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Hialeah, located northwest of Miami in Miami‑Dade County, is one of Florida’s most densely populated cities. Known for its strong Cuban and Latin American heritage, vibrant local culture and industrial base, Hialeah offers a unique blend of urban living and small‑town community. The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, retail and small businesses, with many residents operating family‑owned stores or working as independent contractors. As of June 2025, the median sold price of a home in Hialeah was $480,000, with a median price per square foot of $324. Home prices increased by 5.1 % year over year. Inventory levels were relatively low, with 874 homes for sale and only 83 homes sold (a 38.5 % decline in sales), and 63 % of homes sold below asking price. These figures indicate a somewhat tight but cooling market.

For self‑employed Hialeah residents—factory owners, truck drivers, mechanics, hairstylists, restaurant operators and gig workers—qualifying for a traditional mortgage can be difficult. Bank statement loans, which use personal or business bank deposits rather than W‑2s or tax returns for qualification, offer an attractive alternative. This article explains how bank statement loans work, explores why they are valuable in Hialeah’s real estate market and highlights why Select Home Loans is the premier lender for local borrowers.

Understanding Bank Statement Loans

How They Differ from Conventional Mortgages

Conventional mortgages typically require borrowers to provide two years of tax returns, W‑2 forms and other documentation of stable income. Self‑employed individuals often have fluctuating earnings and take deductions that reduce their taxable income. Bank statement loans address this challenge by evaluating 12 or 24 months of bank statements to determine income. Lenders total monthly deposits, apply an expense factor—usually around 50 %—and use the resulting figure as the qualifying income. Borrowers must meet credit and down payment requirements, but they are not penalized for high business deductions.

Key Features

  • Documentation: Borrowers provide personal or business bank statements (12–24 months) instead of tax returns.
  • Credit Requirements: Minimum credit scores are typically around 620. Borrowers with scores above 660 may qualify for down payments as low as 10 %.
  • Down Payment and Reserves: Down payments typically range from 10–30 %. Lenders require two to six months of PITI reserves.
  • Interest Rates: Rates are generally 0.5–1.5 % higher than those of conventional mortgages.
  • Eligible Properties: Bank statement loans can finance primary residences, second homes, investment properties and multi‑unit buildings.

Who Benefits?

Bank statement loans serve:

  • Small‑business owners: owners of grocery stores, auto repair shops, hair salons, restaurants and industrial businesses.
  • Independent contractors: truck drivers, construction workers, taxi drivers and rideshare drivers.
  • Gig workers and freelancers: musicians, artists, digital marketing consultants and translators.
  • Healthcare professionals: independent medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and therapists.
  • Real estate investors: landlords and property managers.

These individuals often have substantial deposits but may show lower taxable income due to deductions, making bank statement loans essential.

Hialeah’s Housing Market: Data and Trends

Price Dynamics and Inventory

Hialeah’s median sold price was $480,000 in June 2025. The price per square foot stood at $324, representing a 5.1 % year‑over‑year increase. Inventory comprised 874 homes for sale, while only 83 homes were sold (down 38.5 % from the previous period). Roughly 63 % of homes sold below asking price, indicating sellers are negotiating with buyers. These trends show that although home prices have increased, the market is cooling, providing opportunities for buyers who can act quickly and offer strong financing terms.

Rental Demand and Income Potential

Hialeah is part of the greater Miami metro area, and rental rates mirror those of Miami. Fair‑market rents show a two‑bedroom apartment in the Miami–Miami Beach–Kendall area renting for $2,329 and a three‑bedroom unit renting for over $3,000. In Hialeah’s neighborhoods like West Hialeah, Palm Springs and Hialeah Gardens, rents are slightly lower but still substantial—often $1,800–$2,400 for two‑bedroom units and $2,500–$3,000 for three‑bedroom homes. Investors using bank statement loans can capitalize on these rents by purchasing duplexes or small apartment buildings and qualifying based on rental income and bank deposits.

