For Self-Employed Borrowers and Real Estate Investors
From Florida to California, we have alternative lending options
for self-employed and investor borrowers that requires little to no income documentation
As a W-2 employee, your consistent paychecks and verifiable employment make qualifying for a mortgage faster and easier. Discover loan options designed for salaried professionals today!
With over 20 years of mortgage experience, and countless scenarios, our one goal is to provide smarter financing solutions, regardless
of your real estate experience
Cash Out Refinance
A cash out refinance lets you replace your existing mortgage with a new loan for a larger amount, then receive the difference in cash. Horizon Lending Services helps borrowers across Texas, California, Florida, and nationwide access this strategy to fund business expansion, debt consolidation, home improvement, or investment opportunities.
Unlike traditional rate-and-term refinancing, which simply adjusts your interest rate or loan length, this approach unlocks the equity you have built in your property. Because your home has likely increased in value since you purchased it, the gap between what you owe and what it is worth represents real capital you can put to work.
This matters most for self-employed professionals, real estate investors, and business owners who often struggle to access capital through conventional lending channels. Traditional lenders rely heavily on W-2 income and tax returns, which do not always reflect the actual cash flow of entrepreneurs and investors. Horizon Lending Services specializes in alternative underwriting for precisely these borrowers, using bank statements, asset documentation, and profit-and-loss statements to qualify applicants that mainstream lenders turn away.
How Cash Out Refinance Works
The mechanics are straightforward. Your current lender is paid off with the proceeds of a new, larger loan. You keep the difference. If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $250,000, you have $150,000 in equity. Refinancing for $325,000 means $75,000 lands in your bank account after closing costs.
Horizon Lending Services evaluates your application based on home value, your current loan balance, and your ability to service the new debt. The lender orders an appraisal to confirm property value, which determines how much equity is available to access. Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 75-80 percent of your home's value, depending on loan type and credit profile.
For self-employed borrowers, this is where Horizon's expertise becomes critical. Instead of demanding two years of personal tax returns, they accept current bank statements showing consistent deposits, investment account statements, or business income documentation. This flexibility means borrowers who own pass-through entities, operate multiple income streams, or take irregular draws can still qualify.
Why Self-Employed and Investor Borrowers Choose This Strategy
Accessing capital quickly matters for business owners. A commercial loan can take months and require extensive financial disclosure. A cash out refinance typically closes within 30-45 days and draws on equity you already own, making it faster and often cheaper than other borrowing methods.
Real estate investors use this strategy to fund down payments on additional properties. Because Horizon offers DSCR investment property loans alongside traditional refinancing, investors can refinance their current property, receive cash to put down on a rental or fix-and-flip, then finance the new purchase using income the investment property generates. This approach compresses the timeline for portfolio growth.
Business owners refinance to consolidate high-interest debt, fund equipment purchases, or manage seasonal cash flow gaps. Because the interest on mortgage debt is often tax-deductible (consult your tax professional), this can be less expensive than credit cards or business lines of credit.
Horizon Lending Services qualifies borrowers using bank statements and profit-and-loss statements, not just tax returns. This expands access to cash for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals who would be declined by traditional lenders.
Comparing Refinance Options and Loan Programs
Refinance Type
Best For
Cash Received
Documentation
Cash Out Refinance
Accessing equity for capital needs
Difference between new and old loan
Bank statements, appraisal, credit check
Rate-and-Term Refinance
Lowering interest rate or changing term
None
Minimal; often streamlined
Home Equity Line of Credit
Flexible, ongoing access to equity
Available as needed, not lump sum
Income and credit verification
HELOAN
One-time large draw against equity
Lump sum at closing
Full underwriting typical
The choice depends on your timeline, amount needed, and income documentation you can provide. If you need $75,000 once and want a permanent lower rate, a cash out refinance makes sense. If you may need additional funds later or prefer flexible access, a home equity line of credit might suit you better.
Horizon Lending Services offers all of these structures, but their strength lies in handling borrowers traditional banks decline. If you are self-employed with irregular income, operate an S-corp or LLC, or rely on business bank deposits that do not show up on personal tax returns, Horizon's bank statement loan program opens doors that most lenders keep closed.
Key Considerations Before Refinancing
Refinancing extends your loan term unless you deliberately shorten it, which means you pay interest longer. A $250,000 loan paid off in 10 years, refinanced for $325,000 over 30 years, adds significant cost even if your rate drops. Horizon's mortgage experts can model different scenarios so you see the true cost of cash you receive.
Closing costs typically run 2-5 percent of the loan amount. On a $325,000 refinance, expect $6,500 to $16,250 in fees. This reduces the net cash you take home and affects the break-even analysis. If you are borrowing $75,000 but paying $10,000 in costs, your actual proceeds are $65,000. That math needs to work for your intended use.
