TL;DR — the short version
Yes, it’s possible, but lenders care more about how your income is documented and whether it will continue than how big your deal is.
Revenue sharing changed the game. Since July 2025, schools can pay athletes directly under the House v. NCAA settlement, about $20.5 million per school in year one, on top of third-party NIL deals.
1099 and NIL income usually counts as self-employment. Many lenders want about two years of tax returns and qualify you on net income after expenses.
Common paths: a parent as co-borrower, a bank-statement loan, building a two-year history first, or a large down payment.
Build your team first: a CPA, a lender who understands non-traditional income, and an agent who works around your schedule.
College athletes are earning real money now, and a growing number are asking whether they should buy instead of rent, especially near campus or in the Kansas City suburbs. The answer depends on how your income is paid, how long you’ll stay, and how a lender will view it.
This guide explains how mortgage lenders look at NIL and revenue-share income, the paths athletes use to buy, and the mistakes to avoid. For a printable version, get my free Athlete’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in KC.
1. How Lenders See Your Income
Income type | How lenders usually treat it |
|---|---|
W-2 pay | Easiest to document with pay stubs and W-2s |
1099, NIL or contractor payments | Treated as self-employment. Usually about 2 years of tax returns, using net income |
Signed multi-year contract | Some lenders that specialize in unusual income may consider it. Get guidelines in writing |
Scholarships and cost of attendance | Generally not counted as qualifying income |
What to do: Ask your school or compliance office how your revenue-share payments are issued (W-2 or 1099). That one detail changes your loan options.
2. Will the Income Continue?
Underwriters ask whether your income is likely to continue for at least a few years. Eligibility, transfers, injuries and contract terms all play into that.
What to do: Keep every contract, NIL agreement and payment record organized in one place.
3. Four Ways Athletes Buy
Parent co-borrower
A parent qualifies alongside you. This is often the fastest route for college athletes without a two-year income history.
Bank-statement loan
A non-traditional program that looks at 12–24 months of deposits instead of tax returns. Expect a higher rate and bigger down payment.
Build the file, then buy
File clean returns, save and build credit for 12–24 months, then buy with a conventional loan on better terms.
Large down payment or cash
The strongest offer, but don’t tie up money you may need. Keep reserves.
4. Taxes to Plan For
1099 and NIL income can carry self-employment tax (15.3% on net earnings, up to the Social Security wage base) on top of income tax. Set money aside for quarterly estimates, and work with a CPA who understands athletes.
5. Before You Buy
Confirm the purchase fits your school’s and conference’s rules.
Decide how long you’ll realistically stay.
Interview at least two lenders about how they treat your income.
Keep 6+ months of expenses in reserve after closing.
Plan closings, inspections and moves around your season.
Thinking about buying with NIL or revenue-share income?
I’ll help you build a plan and connect you with lenders who understand athlete income. Get started →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use NIL income to qualify for a mortgage?
Often yes, but most lenders treat NIL as self-employment income and want about two years of tax returns. A co-borrower or bank-statement loan can help if you don’t have that history yet.
Does revenue-sharing money from my school count as income?
It can. How it’s documented matters: W-2 pay is easiest, while 1099 payments are usually treated as self-employment income.
Should a college athlete buy or rent?
If you’re likely to stay three or more years, buying can make sense. If a transfer or draft is likely soon, renting keeps you flexible.
Do I need a parent to co-sign?
Not always, but it’s the most common route for college athletes without a two-year income history.
Related Resources
The Athlete’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in KC — free guide
Get Started — tell me about your plans
This article is general information, not legal, tax, lending or eligibility advice. NCAA, College Sports Commission and conference rules, revenue-sharing terms and tax law change frequently. Confirm your situation with your compliance office, a CPA, an attorney and your lender.
Free guide
The Athlete’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in KC
How lenders view revenue-share and NIL income, four paths to buying, and when to rent, buy or invest.