Self-Employed? Here’s What You’ll Need to Get a Mortgage Approval

There’s a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. However, because of the somewhat unpredictable nature of self-employment, it can make acquiring a mortgage a little more difficult. If you’ve recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a while, here are some things you may want to consider before submitting your mortgage application.

Putting More Money Down

20% is often considered the magic number when it comes to the down payment because this will allow you to avoid homeowner’s insurance. However, if you’re self-employed, you may want to consider putting even more money down as this will more strongly signify to lenders that you’re prepared for home ownership and in control of your finances. While your down payment will provide you with equity instantly, a higher payment will also lower your monthly cost and make your finances even more secure from month to month.

Minimizing Your Debt

The amount of debt a potential homeowner has can adversely affect any mortgage application, but in the event you’re self-employed, a high debt load means even more money is being paid out of a salary that is not necessarily predictable. By paying off the debts you can before applying for your mortgage, you’ll be able to invest that much more of your hard-earned money into your monthly payment without breaking the bank and cutting monthly expenditures.

A History Of Self-Employment

Being self-employed means you’ll have more to prove to your lender, but if you have a spotty self-employment history and long periods without bringing in any income, this will make it even harder. Instead of jumping into the mortgage market soon after becoming self-employed, try and have at least two years of successful self-employment behind you. By being able to prove this, the lender will see that you’re a solid financial bet and an experienced professional who will be able to find work when it’s required.

The nature of being self-employed and the fluctuations in income that can come along with it can make a mortgage lender nervous. However, by having a solid history of self-employment behind you and minimizing your debt load, you’ll be able to prove to the lender that you’re serious about home ownership.

If you have further questions, I’m self-employed and have some tips and tricks to share.  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

26615 N 71st Place Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,725,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765804

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom single-level home on over an acre. Gourmet kitchen complete w/upscale stainless steel appliances, granite countertops/island, ample cabinets/storage & large walk in pantry. Resort style backyard w/pebble tech heated pool/spa, built-in grill, fireplace, large grass area, mature trees & oversized covered patio. Master suite features gas fireplace, french doors leading to backyard, stunning bathroom w/dual sinks, marble countertops, separate tub/shower, & spacious walk in closet. All 5 bedrooms are ensuite. Hardwood floors in all bedrooms as well as living & dining rooms. Travertine tile in halls, bathrooms, kitchen, family room & outdoor patio. Oversized three-car garage. NO HOA!! Great location in North Scottsdale near world class golf, restaurants, shopping, hiking & more!

View Property

6525 E Cave Creek Road Unit 14 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,725,000

2 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,775 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779783

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the exclusive enclave of Hidden Rock, this luxurious two-story residence in Cave Creek seamlessly blends contemporary design with the natural beauty of the desert surroundings. This beautiful home boasts a spacious layout, featuring two bedrooms, three and a half baths, a bonus room, and a two-car garage. The main level showcases wood flooring, a front guest bedroom with a private bath and walk-in closet, an open kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, a formal dining area, and a great room with a contemporary built-in electric fireplace and shelving. The master suite, with sliding barn doors, offers a walk-in closet with built-ins and a full en-suite bath with dual sink vanities, a soaking tub, and a seamless walk-in shower. Additional conveniences on this level include a laundry area and a powder room. Take the stairs to the upper level, where a lounge area leads to a front viewing deck with breathtaking mountain views. An expansive bonus room awaits, perfect for a theater or entertainment space, with an adjacent full bath. The rear-view deck offers more mountain vistas and features a built-in BBQ, eat-up bar, sink prep area, mini-fridge, and an electric fireplace. The beautifully landscaped backyard extends the length of the home, and provides plenty of privacy while offering incredible views surrounding the home. The property is thoughtfully designed with block and view fencing that harmonizes with the desert surroundings. Residents can also enjoy a community pool and spa. Just minutes from downtown Cave Creek, this home offers easy access to world-class retail shops, art galleries, and dining, making it the epitome of luxurious desert living.

View Property

3791 W Highway 80 Highway Bisbee, AZ 85603

$1,725,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,523 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6121153

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller will carry with $950K down and up to 8 years! FOUR registered wells in all, surface water rights & possible mineral rights are included with this majestic 168 acre historic mountain ranch, appropriately named Rocky Creek Ranch. Upon crossing over Banning Creek via the driveway's bridge and under a lush canopy of mature trees, it's like you've stepped back in time as you approach several rustic outbuildings, 2 historic homes including the charming Rock House w/ concrete walls, corrals, windmills & lush grassy meadows that teem with wildlife. Nestled in Bisbee's beautiful Mule Mountains along the jaw-dropping stretch of Hwy 80, magnificent rock formations, waterfalls & seasonal streams abound. ~20 miles East of Fort Huachuca, home to the Buffalo Soldiers.

