An asset-based loan is a mortgage that uses your liquid assets, not your job income, to qualify you. Griffin Funding counts your eligible savings, investment, and retirement balances, sets aside your down payment, closing costs, and reserves, and divides the rest by 60, 84, or 120 months to get your qualifying monthly income. Griffin Funding's asset-based loan accepts credit scores as low as 620 and as little as 10% down, with loan amounts up to $4 million and no mortgage insurance. No tax returns, pay stubs, or W-2s are required. Lenders also call this program an asset depletion loan, asset utilization loan, or asset qualifier loan. Updated 11/8/26.
Why Asset-Based Loans
Get approved based on the value of your liquid assets, including bank accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts.
No tax returns, pay stubs, or proof of employment is needed to secure an asset-based mortgage loan. This makes it a great option for self-employed workers, investors, and retirees.
The asset-based loan counts your balances for qualifying. You do not have to sell your investments or set up monthly withdrawals.
Access loan amounts of up to $4 million to finance a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property.
How it Works
An asset-based loan in real estate converts a borrower’s assets to income, so they can qualify for a mortgage without tax returns or proof of employment. Whether you are a retiree with a small fixed income or a self-employed borrower, an asset-based loan allows you to utilize the assets you have already invested in to secure the cash you need now.
Assets that can be counted toward your income include:
Asset-based loans are ideal for:
Asset depletion and asset utilization are two names for the same calculation. Griffin Funding divides your net eligible assets by 60, 84, or 120 months to get your qualifying monthly income, and your monthly debts must stay within a 50% debt-to-income ratio, or 55% for qualified borrowers.
An asset qualifier loan skips the income calculation and the DTI test. Instead, Griffin Funding checks that the assets you have left after closing cover your debts. The simplest test requires post-closing assets equal to 120% of the new mortgage plus 30% of your other debt balances. An asset qualifier loan fits borrowers with very large balances whose existing debts would push them past a 50% DTI. Griffin Funding’s asset qualifier option requires a 660 minimum credit score and covers loan amounts from $200,000 to $2.5 million.
Griffin Funding calls all three an asset-based loan, and a loan officer matches you to the method that qualifies you for the most home.
An asset-based loan for a home is different from commercial asset-based lending (ABL), which is a business line of credit secured by receivables and inventory. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan is a residential mortgage.
Asset Depletion Formula
Asset depletion is calculated by dividing your net eligible assets by 60, 84, or 120 months, depending on the program. The result is your qualifying monthly income. Your new housing payment plus your other monthly debts must stay at or under 50% of that income, or 55% when you qualify for the expanded limit.
| Asset type | Share counted toward qualifying income |
|---|---|
| Checking, savings, and money market accounts | 100% |
| Certificates of deposit (CDs) | 80% to 100%, depending on the program |
| Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds | 70% to 90%, depending on the program |
| Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), SEP) | 60% to 80%, depending on the program and, on some programs, whether you are 59½ or older |
| Cash value of life insurance and annuities | 100% on select programs |
| Unvested RSUs and stock options | 80% on select programs |
| Real estate, vehicles, equipment, inventory, art, collectibles, business accounts, cryptocurrency, and gift funds | Not eligible |
Each example uses an 84-month program that counts cash and CDs at 100%, brokerage accounts at 80%, and retirement accounts at 70%. Balances shown are after the down payment, closing costs, and reserves are set aside.
| Borrower | Net assets | Eligible asset calculation | Qualifying monthly income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retiree | $1.2M in IRAs + $300K in savings | $1,200,000 x 70% = $840,000 $300,000 x 100% = $300,000 Total: $1,140,000 |
$1,140,000 / 84 = $13,571 |
| High-net-worth investor | $1.8M in brokerage accounts + $200K in savings | $1,800,000 x 80% = $1,440,000 $200,000 x 100% = $200,000 Total: $1,640,000 |
$1,640,000 / 84 = $19,524 |
| Self-employed business owner | $500K in checking and savings + $200K in CDs | $500,000 x 100% = $500,000 $200,000 x 100% = $200,000 Total: $700,000 |
$700,000 / 84 = $8,333 |
The divisor changes the result. The retiree’s $1,140,000 divided by 60 months is $19,000 per month. Divided by 120 months, it is $9,500 per month. A Griffin Funding loan officer matches you to the program that fits your asset mix.
