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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4585 San Cristobal -- Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$609,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,629 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736231

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 4585 San Cristobal! This beautiful custom home is perfect for those who love to entertain. The spacious great room is perfect for gatherings of all kinds, and the formal dining room is ideal for more intimate occasions. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry. The master suite includes a large walk-in closet, dual sinks in the bath, and an oversized tub. The 4th bedroom would make a great in-law suite or guest quarters, it is split and has its own bathroom. Need a 5th bedroom? This plan has also been built with a 5th bedroom where the formal dining room is located! The large, covered patio at the back of the house is the perfect place to sit and enjoy your morning coffee decompress at the end of the day. The four-car attached garage with built-in storage shelves and extra workspace is perfect for the hobbyist or car enthusiast. Come see everything this amazing home has to offer today!

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7527 E Elderberry Way Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$609,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,900 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753890

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new AZ home! Everything is here (except your personal belongings & items to fill kitchen cupboards). 3 bedroom (split floorplan) & 2 bath home has ALL the furniture & appliances included PLUS comes with a 1 bedroom / 1 bath casita with it's own entrance making it a total of 4 bedrooms/3 bath home. Owners have been diligent about upgrading & maintaining their winter home(used approx. 3 months a year). Kitchen has granite counters & newer appliances. Garage has built in cabinets, sink, overhead storage racks, water softener, & epoxy flooring. Enjoy the gas fireplace on those chilly nights or mornings, and when outdoors, enjoy entertaining outdoors by the gas firepit , cooking by the grill, or just enjoying the view. List of improvements in document section.

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1710 W Winchester Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$609,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,808 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EXCEPTIONAL SO CHANDLER BEAUTY in the coveted, Master Planned Community of Silverton Ranch! Buy now & move in before the Holidays! This 1-Story Home has been Meticulously Cared for & Upgraded. 3Bed+Den/ Office/ Library ( easy to make this a 4th Bedroom) NEWER Upgrades&Improvements: Wood-look Tile Plank Floors., Cabinets, Appliances, Granite, Ceiling Fans, Baseboards, Door Hardware, Window Treatments, Master&Guest Baths, Interior /Exterior Paint, Water Heater, Video-recording Doorbell. Backyard: Irrigation piping conver. + multi-port emitters, Shade, Pavers, Raised Garden., Vrble Spd Pool Pump. Artif Turf so you can enjoy your yard w/ easy-care Landscape. All this & more makes this your perfect Staycation Home! Conveniently located to many So Chandler great Amenities. See Photos!

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7632 E Bonita Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$609,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,026 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763467

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

*AMAZING Villa Monterey Home *Three Bedrooms, three bathrooms, over 2000 square feet of space *COVETED DOUBLE CARPORT! *Low HOA fee of just $650 annually! *Scottsdale Historic District *Age 55+ Community *REMODELED KITCHEN with maple cabinets, GRANITE countertops, granite backsplash, NEWER APPLIANCES *Main level features spacious living room, in-ceiling lighting, formal dining space, breakfast nook, laundry utility room, primary bedroom & full bath, additional bedroom and hall bath *Upper level features loft style bedroom, full bathroom, balcony with mountain views, walk-in closet and BONUS SPACE (can be used as office, hobby area, pet area) *Wood laminate flooring *CONVENIENT door from living room to primary bedroom suite * *Large laundry room with extra storage and side-by-side washer dryer which conveys! *Pretty PANED WINDOWS on back of home *Super nice north facing covered patio mature citrus tree, PAVERS and two fans *Home is in great condition and has been VERY WELL MAINTAINED by owners of many years *Sparkling community pool & spa *Minutes to Fashion Square Mall, Scottsdale's Waterfront, Old Town Scottsdale, Fifth Avenue Shops & Galleries, Spring Training Venues, fine and casual dining venues and SO MUCH MORE!

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1449 W Islandia Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$609,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768896

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move-in ready! Fantastic opportunity to own this wonderful 3-bed, 2-bath home with a sparkling pool! Great curb appeal with nice desert landscaping, a covered front porch, and a 3-car garage. The welcoming interior offers a spacious living & family room, soaring vaulted ceilings, soothing palette, ceiling fans, soft carpeting, archways, a wood-burning fireplace, and beautiful laminate flooring. The kitchen is fully equipped with sleek granite counters, a mosaic tile backsplash, track lighting, lots of white cabinetry with crown molding, and two windows with great views of the backyard. Don't forget about the large dining area with a bay window perfect for entertaining family & friends. The main bedroom offers an ensuite bathroom with a separate tub & shower, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. The remaining bedrooms are an ample size and share the hall bathroom. Laundry inside with utility sink. Enjoy the outdoors with a large covered concrete patio, artificial turf, additional desert landscaping and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today! The exterior of the home was painted in 2023.

