Asset-Based Mortgage Loans: Qualify Using What You Have, Not What You Earn
No tax returns. No pay stubs. No W-2s. Just the assets you've already built.
If most of your net worth lives in a brokerage account, a 401(k), or savings instead of a W-2 paycheck, traditional mortgage underwriting can work against you. An Asset-Based Loan (ABL) flips that script: instead of proving income with tax returns and pay stubs, we calculate your qualifying income directly from your liquid assets. You keep your investments working for you — no liquidation required.
This is a loan type we know deeply. Bonelli Financial Group was recently cited as an expert source on asset depletion mortgages by Best Interest, and has been quoted on mortgage lending by USA TODAY.
Instead of averaging two years of income like a conventional loan, we look at what you've already saved and invested. Different asset types count at different rates, since some (like cash) are immediately accessible and others (like retirement accounts) carry withdrawal restrictions:
- Checking & Savings Accounts — counted at full value
- Stocks, Bonds & Mutual Funds — typically 70–80% of value
- Retirement Accounts — typically 60–70% of value if you're under 59½
- Trust Funds & Other Liquid Assets — case-by-case
A simple way to think about it: let's say you have $1,500,000 in a brokerage account. At a 75% counting rate, that's roughly $1,125,000 in qualifying assets — which we then use to calculate your qualifying monthly income for the loan term, without you selling a single share. (This is a simplified example to illustrate the math, not a quote — your actual qualifying amount depends on your full asset mix and the specific loan program.)
Down Payment, Credit & Mortgage Insurance
- Down payment: Typically 10–20%, depending on loan program and credit profile
- Credit score: Generally 620 or higher; stronger scores may unlock better terms
- Mortgage insurance: Not required, regardless of down payment size
Why Borrowers Choose Asset-Based Loans
- No traditional income documentation — no tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs
- Flexible use of assets — you retain full control, nothing has to be liquidated
- Built for high-net-worth borrowers — a natural fit for retirees, entrepreneurs, and anyone with substantial savings but non-traditional income
- Higher loan limits — often larger loan amounts than conventional financing allows
Property Types & Loan Details
- Primary residences, second homes, and investment properties all qualify
- Condos, vacation homes, and luxury properties eligible under most programs
- Note: Asset-based loans are non-assumable and cannot be transferred to another borrower
Is This Loan Right for You?
Asset-based loans tend to be the strongest fit for:
- High-net-worth individuals who'd rather leverage assets than income
- Retirees living off investments instead of earned income
- Self-employed borrowers with substantial savings or investment accounts
Not quite your situation? Business owners with strong, provable cash flow may do better with our
bank statement loan options for self-employed borrowers. Buying a rental property instead of a primary residence? Take a look at our
DSCR loan programs instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an asset-based mortgage loan?
An asset-based loan qualifies you using your liquid assets — bank accounts, investments, or retirement funds — instead of traditional income documentation like tax returns or pay stubs.
Is an asset-based loan the same as an asset-depletion loan?
They're closely related terms often used interchangeably. Both use your assets rather than earned income to qualify. Exact calculation methods can vary by lender and program.
What assets count toward qualification?
Checking and savings accounts (full value), stocks and mutual funds (typically 70–80% of value), retirement accounts (typically 60–70% of value if you're under 59½), and trust funds or other liquid assets, evaluated case by case.
Do I need a minimum credit score?
Generally 620 or higher, though a stronger score can help you qualify for better terms.
Is mortgage insurance required?
No. Asset-based loans don't require mortgage insurance, regardless of your down payment size.
Can I use an asset-based loan for an investment property?
Yes. Asset-based loans can be used for primary residences, second homes, and investment
Ready to See What Your Assets Qualify You For?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate — no need to liquidate anything to find out where you stand.
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Bonelli Financial Group is a licensed mortgage broker in AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, NM, OH, SC, and TX. NMLS #2621584.
