(Yes—Here's How)
If you’re self-employed, run your own biz, or freelance like a boss—first of all, hats off to you. 👏
Second of all, YES, you can absolutely get a mortgage.
But... it might look a little different than it does for someone with a traditional 9-to-5. That doesn’t mean it’s harder (okay, maybe a bit), but it does mean you’ll want a mortgage pro who knows the ins and outs of self-employed lending.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
🧾 Why is it different for self-employed borrowers?
Lenders just want to make sure you can afford the mortgage—plain and simple.
The catch? When you're self-employed, your income isn't always consistent, and it might not show up as clearly on paper (especially if you write off expenses—shoutout to good accountants everywhere 🧮).
So instead of just checking a few pay stubs, lenders might look at:
Your last 2 years of tax returns
Business financials or incorporation docs
Proof of income (invoices, contracts, etc.)
Your credit score and existing debts
✅ What do you need to qualify?
Here’s what will help strengthen your mortgage application:
1. Two years of tax returns
Showing stable or growing income helps. Some lenders will average the two years, while others may consider your most recent year if it’s higher.
2. Strong credit score
You don’t need to be perfect—but a score of 680+ gives you more options.
3. Lower debt ratios
If you carry a lot of debt (think car loans, lines of credit), that can affect your max affordability. Let’s do the math together!
4. Larger down payment (optional)
Some self-employed clients choose to put down 10–20% to strengthen their file and reduce insurance costs.
🧠 What if your income isn’t “traditional”?
Good news: Some lenders offer stated income programs for self-employed borrowers. That means they accept reasonable, provable income even if your taxes show something different.
You’ll usually need:
Good credit
10%+ down payment
Proof that your business is legit and operating (website, invoices, business license, etc.)
📝 Charlotte’s quick checklist for self-employed mortgages:
2 years of personal tax returns
2 years of NOAs (Notice of Assessment)
Business license or articles of incorporation
Invoices, contracts, or statements of business activity
Personal credit report
Budget for closing costs + down payment
🎯 Final thought: You can be your own boss and own your home
Just because your income doesn’t come with a T4 doesn’t mean you can’t qualify. You just need someone who knows how to tell your financial story the right way (👋 hi, that’s me!).
Whether you’re a full-time entrepreneur, a part-time side hustler, or somewhere in between—I’ll help you prep, plan, and feel confident every step of the way.
👉 Thinking about your next move? Let’s chat mortgages + MLS® today.