Self-Employed Homebuyers
Self-Employed and Ready to Buy a Home? We’ll Help You Navigate What’s Next
Running your own business comes with freedom, but when it comes to getting a mortgage, it can feel like a confusing maze.
You might be wondering:
- Do I report too little income because of write-offs?
- Will lenders even consider me without a W-2?
- How do I prove I can afford a home if my income fluctuates?
You’re not alone in these questions. Homeownership is possible when you’re self-employed. You just need the right plan, the right strategy, and the right team.
You Don’t Need a Traditional Job to Qualify for a Mortgage
I’m Rosa Briggs, a local mortgage advisor who helps entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners like you buy homes without the guesswork. My team understands how self-employed income works, and how to present it to lenders in a way that makes sense.
Whether you’re filing as an LLC, sole proprietor, or independent contractor, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and support.
Here’s How We Help Self-Employed Buyers Move Forward
Step 1: Understand How Lenders View Your Income
Unlike salaried employees, self-employed borrowers qualify based on net income, after write-offs, not before. Most loan programs ask for two years of personal and business tax returns, but some allow just one year if you have a strong history in your field.
Step 2: Prepare for Pre-Approval with the Right Strategy
When buying a home on a self-employed income, prep and strategy is everything. We’ll work with you to ensure all bases are covered and help you maximize your financing options.
Our team will…
- Work closely with your CPA to ensure your tax returns support your home-buying goals.
- Review your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and suggest ways to reduce it. Even if you’re a year or two away from buying, early planning can make a big difference.
Meanwhile, your homework will be to…
- Separate business and personal expenses to improve clarity.
- Document one-time business costs that may be excluded from your expenses and boost your net income.
Step 3: Explore Alternative Documentation Loans (if needed)
If tax write-offs reduce your qualifying income too much, other options may include:
- Bank Statement Loans – Qualify based on 12–24 months of business deposits.
- Profit & Loss (P&L) Statement Loans – Use a CPA-prepared income statement if taxes aren’t filed yet.
These programs require higher down payments (10–15%) and may have higher rates, but they can be useful and cost-effective in the right scenario.
When You Work With My Team, You’ll Find…
- Guidance on how to structure your finances to maximize your approval potential
- A review of your current tax strategy through a mortgage lens
- Access to traditional and non-traditional loan programs tailored for self-employed buyers
- A personalized plan that fits your timeline, whether you’re ready now or just exploring
- Real people who listen, explain, and help you move forward with confidence
You’re not just a file in a system. You’re a future homeowner, and we treat you like one.
Common Questions from Self-Employed Buyers
What if I owe back taxes?
You can still qualify if you’re on an IRS-approved payment plan and current with your payments.
Do I need a Profit & Loss statement?
Possibly. FHA loans require it after the first quarter of the year. Conventional loans may request one in certain situations.
Can I qualify if I’m moving to a new state?
Maybe. If your business is location-independent, it may be fine. If it relies on local customers, you may need to show income in the new state for 12 months.
Let’s Talk About Your Path to Homeownership
You’ve worked hard to build your business. Buying a home shouldn’t feel like a setback. Whether you’re self-employed full time or juggling a side hustle, we’ll help you understand what’s possible and what comes next.
Schedule your free planning call.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. My team and I are ready to help you move forward on your timeline, with real support.