Economic Drivers and Self‑Employment Trends

Hialeah has a strong industrial base with numerous manufacturing facilities, clothing workshops and logistics companies. Major employers include Telemundo Center, Sedano’s Supermarkets, and the Hialeah Park Racing & Casino. The city’s residents often work as independent contractors—truck drivers, mechanics, landscapers, plumbers—and operate family businesses like grocery stores, bakeries and auto shops. This entrepreneurial culture and the prevalence of cash transactions can make it difficult for borrowers to produce W‑2 income documentation. Bank statement loans are a natural fit for such borrowers, recognizing their actual cash flow.

Why Bank Statement Loans Are Ideal in Hialeah

Bridging the Documentation Gap for Small‑Business Owners

Many Hialeah residents run small businesses or work as independent contractors. These entrepreneurs often write off expenses for vehicles, equipment, supplies and rent, reducing their taxable income. Bank statement loans allow them to qualify for mortgages based on deposits rather than taxable income, providing a realistic picture of their earning capacity. For example, a bakery owner depositing $20,000 per month may show minimal net income after deductions; a bank statement loan uses the deposit history to qualify for a mortgage on a $500,000 home or investment property.

Affordability Compared with Miami and Quick Financing

Although Hialeah’s median price of $480,000 is high, it is still lower than Miami’s $589,216. Bank statement loans allow self‑employed borrowers to stretch their purchasing power using cash flow. Additionally, these loans can close faster than conventional mortgages because they skip the tax return review. Select Home Loans often closes bank statement loans within three to five weeks, enabling buyers to negotiate better deals or beat other offers.

Investor Opportunities in a Cooling Market

With 63 % of homes selling below asking price, buyers have leverage. Investors can purchase duplexes or small multi‑unit properties using bank statement loans to qualify based on rental income. Given Hialeah’s robust rental demand and limited rental inventory, cash flow from tenants can cover mortgage payments and generate profit.

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

Hialeah’s workforce includes truck drivers, seamstresses, construction workers, taxi drivers, roofers and freelancers. These individuals might work multiple jobs or gigs, leading to irregular income streams. Bank statement loans recognize their deposit history and provide access to homeownership, supporting the community’s economic resilience.

Access to High‑Value Properties and Jumbo Loans

Though Hialeah is largely a working‑class city, some neighborhoods contain larger, higher‑value properties. Bank statement loans can be structured as jumbo loans, allowing self‑employed borrowers to finance homes exceeding conventional loan limits. This is beneficial for extended families seeking bigger homes or investors purchasing multifamily properties.

Loan Requirements, Terms and Conditions

Credit Score and Down Payment

To qualify for a bank statement loan, borrowers need a minimum credit score around 620. Those with scores above 660 may secure down payments as low as 10 %. Investment properties usually require 15–30 % down.

Bank Statement Documentation and Expense Factor

Borrowers must provide 12–24 months of bank statements. Underwriters total monthly deposits and apply an expense factor—commonly 50 %—to calculate qualifying income. Clear documentation of deposits and separate personal/business accounts are essential. Large or unusual deposits may require letters of explanation or CPA verification.

Debt‑to‑Income Ratios and Reserves

Bank statement loans often permit debt‑to‑income (DTI) ratios up to 45–50 %, higher than many conventional loans. Lenders require two to six months of PITI reserves. Borrowers with multiple properties or large loans may need more reserves.

Interest Rates and Fees

Interest rates on bank statement loans typically exceed conventional mortgage rates by 0.5–1.5 %. As of mid‑2025, rates range from 7.5–9.5 %. Closing costs include underwriting fees, appraisal fees and origination points. Some loans may include prepayment penalties, which diminish over time.

Pros and Cons of Bank Statement Loans in Hialeah

Pros

  1. Inclusivity for Self‑Employed Borrowers: Bank statement loans consider bank deposits instead of taxable income.
  2. Potential for Higher Loan Amounts: Using gross deposits (minus expenses) can increase qualifying income.
  3. Faster Closings: Without the need to verify tax returns, bank statement loans often close more quickly.
  4. Flexibility for Investment: Borrowers can finance primary residences, investment properties or multi‑unit buildings.
  5. Opportunity to Purchase During a Cooling Market: With a high percentage of homes selling below asking price, buyers can negotiate better terms.

