Home Loans Built 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.
Run the numbers your way: price a Conventional purchase, compare FHA 3.5% down, or estimate a HELOC for reserves.
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.
Self-employed or 1099? Get approval speed without the scramble: see our Same-Day Approval checklist built for project-based income.
We regularly serve:
Need local pros for bids and timelines? Get Introduced to Builders & Contractors or Architects & Designers.
General contractors & subcontractors
Architects & draftsmen
Interior designers & stagers
Real estate developers & flippers
Construction managers & consultants
Smart Loans for Hands-On Careers
Bank Statement & 1099 Loans
We qualify you using cash flow, not just tax returns. Perfect for LLCs, GCs, and project-based earners. Structure qualifying vs. cash flow side-by-side: target payment and model a payment-relief refi if timing matters during a slow season.
Construction-to-Perm & Rehab Loans
Want to build your own home or flip a property? We offer ground-up and renovation financing options. Price your scope before you swing a hammer: FHA 203(k) Renovation • HomeStyle Renovation • Build-to-Sell ROI • Fix & Flip.
Low Down Payment for Business Owners
Get into your own property with 0–10% down — even if you're still reinvesting into your business. Compare low-down paths in minutes: Conventional 3% • FHA 3.5% • USDA 0% (where eligible).
Why Builders & Designers Work With Stairway
Keep your timeline tight: coordinate with Title & Attorney partners early for draws, permits, and CO milestones.
Model future income to strengthen approvals: run DSCR or project Buy & Hold cash flow for ADUs and rentals.
Plan capital access across projects: Cash-Out Refi vs. HELOC—compare cost and flexibility.
Prefer to sell or hold? Align the loan with your exit: Buy a House (owner-use) or Get Introduced to a listing specialist for resale strategy.
- 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
FAQ's
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.
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
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.”