Your credit score, home value, and current loan balance all affect qualification. Horizon works with borrowers across the credit spectrum, but lower scores typically mean higher rates. The appraisal is essential; if your home's value has declined or you have made few improvements, you may not have as much equity available as you expect.
Consider whether the cash you receive generates a return that exceeds the cost of borrowing. Refinancing to fund a business expansion that generates 15 percent annual return makes sense if your new rate is 6 percent. Refinancing to consolidate credit card debt at 4 percent when cards charge 22 percent is a clear win. Refinancing to fund a vacation at 6 percent interest costs more than the vacation's value.
If you are self-employed or operate as a real estate investor, work with Horizon Lending Services early in the process. Their mortgage experts understand non-traditional income and can advise whether your income documentation will qualify and what loan structure best fits your situation. This upfront conversation often saves weeks of back-and-forth with lenders unfamiliar with your business model.
When you are ready to explore whether a cash out refinance makes sense for your situation, Horizon Lending Services can walk you through the numbers, explain the programs available to you, and help you decide whether refinancing aligns with your financial goals. Contact them today to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cash out refinance and a home equity loan?
A cash out refinance replaces your entire mortgage with a new, larger loan and gives you the difference at closing. A home equity loan is a second mortgage on top of your first, allowing you to borrow against equity without touching your existing rate. Cash out refinancing may offer better rates if rates have dropped, but it resets your loan term. Home equity loans preserve your original mortgage but add a second payment.
How quickly can I get cash from a refinance?
Most refinances close within 30-45 days from application to funding, though Horizon Lending Services can sometimes move faster depending on your loan program and documentation readiness. The process includes appraisal, underwriting, and title review. Self-employed borrowers who provide organized bank statements and business records can accelerate approval since Horizon accepts alternative income documentation that other lenders require weeks to evaluate.
Can I get a cash out refinance if I am self-employed?
Yes, Horizon Lending Services specializes in refinancing for self-employed borrowers, business owners, and investors. Rather than relying solely on tax returns, Horizon accepts current bank statements, profit-and-loss statements, and asset documentation to prove income and capacity to repay. This approach qualifies many self-employed professionals who would be denied by traditional lenders requiring only W-2 income verification.
How much equity do I need to qualify for a cash out refinance in Texas?
Most lenders require at least 15-20 percent equity remaining after the refinance, though some programs allow lower reserves. If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you have significant equity available. An appraisal determines your home's current value, and Horizon Lending Services can estimate your borrowing capacity during an initial consultation based on recent property values and your loan-to-value ratio.
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio)
Maximize your portfolio potential with Non-QM loans designed for first time or savvy investors; no tax returns, just smart financing.
Self Employed
Our Self-Employed Non-QM Loans are designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who don’t fit the traditional lending mold. Qualify using bank statements, 1099s, a P&L or asset-based income. No Tax Returns or W2’s Required! 1 Year Self-Employed History Allowed!
VA
With a VA home loan, eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses can buy or refinance with zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or refinancing, we make the process simple, fast, and tailored to your service.
Jumbo Loans
Unlock high-value properties with creative jumbo loan solutions up to $5 million; perfect for self-employed borrowers, luxury homebuyers, and investors with unique income streams. We go beyond the traditional box to deliver flexible financing that fits your vision.
First Time Buyer
Whether you’re eyeing an FHA loan with low down payment options or a Conventional loan with competitive rates, we help first-time home buyers navigate the path to homeownership with confidence. Get expert guidance, flexible financing, and personalized support every step of the way.
Cash-Out Refinance
Consolidate high-interest debt into one low monthly payment; using the equity you’ve already built. Pay off credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills, update your home, and regain control of your finances with a streamlined, cost-effective solution backed by competitive conventional rates.
We can’t thank Scott Simmons enough for all his help during both our original purchase of our home, as well as our recent refinancing. Scott was able to get us an incredible rate and was extremely detailed and explanatory the entire way. We, of course, had rookie questions being first-time home buyers, but he made himself available to answer and explain any of our questions and made helpful suggestions, as well as great advice given our individual situation. I highly recommend Scott for your mortgage needs!
Sarah Lati
Marcus and HLS went above and beyond the call of duty to get a loan processed in record time and a “clear to close” on Christmas Eve! Highly recommend!!!
David Holmes
Have always had a great experience with Horizon Lending Services. Scott and his team are the BEST! They helped us in 2021 with a refinance of our first home. Then this year they helped us with getting a loan for our property! Scott was patient and always willing to go over everything multiple times to ensure we understood everything. Kept us updated on status’ as well as just to check in.
Samantha Mellott
Just recently had the experience of working with Marcus on a loan for an investment property. Not only did he help me find the lowest cost strategy to purchase the property, he kept me updated, helped jumped through the various hurdles that came up to make sure we didn’t have any delays and the purchase was as smooth as possible. Marcus is an incredible lender and is my go to for any and all loan questions or needs