Tips For Self Employed Individuals Getting A Mortgage

The dream job: owning your own business or being self employed in some shape or form. The advantages are vast, but among the reasons this job status is over hyped is the fact loans can be hard to get approved for. That isn’t to say it is not possible to get a loan, but you will have to work harder than the average consumer.

Lenders like to see an income that is going to be long term. The reasoning behind this is that you will have a job in the future, throughout the course of the loan. Without steady work to show, you will find it hard to get approved. Having a long term contract agreement with clients or partners is the best way to show that your employment isn’t flimsy or temporary.

Not only should your income appear to be able to sustain itself in the future, but you should already have at least 2 years under your belt in experience. This two year mark is considered standard, as it is usually able to show lenders that you can make a verifiable income, as you can prove it with tax return receipts. You can bypass this in some cases, but only seldom.

An accountant can help you in formulating your business to a secure financial model. Sure, you have the tools and access to the knowledge to save money to do it yourself, but some find out the hard way that accountants are paid well for a reason. It’s recommended to get an accountant to get advice in archiving, financial planning, and formulating projections.

If you can find the time, look into creating a business account in addition to your own personal account. The bank you already do business with will be able to help you. Some banks charge extra fees for such accounts, so don’t be afraid to look at other banks for a free option. Business accounts make it easier to lenders to judge work volume, and also helps to determine an accurate credit line rating.

Instinct in business is to run as much as possible yourself, so as to save expenses and keep profits as high as possible. Realize, however, that partnerships and group ownership of a business is more desirable to lenders, who know that more people putting their heads together make a steady business. You can still get a loan regardless, but it’s something to consider if you are considering taking on a partner.

Closing Comments

If you find that you are still having a problem finding a lender, you can always find a guarantor to verify you are credible. If you happen to be married, you can also sign on with a mortgage loan in your spouse’s name. Don’t give up if you get denied once or twice!