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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16981 S 175th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$615,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,363 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6735144

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous AV Home in Canta Mia 55+ gated community resort like living at its best. The Tremolo model 2 bedroom 2.5 baths, den and casita will not disappoint. Walk into courtyard with entrance to the casita and main home that welcomes you to warm foyer overlooking the beautiful back courtyard and pool. Kitchen with quartz countertops, loads of storage, pull out shelving, double wall ovens, newer gas cooktop, built-in microwave, large kitchen island, under/over cabinet lighting. Primary bedroom has bay window, sliding glass door takes you to covered patio/pool area. Primary bathroom walk-in tiles shower. bathrooms updated quartz countertop. Ceiling fans throughout. Backyard entertainers dream .Garage 240V, Casita 20amp. Additional insulation. Solar owned.

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20831 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85024

$615,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,212 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6749459

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very recent closed sale in Arroyo Rojo similar sqft, no pool, or preserve view to the back sold for $649K. Nestled in a vibrant community this exceptional home boasts 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, all while offering desert preserve views. The premium lot is an entertainer's dream, featuring a built-in fireplace, plumed for an outdoor kitchen, a pool with water feature, and ample space for hosting events. Inside, you'll be welcomed by an updated kitchen showcasing Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and dark wood grain cabinets. The main floor also includes a full bathroom and a versatile office/den with French doors. Upstairs, you'll discover 3 beds/2 bath, PLUS a versatile closed loft area/flex space w/2 closets. Convenient upstairs laundry. Leasing is allowed. 30 Day Min.

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1605 N Spencer -- Mesa, AZ 85203

$615,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,968 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6750778

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

If you're looking for a home that has it all, this is the one for you! This gorgeously remodeled home, situated on just over a 1/4 of an acre with no HOA, has a brand new A/C, fresh paint, LVP flooring throughout, new kitchen cabinets and updated bathrooms. When you enter you will be greeted by an cozy sitting room with gas fireplace and formal dining space. As you continue on you'll find a spacious kitchen-great room open concept that wastes no space and connects the spaces brilliantly for comfort, conversation and dining. The bedrooms offer a chic and modern feel. As you step outside you will find an outdoor oasis with an expansive covered patio, sparkling pool and SO much space to grill and chill. Let's not forget the added bonus of RV parking and your gated front patio perfect for sipping morning coffee or watching the stunning Arizona sunsets!!

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17427 N Lindgren Avenue Sun City, AZ 85373

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,294 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, location, north of Bell Rd and Lindgren. This golf course home with pool features many upgrades. From tiled drive way, cozy front court yard with new aluminum patio, ceiling fan, security door, and ring door bell. This home has many spaces for your hobbies without loosing space to entertain and has great lighting. As you enter will notice the vinyl wood planks through out, and plush carpet in the bedrooms. Remodeled kitchen has lots of cabinets and counter top space, new quartz counter tops, dark grey cabinets with white upper cabinets. Ss appliances including a convection microwave oven, wall convection oven & air fryer. This has a split floor plan with master bedroom having a his and her closet along with a custom tile shower and sliding door to go into the AZ room. Hobby/craft room features built in cabinetry, window shutter, and a custom light fixture. Also has an area for formal dinning or office space. New upgrade can lighting through out the home. The large Arizona room is air conditioned as home has 2 ac units one is 4 years old. You will love the plush berber carpet and all the lighting. Window have been tinted to reduce heat. As you go to the back yard you will love the amazing golf course views and large pool with the easy to upkeep landscaping, turf, and gravel. Side of yard has a new aluminum patio with pavers. Pool pump was recently replaced, new pool vac, and the diesel pool heater has not been in use. Garage has ample storage and has an air conditioned small work shop. You will not be disappointed with this home, as it has so many entertainment areas through out! Solar loan assumption payment of $277 monthly.

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29398 N 130th Glen Peoria, AZ 85383

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6771632

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this beautiful Flora model that is nestled in the highly sought after community of Trilogy at Vistancia. You will immediately notice upon entering the home the paver oversized front courtyard to enjoy a morning coffee or simply entertain guests. You will love the chefs kitchen with maple cabinets, newer granite counter tops, a convenient center island and well thought out kitchen design. A Flex room that can be used as 3rd bedroom or den/study. Relax and enjoy entertaining all your guests with the privacy of this resort like backyard recently updated in 2018. This home boasts a new tiled floor 2020, recently replaced HVAC 2019, post tension slab, central vac, blown in insulation, 4 foot extension to the garage.

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10420 E Cedar Waxwing Court Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$615,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,116 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768486

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous custom home with expansive water views in the Active Adult Community of Ironwood in Sun Lakes. Enjoy the resort lifestyle in this 2 BR, 2 BA home with full updates in kitchen and baths. Huge Arizona room/Lanai overlooking the water. Large private covered patio and a bonus room with patio access. Perfect for an office/den or craft room. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind home. Come, enjoy all the amenities Sun Lakes has to offer.