Cons

  1. Higher Interest Rates: Bank statement loans carry higher rates than conventional mortgages.
  2. Larger Down Payments: Borrowers generally need at least 10 % down, and investment properties may require 20–30 %.
  3. Reserve Requirements: Lenders demand significant reserves—two to six months of mortgage payments.
  4. Detailed Scrutiny of Bank Statements: Underwriters may request additional documentation to verify deposits and business operations.
  5. Limited Lenders: Not all lenders offer bank statement loans; borrowers must find specialized providers.

Case Study: A Hialeah Mechanic Purchases a Duplex

“Carlos” is a self‑employed mechanic in Hialeah. He operates a small auto repair shop and deposits about $25,000 per month into his business account. After deductions for rent, parts and employee wages, his taxable income is $40,000 per year. Carlos wants to purchase a $550,000 duplex in Palm Springs, where each unit can rent for $2,400 per month.

Carlos contacts Select Home Loans for a bank statement loan. He provides 24 months of business bank statements showing average deposits of $25,000. The underwriter applies a 50 % expense factor, calculating his qualifying income at $12,500 per month. Carlos has a 670 credit score and makes a 20 % down payment ($110,000). His 30‑year fixed loan at 7.9 % yields a principal and interest payment of roughly $3,200. With projected rent of $4,800 per month, the duplex will generate positive cash flow after expenses. Select Home Loans approves the loan in four weeks, enabling Carlos to expand his real estate holdings.

Tips for a Successful Bank Statement Loan Application

  1. Organize Your Accounts: Keep separate personal and business accounts. Avoid mixing funds or making large unexplained deposits.
  2. Work on Your Credit: Pay debts on time, reduce credit card balances and avoid new loans. A score above 660 can lead to lower down payments and rates.
  3. Save for Reserves: Aim for at least three to six months of mortgage payments saved in liquid assets.
  4. Consult a CPA: A certified public accountant can help prepare profit‑and‑loss statements or letters verifying your business operations.
  5. Choose an Experienced Lender: Work with a lender who understands bank statement loans and Hialeah’s market, such as Select Home Loans.

Why Select Home Loans Is Hialeah’s Top Choice

Website: SelectHomeLoans.com
Phone: 888-550-3296

Deep Understanding of Miami‑Dade County

Select Home Loans is based in Florida and serves clients throughout Miami‑Dade County, including Hialeah. Their loan officers understand local property values, taxes, insurance requirements (including flood and windstorm coverage) and neighborhood characteristics. They can help clients navigate unique aspects of the Hialeah market.

Specialized Bank Statement Programs

Select Home Loans offers bank statement programs for 12 and 24 months of deposits. They analyze personal or business accounts and can structure loans for primary homes, investment properties, multi‑unit buildings and jumbo loans.

Fast and Transparent Service

Borrowers appreciate Select Home Loans for clear communication, straightforward underwriting and fast closings—often within three to five weeks. Their familiarity with bank statement lending means they know how to interpret deposits, apply reasonable expense factors and avoid unnecessary documentation.

Commitment to Self‑Employed Borrowers

The company is committed to serving self‑employed clients. Their underwriters are experienced in evaluating variable income and can coach borrowers on how to prepare bank statements and reserves to strengthen their applications.

Personalized Guidance

Select Home Loans provides a personal touch, guiding clients from pre‑qualification to closing. They help gather documentation, coordinate appraisals and explain each step of the loan process. Borrowers note the company’s willingness to answer questions and provide support.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Hialeah’s strong community, affordable yet growing housing market, and prevalent self‑employment make it a prime candidate for bank statement loans. These loans enable entrepreneurs, independent contractors and small‑business owners to qualify for mortgages based on their actual cash flow, rather than limited taxable income. With a median home price of $480,000 and many homes selling below asking price, now may be an opportune time to buy or invest.

Select Home Loans stands out as the top lender for bank statement loans in Hialeah. With deep local knowledge, flexible loan programs and a dedication to self‑employed borrowers, they can help you secure financing quickly and confidently. Whether you are purchasing a single‑family home, a duplex or a small apartment building, Select Home Loans can tailor a loan that fits your needs. Contact them today to explore your options and take the next step toward homeownership or investment in Hialeah.


Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate as of mid‑2025. Lending guidelines and market conditions may change over time. Consult with licensed mortgage professionals and financial advisors for personalized advice.