Home Loans for Creative Entrepreneurs & Freelancers
You’re self-made. Vision-driven. Multi-talented. We help you own a home — even if your income doesn’t come with a W-2 or a dress code.
Creative Income Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Qualify
Most banks don’t know what to do with your YouTube channel, Etsy store, client invoices, or freelance gigs. We do. We work with creative professionals every day — and know how to structure income that’s outside the box.
We regularly work with:
Designers, photographers, and videographers
Musicians, writers, and performing artists
Freelancers and digital nomads
Influencers, streamers, and online educators
Agency owners and creative directors
Flexible Programs for Dynamic Incomes
Bank Statement & 1099 Loans
No W-2s? No problem. Qualify using 12–24 months of deposits or business P&Ls.
Low Down, No PMI Loans
Creative income doesn’t mean high cost. We help you access competitive rates with minimal cash upfront.
We Support Your Vision — Not Just Your Paperwork
- Understands 1099, Venmo/Stripe/PayPal income
- No judgement on inconsistent paychecks or career pivots
- Strategy-focused loan planning for unconventional earners
- Evening & weekend communication to fit your hustle
- Options for LLC-structured creators & agency founders
“I’m a full-time creator and part-time designer. No bank took me seriously until Stairway. Jim treated me like a professional, not a project.”
— Layla J., YouTube Content Creator
FAQ's
I’m a freelancer with multiple clients — can I qualify?
Absolutely. We use your bank statements or business income reports to show consistency and solvency.
What if I haven’t filed taxes yet this year?
We can work with previous filings, P&L statements, and income trends to support your case.
Can I buy a property that doubles as a studio?
Yes — whether it’s zoned mixed-use or just has a dedicated creative space, we’ll help you finance it smartly.
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
Alexis Kulick - via Faceook
Easy and quick refinance with great rates and expert advice.
I recently refinanced my existing mortgage with Jim and his team, and I was so pleased with how easy and quick the whole process was. Jim and his team were very responsive to my questions, and I feel confident that I got the best rate and shaved 9 years off my mortgage. He is very knowledgeable and helped me determine the best option for myself and my family. Definitely recommend him.
Julian Einfrank - via Facebook
Complex loan scenario handled with expertise and care.
The process went smoothly. Jim Blackburn is a lending saint. He knows the market well and cares about his clients tremendously. The team made it really easy to do business, uploading documents and getting forms signed. Our situation is a bit complex. Rather than turn us away for some added work, they dug in to get it done right. They like the complexity, whereas other lenders don’t want to roll up their sleeves. Highly recommend Jim Blackburn for new loans and refinances!
Elizabeth Torres - via Facebook
Closed in time for Thanksgiving! Jim and his team were amazing, and we got a much better deal than previous lender.
We closed our loan within 19 days. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! Jim and his team are amazing! We initially had gone with a different loan office and the interest rate and down payment was ridiculous. The owner of the company where my husband works referred us to Jim and we are very grateful for that. We had such an amazing experience with Jim and his team! Since our transaction, we’ve been referring Jim to anyone we know that are thinking of purchasing a house.
David Livermore - via Google
Secured financing despite market challenges and self-employment.
Run, don't walk to work with Jim and his team. Jim helped us get financing when it seemed like an impossible feat. It was hard enough to be managing a home purchase 2000 miles away, but add to that an extremely competitive market and being self-employed, and it seemed impossible until Jim's team got involved. Jim was not only responsive; he consistently went above and beyond by making clear recommendations, working his magic, and ensuring that financing wasn’t a barrier for buying our dream house in one of the most competitive markets in the country.
Christina Curva Carrasco - via Facebook
Smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage and refinance process.
Jim and his team are great to work with! We have used Jim twice with our home mortgage. Both times, the process was smooth and uneventful (which is what I wanted). He has kept in touch with us and contacted us when he felt it was the right time for us to refinance! I was amazed at our refinancing process – it took them about a little over two weeks to process all our information and close! I love the new online process of submitting all the information they require – it made it super easy for me to organize and gather all the documents.
Meet Jim Blackburn
Creative Income Specialist | Founder, Stairway Mortgage
“Creative professionals think differently — and so do we. You deserve more than a mortgage… you deserve a plan that supports your dream.”