Asset Buying Power
With Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan, every $1 of net eligible assets buys about $1.25 of home. Divide your net eligible assets by 60 to get your qualifying monthly income, and your total housing payment can be up to 50% of that income. At today’s 7.625% rate (7.794% APR) with 20% down, $1,000,000 in net eligible assets buys a home of about $1,251,000.
| Net eligible assets | Qualifying monthly income | Max monthly payment (PITIA) | Max home price | Loan amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $8,333 | $4,167 | $625,000 | $500,000 |
| $750,000 | $12,500 | $6,250 | $938,000 | $750,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $16,667 | $8,333 | $1,251,000 | $1,001,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $25,000 | $12,500 | $1,876,000 | $1,501,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $33,333 | $16,667 | $2,502,000 | $2,001,000 |
The typical U.S. home is worth $366,157 (Zillow Home Value Index, September 2026). To buy it with an asset-based loan, you need about $293,000 in net eligible assets plus a $73,200 down payment.
The divisor changes buying power. On an 84-month program, each figure above falls by about 29%. On a 120-month program, it falls by half. Net eligible assets above about $3 million support a loan larger than $3 million, which requires 30% down. Loans up to $4 million need a 720+ credit score and 30% down.
Enter your account balances. The result updates as you type.
Your assets can buy a home up to
$1,234,000
with a $987,200 loan and $246,800 down
| Eligible assets after weighting | $1,250,000 |
|---|---|
| Set aside for down payment, closing costs, and 6 months of reserves | −$263,227 |
| Net eligible assets | $986,773 |
| Divided by 60 months: qualifying monthly income | $16,446 |
| Maximum housing payment at 50% DTI | $8,223 |
| Principal and interest | $6,987 |
| Taxes, insurance, and HOA | $1,234 |
Or call 855-698-1098 to talk with a licensed loan officer.
Estimates only, not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Example rate of 7.625% (7.794% APR, 1.625 points) on a 30-year fixed asset-based loan as of November 12, 2026; rates change daily and your rate may differ. The calculator counts cash at 100%, brokerage accounts at 80%, and retirement accounts at 70%, sets aside the down payment, estimated closing costs of 2% of the loan amount, and 6 months of housing payments, and allows a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%. Program weightings, divisors, reserves, and maximum loan amounts vary; loans above $1.5 million require more than 10% down and the maximum loan amount is $4 million. Actual qualification depends on credit, assets, property, and program. Griffin Funding, Inc. NMLS #1120111. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Assumptions: 30-year fixed rate of 7.625% (7.794% APR, 1.625 points), rate as of November 8, 2026, subject to change. 20% down payment. Net eligible assets are balances after the down payment, closing costs, and reserves are set aside, divided by 60 months. Maximum payment equals 50% of qualifying income with no other monthly debts. Property tax at 0.90%, the average of the 51 state rates in Griffin Funding’s property tax by state guide, and homeowners insurance at 0.30% of home value per year; no HOA dues. Home value data: Zillow Home Value Index, all homes, mid-tier, September 2026. Figures are estimates, not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Actual qualification depends on credit, assets, property, and program.
Loan Requirements
620 minimum. Scores of 620 to 639 need 30% down and a loan of $1 million or less.
10% down on a primary residence purchase with a 680+ credit score up to $1 million, or 700+ up to $1.5 million. 30% down for credit scores of 620 to 639 or loans above $3 million.
Up to $4 million. Loans above $3 million need 30% down. Loans above $3.5 million need a 720+ credit score.
50% maximum. Up to 55% on a primary residence with a 700+ credit score and 20% down.
6 months of principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and dues. 9 to 12 months on loans above $1.5 million.
Provide 3 to 6 months of statements for each account. Every account holder must be a borrower.
Net eligible assets divided by 60, 84, or 120 months, depending on the program.
Up to 80% LTV on a primary residence. Up to 75% on second homes and investment properties on select programs.
Buy or refinance a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property.
$795 processing plus $1,195 underwriting.
How to Qualify
Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan accepts credit scores as low as 620. Lower scores qualify with a larger down payment and a smaller maximum loan amount, because more equity in the home offsets the higher credit risk. Borrowers with a 680+ credit score can put as little as 10% down on a primary residence purchase. Second homes and investment properties need at least 15% down. Borrowers with scores of 620 to 639 also need no more than one 30-day late housing payment in the last 12 months and at least 3 years since a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale.
| Credit score | Up to $1M | Up to $1.5M | Up to $2M | Up to $3M | Up to $3.5M | Up to $4M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 620 to 639 | 30% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 640 to 659 | 20% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 660 to 679 | 20% | 20% | 20% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 680 to 699 | 10% | 15% | 20% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 700 to 719 | 10% | 10% | 15% | 20% | 30% | N/A |
| 720 and above | 10% | 10% | 15% | 20% | 30% | 30% |
The maximum debt-to-income ratio for Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan is 50%. Griffin Funding allows up to 55% when all of these apply:
The expanded limit lets borrowers with large, steady debts, such as a mortgage on another property, qualify without adding assets. The tighter credit, equity, and residual income rules offset the higher payment load.
Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan allows a cash-out refinance up to 80% LTV on a primary residence. Credit scores below 680 cap cash-out at 75% LTV or less. Second homes and investment properties qualify for cash-out on select programs up to 75% LTV. Cash-out proceeds cannot be counted as qualifying assets, but they can cover reserves.
Who Qualifies
An asset-based mortgage fits borrowers with large liquid balances and income that is low, irregular, or hard to document: retirees, self-employed borrowers, business owners, real estate investors, and anyone who recently sold a home or business. Griffin Funding qualifies these borrowers on eligible assets divided by 60, 84, or 120 months, with credit scores as low as 620 and as little as 10% down.
Yes. Retirees can qualify for an asset-based loan using savings, brokerage, and retirement accounts. IRAs, 401(k)s, and SEPs count at 60% to 80% of the balance, depending on the program and, on some programs, whether you are 59½ or older. Social Security and pension income can be added to asset-based income on most programs. Federal law generally bars lenders from denying credit based on age. For more options, see Griffin Funding’s guide to retirement mortgages.
Self-employed borrowers and business owners can use an asset-based loan when their tax returns show too little income or their deposits are too low to qualify for a bank statement loan. Griffin Funding Loan Officer Kristi Manion (NMLS #1314037) looks at a borrower’s assets when the business is too new to show enough deposit history or the deposits fall short. In her experience, the asset-based route can also involve less paperwork.
Yes. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan can finance an investment property, with cash-out up to 75% LTV on select programs. Investment property loans may carry a prepayment penalty of up to 5 years where state law allows. Investors who want to qualify on the property’s rent instead of their assets can use a DSCR loan.
Asset Based Loan Rates
Asset-based loan rates depend on your credit score, down payment, loan amount, and occupancy. Load personalized rates below to see what Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan costs for your scenario.
Asset-Based Loans in 47 States + D.C.
Griffin Funding offers asset-based loans in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. In Alaska, Missouri, and New York, Griffin Funding offers asset-based loans on non-owner-occupied investment properties only. Open the list below for state home values, local requirements, and a loan officer licensed in your state.
Not sure if we lend in your state? Request a quick quote, and a licensed loan officer will confirm the availability of asset-based loans in your area.
FAQ
An asset-based mortgage, also called an asset-backed mortgage or asset depletion loan, is a home loan that qualifies you using your liquid assets instead of your income. The lender converts eligible savings, investment, and retirement balances into monthly qualifying income. Your assets are not pledged as collateral; the home secures the loan. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan accepts credit scores as low as 620 and as little as 10% down, with loans up to $4 million and no mortgage insurance.
To be eligible for an asset-based loan, you must have qualifying liquid assets in your name. Qualifying assets include:
Ineligible assets for an asset-based mortgage loan include:
Getting an asset-based home loan can be a good idea if you have substantial liquid assets but don’t qualify for traditional mortgage loans. Asset-based home loans work well for retirees, self-employed borrowers, and anyone with irregular income. However, keep in mind that rates may be slightly higher than conventional loans, and you’ll need to show strong asset reserves. Asset-based loans tend to be best for borrowers with stable finances who want to leverage their assets without selling them.
An asset-based loan lets you qualify without selling investments, so you avoid triggering capital gains taxes or giving up future market returns to raise cash. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan has no mortgage insurance at any down payment, so you pay no PMI even with 10% down. An asset-based loan can also let you buy sooner, before home prices or rates move.
If an asset-based loan doesn’t fit your situation, Griffin Funding offers several other ways to qualify. Each of these alternatives can be beneficial depending on your financial situation and the type of property you’re looking to purchase:
Common costs involved in getting an asset-based loan include:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting an asset-based loan:
The cons of asset-based loans include:
A 6-month SOFR asset-based loan is an adjustable-rate asset-based loan. The rate is fixed for the first 6 months or 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years (a 6/6, 1/6, 3/6, 5/6, 7/6, or 10/6 ARM). After that, the rate adjusts every 6 months based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus a margin, so it can rise or fall. Rate caps limit how much the rate can change at each adjustment and over the life of the loan. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan is also available as a 15-, 30-, or 40-year fixed-rate mortgage.
