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.

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21276 W Sycamore Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$650,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,039 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765959

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Prepare to be captivated by this gorgeous single-level home in Verrado Community! The façade offers a 3-car garage w/attached cabinets, paver driveway, & a gated courtyard. Impressive interior includes a large living room, formal dining room & a perfectly flowing great room adorned w/surround sound. Well-appointed kitchen is equipped w/recessed & pendant lighting, ample cabinetry w/crown molding, built-in appliances, a pantry, granite counters, a prep island w/a breakfast bar & a mosaic tile backsplash. Exterior paint updated in 2023. Make the open den a game area/study. Owner's retreat provides an ensuite w/two vanities, Kitchen cabinets with slide outs. Spacious backyard w/a covered patio, pergola and artificial turf. HVAC less than a year. Paid solar System. This is a Gem!

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19118 E Apricot Lane Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$650,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,950 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769026

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Legado, a premiere community at the heart of Queen Creek. Situated on a private, low maintenance backyard with no neighbors behind. The 3 bedrooms plus den make this pristine, single level home the PERFECT comfort haven. Graciously appointed with wood plank tile flooring, plantation shutters, smudge proof appliances, granite counters, backsplash & gas cooktop. Whole house water filtration, WiFi thermostat. 3 car garage with custom garage storage. A covered patio overlooks a grass backyard with paver seating area & fire pit. Legado features playgrounds, a lighted basketball court, lighted corn hole, splash pad, & more. Convenient to Mansel Carter Oasis Park, QC Marketplace & QC District featuring shopping, entertainment & a choice of 30+ restaurants. Welcome Home!

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2700 N Horseshoe Street Unit 69 Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$650,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,557 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772735

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover the perfect AIR CONDITIONED home in the exclusive Saddleback Lodge at Continental Country Club! This fully furnished, SINGLE-LEVEL townhome invites you to unwind on a private deck with breathtaking golf course views surrounded by the serenity of mature trees and lush landscaping. Includes a 1-car garage, fireplace, stainless appliances appliances, and proximal to the clubhouse, restaurant, pools and resort amenities such as pickleball & fitness center. Whether for a weekend getaway or a long-term escape, this beautifully remodeled home offers unmatched comfort & convenience - an investment you will return to again and again! 2nd Bedroom currently being utilized as a den/office.

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41806 N Shadow Creek Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$650,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,432 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6759521

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Mountain and City Lights VIEWS along with Dramatic Sunset VIEWS! This house has SOLAR panels which helps eliminate electric bills!!! CASITA with full bath and it's own HVAC unit. 2.5 car garage so you can have a spot for 2 cars and your golf cart! Courtyard with gate. Wood blinds. Custom closets. Upgraded appliance package. Gas indoor fireplace and exterior gas firepit. Washer and dryer convey. Maple cabinets. Upgraded lighting. built in BBQ in backyard. Security system. Thermal break/low E windows, water softener, and reverse osmosis. Motorized sun shades. Hot tub conveys. Beautifully upgraded backyard and courtyard. HVAC is newly updated. Rain gutters. Will feel like you're going home when you walk inside. Another turnkey opportunity in Anthem Country Club for the most discerning Buyer! This home will blow your socks off! Country Club Lifestyle with Resort Style Amenities...Anthem Country Club is managed by Club Corp which offers many great benefits to members that reciprocate around the world! Two 18 hole golf courses, Persimmons and Ironwood, designed by Greg Nash. 2 Pro shops, 2 sets of men's and women's lounges / locker rooms, 2 member restaurants, 2 gyms, 2 pools, 2 spas, several tennis courts, Gorgeous Ball Room for ongoing Member events and private events venues available as well, 2 Impressive guard gated entrances, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain and golf course views...you will love being a member of the Anthem Golf & Country Club!

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2813 E Indian Wells Place Chandler, AZ 85249

$650,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,566 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776954

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unmatched Value! So many extras you'll have to inquire to get the full list..... Discover your dream 2-story home in the highly desirable Cooper Commons community in Chandler! Set on a prime corner lot, this impressive residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 stylish bathrooms, and a roomy loft—perfect for all your family's needs. With a main-level bedroom and full bath, it's ideal for guests or multi-generational living. Enjoy modern upgrades like Nest Thermostats, a Vivint security system with cameras, air dryers in the bathrooms, and a water softener—all designed for comfort and convenience. Don't miss out on this exceptional home! entertaining, a heated pool for year-round enjoyment, and lush artificial turf for easy maintenance and play. This home is designed to impress and is sure to exceed your expectations. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make it yours today!

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4500 N Paseo De Los Rancheros -- Tucson, AZ 85745

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,312 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777821

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath residence in Rancho Del Cerro is now for sale! Nestled on a premium corner lot and featuring a low-care landscape, 2 car garage, well-laid pavers, and a welcoming front porch, this is sure to be the home you've been looking for! Inside you will find large dining & living areas w/vaulted ceilings and custom palette throughout. Enjoy quality time w/friends & loved ones in the cozy family room, showcasing exposed beams, elegant wood-look flooring, and a beehive fireplace. The eat-in kitchen offers ample cabinetry w/crown moulding, pendant & recessed lighting, and built-in appliances for all your cooking needs. The primary bedroom boasts soft carpet, private outdoor access, a walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks & a jetted tub. Lastly, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, extended seating areas, two lovely pergolas plus a gazebo, artificial turf, a refreshing hot tub, and a sparkling blue pool! What are you waiting for? Act now!

