Being self-employed can be a great way to make a living, but it also has its own unique set of challenges. One of the biggest is obtaining a mortgage. Many lenders are wary of self-employed borrowers because they don’t have the same income stability and proof of income as those with regular 9-to-5 jobs. However, that doesn’t mean taking out a mortgage is impossible if you’re self-employed. You can do some things to improve your chances of getting a mortgage, including using non-traditional lending. Here are five tips to help you on your journey and some alternative credit examples.

Know Your Credit Score 

One of the first things to do when applying for a mortgage is to understand your credit score. Lenders will look at this number to determine how likely you are to pay back your loan in full and on time. A good credit score (typically anything above 600) will give you an edge when applying for a home loan, so make sure you know where you stand before diving into the application process. You can check your credit score online for free or purchase one from one of the major credit reporting bureaus like TransUnion or Equifax. 

Gather Your Paperwork 

Before applying for a loan, ensure that all of your paperwork is in order and easy to access. This includes everything from tax returns and bank statements to business licenses and profit and loss statements. Having these documents ready will speed up the application process significantly. Lenders won’t have to wait around while you scramble to find them. 

Prove Your Income Stability 

Since lenders need assurance that they’ll be paid back in full, having proof of income stability is key when applying for a mortgage if you’re self-employed. Most creditors will require two years’ worth of tax returns along with any other paperwork that proves your ability to pay back money owed (such as business licenses).

Try to provide evidence that shows your income has been steadily increasing over time. This helps demonstrate financial responsibility, which can significantly boost your approval chances.  

Show Proof Of Assets And Liabilities 

In addition to proving income stability, lenders may also want proof that you have enough assets available should something happen, and payments need to be made late or missed altogether. This could include savings accounts, investment portfolios, etc. Also, showing them any liabilities such as loans or other debts owed could show them that while these obligations exist, they aren’t too large, where they would interfere with making payments on any new mortgages taken out.  

Look Into Non-Traditional Lenders 

Suppose traditional lenders such as banks are not approving your loan applications due to a lack of income verification or low credit scores. In that case, consider looking into alternative lenders, such as online lenders or private investors, who offer different types of loans with more flexible requirements than traditional banks do. These types of lenders often have fewer restrictions when it comes to approving applicants who cannot provide two years’ worth of tax returns or have lower credit scores than what banks typically prefer. While these alternative credit examples can come with higher interest rates than those offered by traditional lenders, they could still be beneficial in helping you obtain financing if other options are not available. 

Conclusion 

Getting approved for a mortgage if you’re self-employed can be difficult but not impossible. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way toward achieving homeownership quickly and securely. Success when applying for a mortgage as someone who is their own boss won’t be too far behind.