, brokerage, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and often retirement accounts can count toward qualifying assets.
No income docs needed
Because the loan leans on your assets, traditional income, employment, and debt-to-income verification often aren't required.
An owner who handles the nuance
These files reward precision. Owner Esther Buede structures your asset picture so it's presented to the right lender correctly.
Asset-based mortgage questions, answered.
What is an asset-based mortgage?
An asset-based mortgage — also called an asset depletion loan — lets you qualify using your liquid assets instead of income. Rather than verifying a paycheck, the lender calculates your ability to repay from the value of your bank, brokerage, and (often) retirement accounts. Employment and income aren't the deciding factor.
How is my income calculated from assets?
A common approach divides your total qualifying liquid assets by the loan term — frequently 360 months — to produce a monthly qualifying income. For example, sizable savings spread across that term can generate a substantial monthly figure on paper, even with little reportable income.
Who is an asset-based mortgage best for?
Retirees living off a portfolio, high-net-worth individuals, and self-employed borrowers with substantial liquid assets but low reportable income. If your wealth is real but your tax return doesn't show steady earnings, this program is built for exactly that gap.
What kinds of assets count?
Qualifying accounts commonly include checking, savings, CDs, brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and many programs also count retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s. The exact treatment and any discounting varies by lender — which is where shopping multiple lenders helps.
Do I need to prove income or employment?
Generally no. The defining feature of an asset-based loan is that it doesn't rely on traditional income, employment, or debt-to-income verification. Your qualifying assets carry the loan instead. Credit and reserve expectations still apply and vary by program.
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Let your assets do the talking.
One call with the owner — no queue, no pressure. Bring a picture of your accounts and we'll tell you honestly what they qualify you for and which lender fits.