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32828 N 228th Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$609,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,403 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757577

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Set on a full acre, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is a striking combination of modern updates and rural charm. With a 2023 refresh that includes new flooring and updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, the interior feels fresh, cool, and contemporary. The open floor plan flows effortlessly, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. The property is ideal for those with hobbies or larger projects, featuring a massive 30' x 50' x 14' detached, insulated shop, fully equipped with electrical and offering 10' x 10' and 10' x 12' doors, providing ample room for up to six vehicles or larger equipment. The 10' x 16' wood shed with a window AC unit adds additional functional space, perfect for storage or a small workshop. Backing up to... state trust land, this property offers expansive views and exceptional privacy. For pet owners, the fenced dog yard includes a dig-proof kennel, giving peace of mind and security for your pets. This home perfectly blends modern conveniences with the freedom and space of rural living, offering a lifestyle that's as practical as it is peaceful.

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2449 E Inglewood Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$609,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,038 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767409

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully professionally/beautifully updated 3 bed/2 bath in one of the cutest neighborhoods in Mesa. No HOA!! Huge 10,633 sqft private lot with substantial RV parking/gate, swimming pool, covered patio and cozy outdoor settings to relax in the evenings. Attention to detail on the design in the home will make anyone feel like they are on vacation. Open concept floorplan, spacious master bedroom with en-suite bath and much more. All new flooring/lighting/quartz counters/custom backsplash, stainless appliances/custom 5'' baseboards/new paint inside and out. Minutes to the 202 with great entertainment and shopping nearby. Close to Mesa and PHX airports. This one is a must see!

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1609 E Montecito Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

Open House

$609,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,362 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759860

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning property is nestled in the desirable Biltmore/Camelback corridor and is surrounded by an array of shopping options, and some of the city's finest restaurants. This beautifully designed two-story residence features three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and privacy. The master bedroom is conveniently located on the first floor. The property boasts modern finishes and an open floor plan that enhances its inviting atmosphere, with a stylish kitchen, bright living spaces, and a lovely outdoor space, perfect for family gatherings or the addition of a pool. Large laundry with ample storage. Two car carport with a Tesla charging station. Easy access to highways and public transpiration. Do not miss this one!

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35508 N Tin Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$608,995

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,433 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784991

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Home is still Under Construction* This beautiful home was crafted for the way you live. The foyer welcomes you with stunning views of the main living space and rear yard. The open-concept kitchen provides connectivity to the great room area with prime access to the outdoor patio. The backyard retreat is perfect for activities, complete with a stacking door system. The resort-style amenities in this community will make your family feel they're on vacation year-round. Come experience your dream home today!

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1204 W Fever Tree Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$608,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,716 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727454

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New incentive- With purchase price of $620K, sellers will pay off the solar lease! Giving buyers 10 yrs of ultra low utility billls! Sellers had $0 utility bills in summer!! Fall/spring were approx $20, winter btwn $20-$50. Come see this beautiful, highly upgraded 4 bed+ office, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage . Gourmet kitchen includes granite counters, oversized island, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, convection oven, & huge walk-in pantry. Primary bedroom features dual vanities, soaking tub, large shower & walk-in closet. Split floor plan with large secondary rooms and walk-in closets. Extra cabinets in laundry & garage. Grass, extended paved patio, and garden beds. Enjoy 2 community pools, splash pads, club house, playgrounds, pickle ball, basketball, sand volleyball, & frisbee golf course

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7816 E Quartet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$608,633

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787457

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6787457 February Completion! The Sapphire is a thoughtfully designed single-story home featuring 1,970 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The foyer leads directly to an open dining area, kitchen, and great room, seamlessly connecting to the outdoor living space—perfect for entertaining. Whether you're cooking your favorite meals in the kitchen, relaxing in the great room with a book and coffee, or hosting friends and family, this home is made for creating lasting memories. The spacious primary suite offers a private retreat with a bathroom featuring double sinks and a walk-in closet. Welcome home! Structural options include: bedroom in place of tandem garage, study with doors in place of bedroom.

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10044 E Tiburon Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$608,500

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,547 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751296

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

TURN KEY READY!! Nearly-new 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in Mesa's Cadence at Gateway community. Fully Furnished! Built in 2022 by Tri Pointe Homes and stayed in just a handful of times! This spacious residence features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a large island. Bright, open living areas flow seamlessly into a backyard oasis with custom BBQ and designer turf. The primary suite offers a spa-like bath with dual vanities, and walk-in shower. One of the biggest selling points is access to resort-style amenities, including one of the best community pools in the state, many parks, and trails.

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