Self-Employed Mortgage Loan

If you’re self-employed and are planning on buying a house, you might be wondering how your employment status will affect your ability to secure a mortgage. While government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced new standards and document requirements for self-employed borrowers, and most U.S. lenders are expected to follow, you may still be eligible for a home mortgage loan.

If you are self-employed and think you may be eligible for a home loan, now could be a great time to apply. Mortgage rates are low, and not expected to spike anytime soon. You could get a great deal on a home loan if you meet the new requirements.

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Can I Get a Mortgage While Self-Employed?

You can definitely still get a mortgage while self-employed. You’ll just need to meet a combination of requirements, which can include the above documentation plus credit score and down payment minimums. As long as an underwriter can be satisfied that you are capable of repaying your debts, being self-employed shouldn’t be an insurmountable obstacle to obtaining a home mortgage loan.

Don’t assume your credit score is too low, or that you don’t have enough for a down payment. The experts at Sammamish Mortgage can help you find a mortgage home loan program that is flexible for your needs and situation. Self-employment doesn’t have to be a barrier to achieving your dreams.

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TermConforming 30 year fixed
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98004 | $800,000 | Credit Score 800+ | 25 Down

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Rate4.875%
APR5.277%

98004 | $800,000 | Credit Score 800+ | 25 Down

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What Are the Self-Employed Mortgage Requirements?

The typical requirements for self-employed applicants for a home mortgage include:

  • Two years of personal tax returns
  • Two years of business tax returns (if applicable)
  • Business license (if applicable)
  • Statement from your CPA affirming you are in business

Formerly, income over the past two years was averaged to arrive at a monthly income. However, if income has dropped significantly, you may need to show extra proof of monthly revenues to prove that you are capable of repaying your debts.

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Types of Self-Employed Mortgages

The mortgage landscape for self-employed borrowers includes the following specialized loan options, designed to accommodate unique income structures and flexibility:

Bank Statement Loans

Bank statement loans are tailored for borrowers who lack conventional income documentation. Lenders review 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements, calculating income based on average deposits.

Asset-Based Loans

Asset-based mortgages are geared toward high-net-worth individuals. Assets such as cash reserves, money market accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and retirement accounts are used as collateral instead of income.

DSCR Loans

Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans are ideal for real estate investors. These loans are approved based on a property’s rental income, requiring a minimum DSCR — typically between 1.0 and 1.25 — to qualify.

1099-Only Loans

1099-only loans are designed for self-employed individuals who receive income via IRS Form 1099. They’re popular among freelancers, gig workers, commission-based professionals, and independent contractors.

Profit & Loss (P&L) Only Loans

P&L-only loans are suitable for entrepreneurs whose tax filings may not reflect their full earning potential. Lenders assess profit and loss statements, business cash flow, bank activity, debt-to-income ratio, and credit standing.

What Other Documents May Be Required?

Self-employed home loan applicants may also need to provide extra documents when applying for a mortgage, including the following:

  • An audited profit and loss (P&L) statement
  • An unaudited P&L statement plus 2 months’ business account statements (or personal statements if there is no business account)

These documents will give your lender insights into revenue, expenses, and net income for the current year. All documents must be less than 60 days old at the date of the loan application, and you may need to present newer documents if they are older than 60 days when you are nearing loan approval.

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How Do Unemployment Benefits Affect Mortgage Qualifying?

In general, unemployment benefits aren’t counted as qualifying income when you apply for a mortgage. It’s considered short term, rather than a stable ongoing income. Lenders want to know you have a regular income so you can mortgage payments on time for years to come. Lenders will only consider your income outside of unemployment benefits.

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Why Should Self-Employed Borrowers Apply for a Home Loan Now?

Mortgage rates have been relatively stable so far in 2025, though they are rising. But with strong buyer demand and low inventory, competition is fierce among lenders who want your business.

Even though the rules are a little stricter, if you are approved for a mortgage, the benefits of buying (or refinancing) at today’s rates are significant. It’s a good time to explore the possibilities by using our website to:

  • View Rates to find out what your current options are
  • Get an immediate Rate Quote customized for you

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How Can I Increase My Chances of Pre-Approval?

Before you apply to get a home loan while self-employed, make sure you have your ducks in a row. Gather all of the documentation listed above, and be prepared to present proof of steady income.

You may also want to have a slightly larger down payment on hand. Make sure this money is in a personal account, not a business one. Money in your business account should be earmarked for business expenses.

You’ll also want to check your credit before you apply for a home loan. Your credit score will determine what kind of loan you can get approved for, and can also affect your interest rate and down payment amount. The better your credit, the easier it will be to get pre-approved.

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Self-Employed vs. Salaried Borrower Requirements

The following chart compares the key differences between the requirements for self-employed versus salaried mortgage borrowers:

Feature

Salaried Borrowers

Self-Employed Borrowers

Income Verification

Recent pay stubs, W-2s

2 years of tax returns, profit & loss statements

Employment History

Stable job history (usually 2 years)

Minimum 2 years of self-employment preferred

Documentation

W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements

Tax returns, business license, bank statements

Income Stability

Regular, predictable income

May fluctuate; lenders average over 2 years

Credit Score

Typically 620+

Typically 620+, but higher scores help offset risk

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Ratio

Maximum 43–45%

Maximum 43–45%, though may be stricter depending on lender

Down Payment

As low as 3% (with programs)

Often 10–20%+ with Non-QM loans

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FAQs

How long do I need to be self-employed to qualify?

Most lenders prefer at least two years of self-employment history.

What if I’ve been self-employed for less than two years?

You may still qualify if you have prior experience in the same industry or strong financials.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically, you’ll need two years of personal and business tax returns, profit & loss statements, bank statements, and a business license (if applicable.

Do I need a higher credit score than W-2 borrowers?

Not necessarily, but a score of 620+ is often required for conventional loans.

How do lenders calculate my income?

Lenders may average your net income from the past two years of tax returns, adjusting for deductions.

Can I use 1099 income to qualify?

Yes, 1099s are valid proof of income, especially for freelancers and contractors.

What is a bank statement loan?

A bank statement loan is a type of non-QM loan that uses 12 to 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns to verify income.

Will business write-offs hurt my chances of mortgage approval?

They can lower your reported income, which is why non-QM loans may be more appropriate, as these options use alternative income verification methods that reflect your true cash flow, and not just your taxable income.

Can I get pre-approved as a self-employed borrower?

Yes, in fact getting pre-approved is highly recommended, as it will show sellers you’re a serious buyer and help you understand exactly how much home you can afford.

Do I need to separate personal and business finances?

Keeping these accounts separate is helpful, as it helps lenders clearly assess your income and expenses.

Can I qualify for FHA, VA, or USDA loans as a self-employed borrower?

Yes, self-employed borrowers can apply for government-backed loans if they meet the criteria.

What’s the best mortgage type for self-employed people?

It depends — while conventional loans offer lower rates, non-QM loans offer more flexibility for self-employed borrowers.

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Why Choose Sammamish Mortgage?

At Sammamish Mortgage, we see self-employed homebuyers as an important niche we can confidently serve. With more and more people becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own businesses, real estate and finance companies are innovating to support you in achieving your life goals.

This includes helping you get a home loan while self-employed, and working with you to help you meet documentation requests under the latest guidelines. Being your own boss shouldn’t limit your ability to achieve the American Dream!

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Sammamish Mortgage has been in business since 1992 and has been assisting home buyers in the Pacific Northwest. If you are looking for mortgage financing, we are here for you. We have mortgage programs in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. Feel free to contact us with any questions or get an instant rate quote.

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