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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13588 W Boca Raton Road Surprise, AZ 85379

$545,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,042 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777249

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 5 bed, 3 full bath home on premium lot! large 3 car garage with epoxy flooring and cabinets with work bench. New quartz counter tops and backsplash. Backyard has nice grass area, huge covered patio, and gated play pool. Outdoor kitchen has grill and sink. Guest bedroom downstairs. Master and 3 other beds upstairs with loft area. Low HOA neighborhood close to schools and walking distance to shopping.

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3532 W Warren Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$545,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775960

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful private home in the sought after Del Webb community. New in 2022: A/C, first level luxury vinyl flooring, new carpet on second level, fresh paint throughout, fireplace in family room, granite counters, white cabinets. Oasis backyard has a pebble tech pool with beach entry, desert front & plus synthetic grass rear. Very private yard siding only single story homes and backing one of the largest lots in Anthem. Enjoy all the resort features of this major master planned subdivision. Easy I-17 access.

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19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 2055 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$545,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780489

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Situated within the guard gated Talon Retreat in Grayhawk, this recently updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end unit condo offers an open great room floor plan with McDowell Mountain views from every window. The kitchen has stainless steel GE appliances, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash and wood flooring. The primary and guest bathrooms have also been thoughtfully upgraded, adding to the modern charm of this home. Step out onto one of two balconies and take in the morning sun and beautiful mountain views. An attached garage has direct access inside the unit offering convenience and comfort. Upgrades in the last 5 years include interior paint and countertops throughout, new kitchen appliances, new washer and dryer, new window coverings, new fireplace surround, new wood look tile floors in kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms, new carpet, new baseboards throughout, new plumbing fixtures and lighting fixtures, new water heater, Nest thermostat and NAC water conditioning system. Just steps away from this unit is Cachet's community pool, spa and clubhouse, which includes a fitness room. Enjoy access to Grayhawk's additional amenities including tennis courts, walking paths, Grayhawk Park, and two world class golf courses. The Grayhawk community is located in the heart of North Scottsdale within minutes of the 101 Freeway and endless shopping and dining destinations.

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2510 E Fountain Street Mesa, AZ 85213

New

$545,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,855 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled home w/ no HOA & the added bonus of energy-efficient solar panels, offering both comfort and cost savings. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood on a large lot, it boasts a detached shop w/AC, an extended covered patio, new watering system, & freshly seeded for winter grass. Inside, you'll find an inviting open floor plan adorned with a tastefully renovated interior. The kitchen & bathrooms feature quartz countertops, Bedrosian tile & flooring, custom cabinets & vanities, & designer hardware & fixtures. Enjoy the charming white washed brick fireplace & additional room for a huge pantry, homework room or extra storage space. With easy freeway access & proximity to shopping, dining, & entertainment, this home exudes a lifestyle of convenience & relaxation

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