Home Loans for the Hands That Heal and the Minds That Lead

Whether you're in residency, fellowship, or private practice — we understand your unique financial journey and build lending strategies around your career trajectory.

We Understand Your Profession

Between demanding schedules, student loan debt, and irregular income during training — most lenders just don’t “get it.” But we do.

We help medical professionals who are:

  • In residency or fellowship with limited income
  • Burdened by student loans
  • Self-employed with private practice
  • Using bonuses or future contracts to qualify
  • Seeking 0–5% down with no PMI

     

Tailored Lending Strategies

Mortgage Products That Work for You

Doctor Loan Programs

  • Low or no down payment
  • No private mortgage insurance
  • Flexible treatment of student debt
  • Future income considered

Conventional & Jumbo Loans

  • Competitive rates for high-income earners
  • Designed for physicians buying above conforming limits

Private Practice or 1099 Options

  • Bank statement or asset-based loans
  • No tax return options available

Why Medical Professionals Choose Stairway

Our White-Glove Lending Process

“My resident salary didn’t reflect my future income. Stairway looked at the whole picture and got me into my dream home — before I even started practicing.”

 — Dr. Amara L., OB-GYN

Can I qualify if I just matched for residency?
Yes — many of our doctor loan programs allow for offer letters or match contracts to be used as income.
What if my student loans are in deferment?
No problem. We work with programs that either exclude or reduce the impact of your student loans.
I’m self-employed in private practice — can I still get a good loan?
Absolutely. We offer no-tax-return options, bank statement loans, and smart qualification strategies.
Can I qualify if I’m still in medical school or fellowship?
Yes — certain loan programs are designed specifically for medical professionals in training with future income potential.
Are there loans with no down payment required for doctors?
Absolutely — we offer physician loan options that require little to no money down and no PMI.
What if I have limited credit history due to schooling?
We get it — and we work with lenders who understand your unique situation and offer flexible credit guidelines.

Meet Jim Blackburn

Physician & Healthcare Lending Specialist | Founder, Stairway Mortgage

You’ve invested in healing others. Now it’s our turn to help you build the life you’ve earned — with lending solutions that match your pace, potential, and profession.

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. 

100% Client Satisfaction

Real Comments, Real People

Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder

Johnny Blan

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
Dayana Ruiz

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
Dennis Nikolaev

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