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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9238 E Diamond Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$569,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,763 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768385

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED! Light and open single-level home with vaulted ceilings. Completely new modern kitchen with white cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances including new gas oven/range. New plank flooring throughout. 2 bedrooms plus a den/study (could be 3rd BR). 2 recently updated bathrooms. Extended 2 car garage with GOLF CART SPACE, extra storage and new epoxy floor. Home water purification system. Covered patio & spacious back yard. Brand new roof (new tiles too)!) --- Oakwood Country Club is one of Arizona's premier Active Adult communities. Guard-gated entry. 45 holes of beautifully maintained championship golf. 2 community restaurants. 7 community pools. Fitness Center. Tennis & Pickleball. Walking trails & much more! - Just move in and enjoy the Oakwood Country Club lifestyle!

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2015 W Wescott Drive Phoenix, AZ 85027

Open House

$569,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,779 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774277

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in desirable North Phoenix! Featuring fresh interior paint, brand new carpeting, and upgraded kitchen countertops, this home is move-in ready. With two master bedrooms, there's plenty of space for everyone. The second floor offers a versatile space that can be used as a master suite, private apartment, perfect for guests or additional living quarters. Step outside to a lush, grassy backyard with a raised garden bed, perfect for cultivating your own vegetables, and relax in the hot tub under the shaded gazebo. With easy freeway access, this home combines convenience with comfort, making it an ideal North Phoenix retreat! 2 ACs new in 2019.

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2947 N Sonoran Hills Mesa, AZ 85207

$568,995

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,087 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779124

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning open floor plan in the gated Desert Creek community at Las Sendas set on a premium lot close to the community pool! Recent upgrades including Monte Carlo fans, new tile showers, & updated main flr powder room. Full wall sliding glass doors reveal a low maintenance yard, ideal for gathering. The beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances & quartz countertops with abundant storage in the double stacked cabinets & walk-in pantry. Expansive primary suite features two walk-in closets, balcony & nook perfect for a home office. Second bedroom features updated ensuite full bathrm. Wood-look tile flooring throughout. Smart features include Ring cameras, August locks & Nest thermostats. The two car garage has 220v, ideal for potential EV charging, & storage with large ceiling rack. Conveniently located near the 202 freeway, shops, and restaurants, with easy access to Tonto National Forest, Salt River and Saguaro Lake. Welcome to your new home!

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6428 N 190th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$568,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745700

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home back towards the White Tanks Mountains on large homesite with no neighbors behind you. The beautiful Irwin floorplan has a 3 tandem garage, 3 bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. 9' ceilings, wood plank style tile floorings throughout the home, 8' interior doors, gourmet kitchen package, kitchen tile backsplash and huge island makes this home the perfect spot to entertain! This home is built zero energy ready with spray foam insulation, 2 x 6 construction and 85% offset solar system included giving you a HERS rating in the single digits! This home is ready now!

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3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3016 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$568,933

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6596296

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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2232 E Blanche Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$568,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,826 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6736754

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller will consider contributing to buyer's loan costs and/or Interest rate buy down with the right offer! Stunning move-in ready 4-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Home in beautiful North Phoenix with NO HOA! Welcome to this tastefully updated, turn-key residence in a quiet North Phoenix neighborhood. This home boasts four spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, mountain views, offering comfort and convenience. Enjoy a fresh, contemporary interior with stylish finishes throughout. Perfectly situated close to hiking at Lookout Mountain, shopping, dining, and close freeway access, this home combines practicality with a taste of luxury. Close to Costco, Sprouts, Aldi and more! Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

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12320 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$568,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,272 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678265

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY to live close to it all in the West Valley. With 4 beds, 3.5 baths, flexible retreat area and 3 car side by side garage, this dream homes shines from the stunning curb appeal to the endless possibilities in the large north facing backyard. This bright and open plan boasts 10' flat ceilings, 8' doors and an expansive 16' sliding glass door to the extended outdoor patio. The gorgeous kitchen provides you the opportunity to shine as a chef with upgraded coconut shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless GE appliances, pot filler, herringbone tiled backsplash and oversized center island. Energy-efficient, extensive new home warranty and excellent customer service...there is not time like TODAY. See you soon!

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12386 W Cassia Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$568,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,374 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752908

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem. With a spacious loft and a covered patio, this home offers plenty of room to grow and entertain. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring modern finishes and a stylish herringbone pattern backsplash that adds a touch of elegance. The beautiful wood-like tile flooring in high traffic areas adds warmth and durability. The unfinished backyard has mountain view and is a blank slate, ready for you to customize and create your perfect outdoor oasis.

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20323 E Happy Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$568,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754931

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Spacious and bright 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom modular home on just over an acre of land in Queen Creek, AZ with large bedrooms, walk-in closets and large storage closets. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) installed throughout entire house in 2019. New roof installed September 2021. Acre is perimeter and cross fenced and within riding and walking distance of Santan Mountain Regional Park. 16' x 32' galvanized steel 2-stall shed row for horses and huge paver patio for outdoor enjoyment yet property is minutes away from Equestrian Center, Fry's Grocery, Fat Cats, Caldwell County BBQ and more.

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2438 W Hearn Road Phoenix, AZ 85023

$568,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,344 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739186

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 2344 SQFT home has been completely renovated, featuring all-new cabinetry and quartz countertops throughout the house. The open-concept living area is perfect for entertaining, and the brand-new kitchen shines with its modern design. All bathrooms have been redone with beautiful new tile work and contemporary finishes. The four spacious bedrooms offer ample storage and natural light. Enjoy the low-maintenance landscaped yard. Conveniently located next to the I-17 and close to amenities, schools, and parks.

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16612 N 151st Lane Surprise, AZ 85374

Open House

$568,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,856 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710976

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning two-story home warm and inviting from the moment you step through the door. Home featuring so many upgrades you won't believe this beauty, from exquisite diagonal tile flooring that runs throughout the entire first floor, leading into a gourmet eat-in kitchen with upgraded Cherry Wood 42-inch cabinets, granite countertops, large kitchen island, great for entertaining. The kitchen overlooks the backyard oasis with a sparkling pool. Second floor master suite with walk-out deck overlooking mountain views. Enormous master bath with garden tub and separate shower, large walk-in closet. All other bedrooms are abundant in size. Enormous game room can be converted into two extra bedrooms The home also features a downstairs office and can be converted into a fifth bedroom. We are just minutes away from schools, shopping, restaurants, Surprise Stadium-Spring Training, outdoor Recreation center, Surprise Aquatic Center, events and Festivals and hotels. You will enjoy this highly upgraded exquisite home, conveniently located few minutes away from the downtown Heritage district where the family fun begins.

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16455 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682617

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Townsend has a gorgeous open floor plan with Guest Suite and 10' ceilings! Large Gourmet Kitchen with Quartz Countertops. Owners Suite has a deluxe Master Bath with Walk-in rain shower. Home is on a large lot in a secluded neighborhood. Home comes with paver driveway/walk way to entry. and is complete with stone front exterior on house! A Must See!!!!

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