Self-Employed
Asset Depletion
Borrowers with significant liquid assets but limited traditional income
Self-Employed
Asset Depletion
Overview
Asset-depletion (sometimes called asset-based) qualification converts a borrower's liquid assets into an equivalent monthly income figure, typically dividing the eligible asset balance over a set term. It's often used by retirees, recently-liquidated business owners, or investors with substantial reserves but limited reportable income.
Documentation paths
- Statements for eligible liquid assets (checking, savings, investment, retirement accounts)
- Standard credit and property documentation
Common use cases
- Retiree or high-net-worth borrower with limited W-2/1099 income
- Borrower who recently sold a business or property
Things to consider
- Not all asset types are treated equally — retirement accounts are often discounted, and vesting/liquidity rules can apply.
- The asset-depletion calculation method varies by program.
Frequently asked questions
Which assets count toward asset depletion?
Eligible assets generally include liquid accounts such as checking, savings, and investment accounts; retirement accounts may be counted at a reduced value. A specialist can review your specific asset mix.
Related programs
Next step
Ready to talk it through?
A QuestRock specialist can walk through this program against your specific scenario — no commitment required.
Asset-depletion calculation methods and eligible asset types vary by program and require full underwriting review.
Written by QuestRock Content Team · Reviewed by Pending compliance sign-off · Last reviewed July 29, 2026