The sub-prime home loan is offered to people with any combination of poor credit, undocumented income, and few assists.  These mortgages were designed for people who have a higher risk grade than average at any level of income or home price.  A sub-prime loan could be a $3,000,000 mortgage for a guy who makes $1,000,000 a year but has poor credit or can only put down ten percent of the purchase price.  It can also be for a restaurant owner with a 770 FICO score who cannot document a self-employed income.  In short, the sub-prime mortgage is for people who need a mortgage but can not meet all the “prime” guidelines and qualifications.