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16042 W Shaw Butte Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$650,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,827 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777953

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover modern farmhouse charm in this 2019 Greer Ranch home. This single-level, ranch-style residence showcases refined upgrades, from quartz countertops and tall cabinetry to custom plantation shutters and wood-look tile. The spacious layout includes 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a versatile bonus room with barn doors, ideal for a home office. Thoughtfully designed, the en suite bedroom offers privacy for guests or extended family. Enjoy an Arizona room, lush turf landscaping, and a welcoming front porch. Situated next to a playground, you'll enjoy extra space and serenity. Three-car garage included.

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9068 N Cox Road Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$650,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782730

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Take a look as this incredible home on 5 acres in Casa Grande's foothills, and it includes a shop to make any hobbyist or craftsperson smile. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an oversized garage that gives you the room you need for any vehicle you own. The main bedroom has a walk-in closet, as well as a walk-in closet off of the second bedroom. Which also boasts beautiful mountain views. The third bedroom has an exceptionally large walk-in vault and is split from the other 2 bedrooms. The kitchen, living room, and dining area flow together seamlessly, and the laundry room has its own sink and cabinet. The oversized garage also has a separate entry. Leading to the 2400 sq ft shop with 3 rollup doors, and 17 quadruple elec. outlets. both home and shop are nicely insulated. Rare find!

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1581 E Del Rio Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$650,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,321 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6694922

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Hidden gem nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Superstition Ranch. This gorgeous home features high flat ceiling which instantly makes this home feel more spacious and luxurious. Great layout with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, split floorplan with separated master suite . Skylight in formal dinning , spacious kitchen with wine cooler. Home has hard wood, carpet and tile flooring. Backyard oasis is perfect for cooling down in summer time by jumping into the pool or relax in the heated spa. New roof underlayment installed in January. Fresh painted interior and exterior. Home comes with Tesla charging station, makes life easier. Excellent schools BASIS and Legacy Traditional school (North Chandler) both just about 1 mile away. Don't miss this opportunity to own this great home!

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12345 W Encanto Boulevard Avondale, AZ 85392

$650,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,751 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6704628

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exquisite 2-story home with a $10,000 seller concession for buyer expenses! All on approx. ¼ of an acre. Stunning 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious bathrooms, providing ample space! As you enter, you'll be greeted by magnificent wrought iron security doors and double entry front doors, and soaring ceilings. Spacious bedroom downstairs with a full bath adjacent. Gourmet Kitchen with large island, SS refrigerator, granite countertops make it complete. Formal dining and living room with a fireplace provide an elegant and intimate setting. This home offers an amazing loft for additional living space, a built-in desk for a home office, a beautiful balcony overlooking the pool. Spacious backyard with a covered patio, a cabana, a fire pit, a separate storage.

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7500 E Deer Valley Road Unit 87 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$650,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,371 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6727580

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LONG LIVE SUMMERTIME. This is the perfect setting for the moments that last a lifetime. Need space? This move-in ready home in the popular Arizona Silverado subdivision is the answer. This stunning home welcomes with comfortable, smartly-designed spaces. The kitchen has all the upgrades you want: granite counters, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and pantry. You'll love the easy-care engineered wood flooring throughout. The large primary suite has lots of natural light, a walk-in closet and the bathroom has a separate walk-in shower. Everyone loves a loft and this one is quite spacious. If you promised yourself the best in life, you can keep that promise. Move-in ready for a summer full of fun, Arizona-style! Nearby you will find a fun neighborhood park with world-class shopping, dining and medical facilities. Every kind of recreation imaginable awaits. Convenient access to the Loop 101 freeway, you're just minutes from Salt River Fields, Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and Sky Harbor Airport. It is impossible to be bored when you live in the Valley of the Sun. This area offers scenic beauty, miles of natural parkland, picturesque lakes, and a wide variety of activities, events, and attractions for every interest. Surrounding cities and metropolitan areas offer a unique mix of culture, shopping, sports stadiums, concert arenas, and attractions ranging from the cosmopolitan to the Southwestern.

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4719 E Rockledge Road Phoenix, AZ 85044

$650,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,342 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6727468

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come and see this gorgeous 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bathroom Home with Sparkling Pool and 3 Car Garage located in the popular Desert Breeze neighborhood in the heart of Ahwatukee! The home has been nicely appointed with designer finishes and paint schemes. Recent updates and upgrades include a complete master bathroom remodel in 2023 including a new soaker tub, custom vanity w/ soft close drawers and quartz countertops, new shower with frameless glass enclosure. New AC in 2022, new pool pump and artificial turf in backyard in 2024, all new stainless steel appliances as well as new washer and dryer in 2022 and new water heater in 2021! The home boasts a true pride of ownership through and through! Located in close proximity to excellent shopping, restaurants, and entertainment,. Easy access to numerous freeways and is just a short drive to Sky Harbor Airport and numerous employment corridors. Located in the highly rated Kyrene School District and NO HOA!

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