View Property

10432 E Winter Sun Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,725,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,952 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720599

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller so briing your offer on this private DREAM home in the gated Cresta Norte! Nestled on a HUGE an acre and an half lot on a cul-de-sac, this stunning property has all the bells & whistles. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and a private yard with a serene & picturesque backdrop. Displaying a desert landscape, private courtyard, and a split 3-car garage w/epoxy floors & cabinetry. The double-door front entry opens a spacious living & dining room combo! Continue onto the inviting family room adorned with a fireplace for chilly nights. Tall ceilings add to the airy feel, complemented by plantation shutters, chic light fixtures, designer paint, tile & wood-look flooring, and large windows for tons of natural light. Pre-wired surround sound for the ultimate audio experience! For added functionality, this gem comes with a bonus room & a cozy den, both of which provide versatility! Double-door main bedroom has a lavish ensuite with a soaking tub, separate shower, two vanities, & two walk-in closets. PLUS! Another one bedroom includes its own full bathroom, perfect for the guests. But the true highlight is the RESORT-SYLE backyard! With a covered patio, a built-in BBQ, & a sparkling pool, this space promises year-round enjoyment. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and natural beauty that embraces this serene residence. Explore it! Love it! Live it!

View Property

10855 E Elba Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,725,000

6 Beds

5.5 Baths

5,358 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740974

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Bring all offers. Welcome to your dream home in Scottsdale's prestigious Treviso community, nestled near the renowned Mirabel Golf Course. This exquisite Toll Brothers residence embodies luxury, privacy, and exceptional craftsmanship. As you approach this magnificent property, you'll immediately notice its impressive presence. The added benefit of an attached Casita featuring a private entrance—perfect for guests or a home office. Step inside to discover an expansive interior with high ceilings and elegant finishes. The backyard is a true retreat, offering unparalleled tranquility with its stunning views of the desert landscape and majestic mountains. Facing the Preserve, you can rest assured that your views will remain unobstructed, offering a serene and private outdoor living spac

View Property

2386 E Redfield Road Gilbert, AZ 85234

$1,725,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,994 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760289

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for the perfect ACRE home, look no further this home has it all! Beautifully upgraded 5 bd, 4.5 baths. 3 bedrooms are ensuite with private baths perfect for guests or teens. Alexa smart home. Huge owner's suite with soaking tub, dual vanities and walk in closet. Remodeled kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, custom backsplash and breakfast bar. New tile floor in all the right places, freshly painted, new low E double pane windows, all new electrical, raised 8 ft ceilings and the list goes on. Permitted 1440 sq ft custom RV garage with Clopay RV garage door and 15 ft glass accordion sliding door. Beautiful remodeled pool with custom rock waterfall with built in slide. Just minutes to downtown Gilbert, shopping, dining and freeway for easy access.

View Property

8171 E Juan Tabo Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,725,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,690 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764308

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this breathtaking home nestled in the sought-after North Scottsdale area. As you enter, you'll be welcomed by European White oak floors, and a living room centered around a stunning floor-to-ceiling marble slab gas fireplace. Prepare to be wowed by the dazzling designer kitchen, featuring custom cabinetry and exquisite Quartzite slab countertops. Equipped with a premium Sub Zero-Wolf appliance suite and a Wolf gas range, this chef-inspired space promises to elevate your culinary adventures. The kitchen opens into an inviting family room with direct access to the patio and backyard. The master suite boasts a large sitting area, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Step outside to the expansive covered patio, complete with a fireplace, where you can enjoy stunning views of of the resort-style saltwater pool and spa. The outdoor area also includes a built-in BBQ, ideal for hosting memorable gatherings and enjoying to beautiful Arizona winter nights. Further enhancing its appeal, the three-car garage features epoxy flooring and plenty of storage, combining functionality with convenience. This remarkable home showcases exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering an unmatched living experience.