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12518 W Skylark Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,694 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754723

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

:Incredible lowered price on this stunning Remodeled Home Backing to the 18th Hole of Stardust Golf Course This meticulously crafted gem in the heart of Sun City West boasts nearly 2700 square feet of living space, offering a harmonious blend of elegance, comfort, and modern sophistication. Every detail has been thoughtfully addressed, resulting in a seamless fusion of style and functionality. The kitchen features a waterfall granite island, perfect for entertaining or enjoying family meals. Top-of-the-line LG appliances elevate your culinary experience. The spacious layout seamlessly connects living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. Don't miss this opportunity to own a slice of paradise in Sun City West

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5449 E Roanoke Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85008

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fabulous Mid-Century Modern home in Papago Seventy Six, a quiet neighborhood nestled in the foothills of Papago Buttes. This architectural gem includes a welcoming a front courtyard and wood beamed entryway that beckons further discovery. A large foyer with high ceilings greets you into this 3 bedroom, 2 bath (plus den) home. Natural light abounds with soaring vaulted ceilings in the large living room replete with wood-burning fireplace. The large kitchen opens to a dining room with exposed wood beams, clerestory windows, wet bar, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, and a truly expansive cabinet package with stone countertops. Dining room opens to a large den/family room, with French doors leading out to the sparkling swimming pool, set within a saltillo tile deck and mountain views

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7270 W Tina Lane Glendale, AZ 85310

$615,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,337 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771486

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very popular floor plan in the highly desired Hillcrest community. This home has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths and has been upgraded recently. The home has 2 A/C units replaced in 2023, newer pebbletech pool along with porcelain wood look tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, Painted cabinets, granite counters and lots of other upgrades. New carpet was just installed and interior was just painted. New gravel in the yard along with artificial grass in the back. The exterior was also just painted in 2023. New garage floor epoxy just completed as well. This home is a must see

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21633 N Black Bear Lodge Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

Open House

$615,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,454 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775196

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CASITA + 3 CAR GARAGE + HOT TUB. VA ASSUMABLE AT 2.31%. This single owner 3 bed/2 bath (not including the Casita) home offers a perfect blend of space and comfort. Step inside and be greeted by the grandeur of the formal living/dining room, perfect for entertaining your guests. The kitchen features a spacious island, built-in microwave, gas cooktop, and stainless steel appliances. The plantation shutters throughout the house add a touch of elegance and privacy. The three-car garage provides plenty of space and additional storage with its convenient garage cabinets and also has a whole-home RO water system. Step outside to your private oasis, complete with built-in gas BBQ grill, gas fire pit, hot tub, and a patio perfect for enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather.

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9311 W Coolidge Street Phoenix, AZ 85037

$614,999

6 Beds

5.5 Baths

3,949 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729757

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

$6,000 Monthly Lease Income Included! This stunning 6-bedroom home not only offers exceptional living but also comes with a $6,000 per month lease—providing immediate cash flow! If you're looking to make it your primary residence, the tenant is willing to relocate, giving you complete flexibility. Location, Location, Location! Perfectly situated just off the 101 & Camelback, this home puts you at the heart of it all—minutes from Westgate, Glendale Stadium, and the soon-to-be-built waterpark and hotels in this rapidly growing area. Key Features:

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4430 S Hassett Circle Mesa, AZ 85212

$614,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748046

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BACK ON THE MARKET, buyer could not perform. Absolutely stunning home that has been meticulously cared for and loved! This home shows light and bright, with a fresh new coat of paint throughout interior. The exterior was repainted within last few years as well. This floor plan has many flex options, with up to five bedrooms possible. There are currently 3 bedrooms. The 4th (with full closet) is opened up, currently used an office/flex space, which would be easy to frame to builder 4th bedroom option. Entry is extremely open and has a formal living room, easy to add a barn door for office, or additional room. Stunning floor update throughout Master, office, and family room. The kitchen is an entertainer's delight as it is open to the family room and dining area with an XL (See More) island for those fun, social gatherings. Nice stainless steel appliance package and large pantry! Upgraded exterior elevation with stone siding and front patio, which you could easily add pavers for seating area. Garage has extra overhead storage, which conveys, and is pre-plumbed for soft water loop. New sunscreens, New RV gate, opens to spacious side yard with extra gate added for dog run, recent $2500 upgrade. The backyard is enormous and truly an entertainer's delight, with pavers throughout, showcasing the stunning pool and spa! AC, Pool/ spa just inspected, with clean bill of health, and new pool filter pump in 2022. Too many upgrades to list a must see! Hurry this one will not last!

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