Non-QM Mortgage Guide: North Carolina 2026
Complete guide to Non-QM mortgages in North Carolina. Compare DSCR, bank statement, asset depletion, and 1099 loan programs from 55+ licensed lenders.
NonQM Lending Team
Expert Contributor
The Complete Non-QM Mortgage Guide for North Carolina Borrowers: 2026
Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans have transformed how North Carolina borrowers access homeownership and investment financing. If traditional lenders have turned you down because of self-employment income, credit history, or unconventional financial circumstances, Non-QM programs provide proven alternatives backed by 55+ licensed lenders across North Carolina.
This guide covers every Non-QM loan type available in North Carolina, who qualifies, current rates, and how to choose the right program for your situation.
What Are Non-QM Loans?
Non-QM loans are mortgage products that do not meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Qualified Mortgage standards. This does not mean they are risky or subprime. It means they use alternative methods to verify a borrower's ability to repay, such as bank statements, asset documentation, or property cash flow instead of traditional W-2 income and tax returns.
Non-QM Loan Programs Available in North Carolina
1. Bank Statement Loans **Best for**: Self-employed borrowers, business owners, freelancers
Use 12 or 24 months of bank statements to qualify instead of tax returns. Ideal for North Carolina's large self-employed workforce in banking/finance, technology, and biotech.
- Credit score: 620+ minimum
- Down payment: 10-25%
- Loan amounts: Up to $3M+
- [Learn more about bank statement loans](/programs/bank-statement)
2. DSCR Loans (Investor Cash Flow) **Best for**: Real estate investors, landlords, property portfolio builders
Qualify based on the rental property's income, not your personal income. No employment verification, no tax returns, no W-2s.
- DSCR ratio: 1.0-1.20 minimum
- Down payment: 15-25%
- Property types: SFR, 2-4 units, condos
- [Learn more about DSCR loans](/programs/dscr)
3. Asset Depletion Loans **Best for**: Retirees, high-net-worth individuals, those with significant savings
Qualify using liquid assets (stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, savings) divided over the loan term to create a qualifying income stream.
- Minimum assets: Typically $500,000+
- Down payment: 20-30%
- Loan amounts: Up to $5M+
- [Learn more about asset depletion loans](/programs/asset-depletion)
4. 1099 Income Loans **Best for**: Independent contractors, freelancers, gig economy workers
Use your 1099 tax forms to qualify instead of full tax returns. Simpler documentation for borrowers with consistent contract income.
- 1-2 years of 1099s required
- Credit score: 660+ minimum
- Down payment: 10-20%
5. Foreign National Loans **Best for**: Non-US citizens investing in North Carolina real estate
Available for foreign nationals and non-permanent residents purchasing investment or vacation properties in North Carolina.
- No US credit history required
- Down payment: 25-30%
- Loan amounts: $100K-$3M
6. Recent Credit Event Loans **Best for**: Borrowers recovering from bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale
Programs with shorter seasoning periods (as little as 1 day from discharge) for borrowers rebuilding their credit.
- Credit score: 620+ minimum
- Down payment: 20-30%
- Compensating factors may be required
North Carolina Non-QM Loan Comparison
| Program | Min Credit | Down Payment | Income Proof | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Statement | 620 | 10-25% | Bank deposits | Self-employed |
| DSCR | 620 | 15-25% | Property rent | Investors |
| Asset Depletion | 680 | 20-30% | Liquid assets | Retirees/HNW |
| 1099 Income | 660 | 10-20% | 1099 forms | Contractors |
| Foreign National | None | 25-30% | Foreign docs | Non-US buyers |
| Recent Credit Event | 620 | 20-30% | Varies | Credit recovery |
North Carolina Non-QM Market Overview
North Carolina is the banking capital of the Southeast with a growing tech sector in the Research Triangle and strong rental demand across multiple metros. Key market statistics:
- Median home price: $340,000
- Licensed Non-QM lenders: 55+
- Most popular programs: DSCR loans and bank statement programs
- Average rental yield: Strong across Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham
Case Study: Durham Non-QM Success Story
- Borrower Profile:
- Location: Durham, NC
- Loan Amount: $310,000
- Program: 1099 Income
- Situation: freelance data scientist with $165K in 1099 income
- Result: Approved and closed within 30 days
Traditional lenders declined this borrower because their income documentation did not fit conventional underwriting guidelines. The Non-QM program recognized their true financial strength and provided the financing they needed.