View Property

19360 N 73rd Street Unit 1075 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,717,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,858 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784749

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Belgravia Group presents Atavia, a private gated community of 88 luxury condominiums coming soon to North Scottsdale. Atavia blends the breathability of single-family living with the carefree convenience of condominium ownership. Designed by award-winning international architecture firm KTGY, with a clubhouse inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Taliesin West. Atavia is perfectly situated at the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Rd within the One Scottsdale masterplan development. Each exceptional home features a private entry with 2 car garage, Italian kitchen cabinetry, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, 1 ¼'' quartz counters, and wood floors throughout main living areas. Residence E1 includes a private in-home elevator, a 473 sf rooftop deck plus an option for a 4th bedroom.

View Property

100 W Northern Avenue Unit 7 Phoenix, AZ 85021

$1,708,308

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,715 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737176

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 100 Northern! Nestled in the prime location of North Central Phoenix, this gated, NEW, unique community features 3 different floor plans and only 17 homesites. Experience the elegant sophistication and uncluttered feel of these thoughtful, light flooded designs, where soaring ceilings, sleek lines, and open spaces all converge to evoke a true sense of serene ambiance throughout the home. This spectacular 2 level ''C'' plan features owner's suite, large den, and all primary living on the ground floor with 3 additional bedrooms, 2 baths (one ensuite) and large flex loft upstairs. Subzero/Wolf appliances, Trane AC units ,and tankless water heaters all set the standard for the list of included high-end features. Heated community pool, dog park and walking path cont.... all provide the outdoor enjoyment without the upkeep, cost and work of maintaining your own. Come and claim your new address at 100 Northern, the epitome of modern luxury living!

View Property

31 W Canyon Street Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$1,700,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697663

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into luxury with this stunning new construction home boasting vaulted ceilings adorned with rustic beams, a testament to its craftsmanship and charm. Indulge your culinary passions in the gourmet kitchen featuring custom cabinets, not one but two islands, and top-of-the-line appliances. Seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with a folding patio door, leading to a spacious wrap-around covered patio, perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding in style. Enjoy the sleek elegance of smooth wall finishes throughout the home. Plus, say goodbye to restrictive HOA regulations and embrace the freedom of no HOA. With a convenient drivet-hrough RV garage, this home is tailormade for those who value both functionality and sophistication. Don't miss your chance to make this dream home yours

View Property

5549 E Saguaro Vista Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,700,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the Sedona, a contemporary open-concept design to be built. Car collectors and RVers will appreciate the storage, featuring an oversized 3-car tandem garage plus a 49' deep RV garage. The home includes 4 bedrooms, office, 4.5 bathrooms, island kitchen, and a guest suite with a private living room. The owner's suite boasts a free-standing tub, a walk-through shower, and an oversized walk-in closet. Enjoy quality finishes such as 90/10 smooth walls, 8' doors, quartz countertops, and 12' ceilings in the great room and kitchen. The build is enhanced by energy-efficient spray foam insulation, 2x6 framed exterior, fully sheathed construction, and a post-tension foundation. Pictures are from a model home w/ available options. Buyer to verify all facts and specs.

View Property

8724 E Russell Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$1,700,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

3,770 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740161

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

360 degrees unobstructed VIEWS!!! NO HOA! DETACHED GUEST HOUSE! 7 car garage! Bring all your toys to this home in The Desert Uplands of Mesa! Lifestyle here is exceptional with a blend of tranquility & convenience. Nearby stores, restaurants, hiking & boating at Tonto National Forest & Usury Mountain Regional Park. All million $ plus homes. Experience elegance & comfort in this magnificent 5-bedroom, 4.5 -bathroom residence on a sprawling 1.22-acre lot! 2 story entry w/ elegant stairwell. Formal LR & DR with updated modern flooring. 2022 kitchen remodel offers white shaker cabinets, viking stove, lg prep island, true butlers kitchen & pantry. Family room has huge windows, gas FP & open to the kitchen. 1st floor office, bedroom & full bathroom. Attached 4 car extended garage. GUEST suite is detached & private. Guest suite: great room, full kitchen with island & informal dining area, full bedroom & bathroom. Has a page storage room & attached to full access to second garage. This home boasts MOUNTAIN, SUNRISE, SUNSETS & CITY LIGHT VIEWS from multiple view decks & form inside the home. Fenced in back yard has extended covered patio's built in BBQ, heated spa and diving pool. Bring all your toys!! No HOA!! ** WELL is private and 1000 ft deep with a 2700 gallon holding tank!

View Property