Financing the Foundations of Visionaries: Home Loans for Builders, Architects & Designers
You bring visions to life. We help bring yours home — with mortgage solutions designed for self-employed pros, project-based income, and big-picture thinkers.
You Build for Others — We Build for You
As a builder, GC, designer, or architect, your income is anything but traditional. You might invoice per project, have seasonal swings, or operate under an S-corp or LLC. We help structure your mortgage around all of that.
We regularly serve:
- General contractors & subcontractors
- Architects & draftsmen
- Interior designers & stagers
- Real estate developers & flipper
- Construction managers & consultants
Mortgage Options for Industry Professionals
Smart Loans for Hands-On Careers
Why Builders & Designers Work With Stairway
Practical Lending for Visionaries
- Flexible income documentation: 1099, bank statements, or P&Ls
- Experience with construction timelines and inspection schedules
- Lending for mixed-use, ADU, and income-generating properties
- Options for land, flip, and build-to-rent professionals
- Speak directly to a loan expert who’s worked with builders before
“I design high-end homes and didn’t think I could qualify due to my fluctuating income. Jim’s team showed me how to use my deposits to qualify — and I was in contract two weeks later.”
— Darren B., Interior Designer & Studio Owner
I have multiple streams of income — can you work with that?
Yes. We often blend bank statements, business deposits, and P&Ls to support complex income profiles.
What if I want to build my own home?
We offer construction-to-permanent loans and even rehab financing for builder-owners and investors.
Can I qualify if I take a low salary and reinvest into my business?
Absolutely. We can qualify you off gross revenue or net cash flow — not just what’s on your W-2.
Can I get financing for a property held in an LLC or trust?
Yes — we offer options for title vesting in LLCs, trusts, or business entities, with lending flexibility to match.
What if I’m flipping properties or doing short-term rentals?
We have investor-friendly loans with flexible terms, fast closings, and no traditional income verification required.
Can I qualify if I use a CPA to minimize my taxable income?
Definitely — we understand how business deductions work and use alternative documentation to show true earning power.
Meet Jim Blackburn
Builder-Friendly Mortgage Strategist | Founder, Stairway Mortgage
Builders and designers aren’t 9–5ers — your income is layered, your risk is calculated, and your vision is long-term. I design mortgage plans the same way you build: with detail, strategy, and purpose
Don't Risk Losing The House Because You Weren't Prepared.
Winning offers are planned in advance, losing offers just failed to plan.
Beginning your preapproval process 60-90 days before looking at homes is the smart way to go.Â
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
First-time home purchase and refinance with fast closing
Great customer service! We were living in California for 20+ years, and every year our rent went up, so we decided to move to Virginia and get our own house. Jim helped us with our very first home mortgage and constantly updated us with the lowering rates. After we were presented with different options, we decided to do a refi, and his team made it possible for us to grab the opportunity to shorten our term from 30 to 15 years at a much lower rate. In just around three weeks we were able to close. Me and my family will definitely recommend them!
Johnny Blan - via Facebook
Retired Investor -
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
Guidance through the purchase process with clear explanations
They worked with me on the purchase process. Their knowledge helped me to choose the option that was most convenient. From the beginning they explained the process. Thanks Jim!
Dayana Ruiz - via Facebook
Mortgage Loan Originator Columbus Capital Lending -
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
Investor-friendly lender who goes the extra mile
I'm an RE investor. Had multiple loan officers but one really stands out – JIM BLACKBURN. Now, he is working on a third deal with me. He does go the extra mile. A few examples from the past: I have tons of properties and live in China with unique income (he made it work!). He called me in China at 1 AM to get information to close the deal. He is super efficient with collecting the right documents upfront to avoid a lot of back and forth later with processors. You can't go wrong with Jim.
Dennis Nikolaev - Facebook
Studio Leader at APCE Dennis Studio -
CHINA
CHINA