How to Choose the Right Non-QM Program in North Carolina
Follow these steps to find the best Non-QM loan for your situation:
- Identify your income type — W-2, self-employed, investment income, or assets
- Check your credit score — This determines which programs are available and at what rates
- Calculate your down payment — More down payment means better rates and more options
- Determine the property type — Primary residence, investment, or vacation home
- Compare at least 3 lenders — Rates and terms vary significantly between lenders
- Get pre-qualified — A pre-qualification letter strengthens your offer
North Carolina Non-QM Rates: What to Expect in 2026
Non-QM rates in North Carolina typically run 0.50-2.00% higher than conventional rates, depending on the program and borrower profile. Current ranges:
| Program | Rate Range | Factors Affecting Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Statement | 7.25-9.50% | Credit score, LTV, statement period |
| DSCR | 7.25-9.50% | DSCR ratio, credit score, LTV |
| Asset Depletion | 7.00-8.50% | Asset amount, LTV, credit score |
| 1099 Income | 7.50-9.00% | Income stability, credit score |
| Foreign National | 8.00-10.00% | Down payment, property type |
Getting Started with Non-QM Loans in North Carolina
Our network connects you with 55+ licensed Non-QM lenders across North Carolina. Get matched with lenders who specialize in your specific situation.
[Get Pre-Qualified](/get-started) | [Find North Carolina Lenders](/locations/north-carolina) | [Compare All Programs](/programs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Non-QM loans safe in North Carolina? Yes. Non-QM loans in North Carolina are fully regulated mortgage products offered by licensed lenders. They follow all federal and state lending laws, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). The term "Non-QM" simply means they use alternative income verification methods rather than the standard W-2/tax return approach.
What is the minimum credit score for Non-QM loans in North Carolina? Most Non-QM programs in North Carolina require a minimum credit score of 620-660. Asset depletion loans may require 680+. The higher your credit score, the better your rate and terms. Borrowers with 740+ scores typically receive the best available Non-QM rates, often within 0.50-0.75% of conventional rates.
How long does it take to close a Non-QM loan in North Carolina? Non-QM loans in North Carolina typically close in 21-35 days, comparable to conventional loans. DSCR loans often close faster (21-25 days) because they require less documentation. Bank statement and asset depletion loans may take slightly longer (25-35 days) due to the income calculation process.
Can I get a Non-QM loan for a primary residence in North Carolina? Yes. While DSCR loans are limited to investment properties, most other Non-QM programs (bank statement, asset depletion, 1099, recent credit event) are available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties in North Carolina.
Do Non-QM loans have prepayment penalties in North Carolina? Some Non-QM loans in North Carolina include prepayment penalties, typically for the first 1-3 years. Investment property DSCR loans commonly have a 3-year prepayment penalty. Primary residence Non-QM loans may or may not have prepayment penalties depending on the lender and program. Always confirm the prepayment terms before closing.
How do Non-QM rates compare to conventional rates in North Carolina? Non-QM rates in North Carolina are typically 0.50-2.00% higher than conventional mortgage rates. The exact premium depends on the program type, credit score, LTV, and property type. Borrowers with strong credit (740+) and significant down payments (25%+) can often secure Non-QM rates within 0.50-0.75% of conventional rates.
Can I refinance from a Non-QM loan to a conventional loan later? Yes. Many North Carolina borrowers use Non-QM loans as a bridge to conventional financing. Once your income documentation, credit score, or financial situation improves, you can refinance into a conventional loan with potentially lower rates. There is no restriction on refinancing from Non-QM to conventional.
Explore North Carolina Non-QM Resources
North Carolina Location Hub
Visit our [North Carolina Non-QM Lending page](/locations/north-carolina) for a comprehensive overview of Non-QM mortgage options across the state, including lender directories, market statistics, and program comparisons.
North Carolina City Guides
Explore Non-QM lending options in specific North Carolina markets:
- [Charlotte Non-QM Lenders](/locations/north-carolina/charlotte) — Local lender directory, market data, and neighborhood insights
- [Raleigh Non-QM Lenders](/locations/north-carolina/raleigh) — Local lender directory, market data, and neighborhood insights
Related North Carolina Articles
- [Best DSCR Lenders in North Carolina 2026](/blog/best-dscr-lenders-north-carolina-2026)
- [Bank Statement Loans in North Carolina 2026](/blog/bank-statement-loans-north-carolina-2026)
Loan Program Details
- [All Non-QM Loan Programs](/programs) — Browse all available programs
- [Non-QM vs Conventional Loans](/blog/non-qm-vs-conventional-loans) — Side-by-side comparison
- [Get Pre-Approved](/get-started) — Start your application today