Mortgage Planning for the Masters of the Pitch, the Follow-Up, and the Close
Your life is high-performance, fast-paced, and built on results. We bring the same energy to your mortgage — with solutions that move as fast as you do.
We Understand Your Pay Structure, Schedule, and Goals
You’re commission-based. You work long hours. Your income isn’t always “standard” — and most banks don’t know how to read it. We do.
We specialize in helping:
- W-2 + bonus/commission earners
- 1099 independent reps or consultants
- Sales reps with multiple income sources
- Professionals investing in property between job changes
- High earners with inconsistent monthly income
Flexible Options. Real-Time Solutions.
Why Sales Pros Choose Stairway
 Built for Closers, By Closers
“I was in between job roles with a high bonus coming. Jim’s team structured everything around that — and got me closed in record time.”
 — Samantha M., Device Sales Executive
I just switched companies — can I still qualify?
Yes. If you're staying in the same industry and can show offer letters or bonus history, we can work with that.
Can my commission income be counted if it varies month-to-month?
Absolutely. We average it over 12–24 months — and sometimes use only your strongest periods.
I’m paid as a 1099 contractor. Can I still get approved?
Yes — we have 1099, bank statement, and P&L-based loan options that avoid tax return headaches.
What if I have gaps in my employment?
We look at the full picture — short gaps may be acceptable, especially with a strong current job or industry experience.
Can I use multiple income sources to qualify?
Yes — we can combine income from part-time work, side gigs, and other sources when properly documented.
Do self-employed borrowers have different requirements?
They do — but we specialize in helping self-employed clients with flexible documentation options.
Meet Jim Blackburn
Commission-Based Income Specialist | Sales-Driven Lending Coach
I work with producers who win — and need a mortgage team that can match their energy, complexity, and speed. Let’s close this deal right.
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