Griffin Funding divides your net eligible assets by 60, 84, or 120 months, depending on the program. Cash counts at 100%, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds count at 70% to 90%, and retirement accounts count at 60% to 80%. Net eligible assets are your balances after the down payment, closing costs, and required reserves are set aside. See “How Is Asset Depletion Calculated?” above for the full method and three worked examples.
An asset-based loan is a type of mortgage that allows you to qualify based on the value of your liquid assets, rather than your income, tax returns, or employment history. The lender converts a portion of your verified assets, such as funds in bank accounts, CDs, or investment portfolios, into “qualifying income” using an asset-depletion formula. You still maintain ownership and control of your assets throughout the process.
By contrast, a pledged asset loan (sometimes called a pledged asset mortgage) requires you to use your assets as collateral. Instead of selling or liquidating those assets, you “pledge” them to the lender as security for the loan. This approach can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) or reduce your down payment, but your pledged assets may be restricted or frozen until the loan balance reaches a certain threshold.
While both loan types rely on your financial assets, they differ in how those assets are treated:
| Feature | Asset-Based Loan | Pledged Asset Loan |
| Qualification | Assets converted to income to meet ability-to-repay standards | Assets used as collateral to secure the loan |
| Asset Ownership | Borrower retains full access and control | Pledged assets are restricted or held as security |
| Ideal For | Retirees, investors, and self-employed borrowers with substantial liquid assets | Borrowers with strong investment portfolios who want to minimize down payment or avoid PMI |
A Securities-Backed Line of Credit (SBLOC) is also different. An SBLOC is a revolving credit line backed by your investment portfolio. Unlike an asset-based mortgage, SBLOC funds can be used for any purpose (not just home financing), but it carries the risk of a margin call if the market value of your securities drops. In short:
Both bank statement loans and asset-based loans are Non-QM products that eliminate the need for tax returns or W-2s. The right choice depends on whether your financial strength is better demonstrated through your cash flow history or your balance sheet.
Not sure which product fits your situation? Contact a Griffin Funding loan officer for a side-by-side review of both options based on your specific asset mix, income history, and property goals.
Yes. Asset-based loans are specifically designed to help borrowers whose income is variable, seasonal, or difficult to document, including retirees living off investment portfolios, business owners with fluctuating annual distributions, consultants and freelancers with irregular project income, and investors whose income is primarily capital gains or dividends. Because Griffin Funding qualifies borrowers based on verified asset balances rather than income history, income variability does not disqualify you. Your assets serve as the basis for loan approval, regardless of how consistent your income is month to month.
Yes. Griffin Funding can combine asset-based qualifying income with other documented income on most programs. For example, a retiree receiving Social Security or pension income can add asset-based qualifying income on top of their fixed income to qualify for a larger loan amount or a lower debt-to-income ratio. Similarly, a part-time or consulting borrower can combine documented income with asset-based income to meet underwriting requirements. Your loan officer will review your full financial picture and determine the most advantageous income combination for your specific situation.
Fannie Mae allows qualifying income from assets on conventional loans, but it divides net assets by the loan term (360 months on a 30-year loan) and caps loans at the conforming limit of $832,750 in most areas for 2026. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan is a non-QM program that divides net assets by 60, 84, or 120 months, which produces more qualifying income from the same balances, and it lends up to $4 million.
Yes. Griffin Funding offers asset-based loans up to $4 million, well above the 2026 conforming loan limit. Loans above $3 million require 30% down, and loans above $3.5 million require a 720+ credit score. This makes an asset-based loan a strong option for high-net-worth borrowers buying luxury primary residences, vacation homes, or investment properties without W-2 income or tax returns. Griffin Funding is licensed in 47 states plus D.C. and works directly with borrowers, with no broker required.
No. Lenders generally cannot make credit decisions based on age. Age can affect how retirement accounts are counted: on some programs, retirement assets count at a higher percentage once you reach 59½.
No. You can use vested retirement account balances before you retire. Some programs count retirement assets at a lower percentage if you are under 59½.
No, not on a primary residence or second home. Griffin Funding’s asset-based loan on an investment property may carry a prepayment penalty of up to 5 years where state law allows.
Four things lower your rate on an asset-based loan:
Yes, if you have immediate access to the funds. Assets in a revocable living trust that you set up and benefit from can be used when the trustee provides written documentation of the account value and the terms of your access. Assets in an irrevocable trust you cannot withdraw from generally do not qualify. You can also take title to the home in a revocable living trust. If your assets are in a trust, tell your Griffin Funding loan officer before you apply so underwriting can review the trust documents early.