Self-Employed? Learn How You Can Get a Mortgage
The information required for self-employed buyers is a different than for salaried workers. It’s not difficult, just different. So, you’ve decided you’re ready to purchase a home, now it’s time to apply for a mortgage. Starting the loan application process can be overwhelming, but even more so for borrowers who are self–employed.
Thanks to smart phones, digital apps and companies like Uber and Airbnb, an increasing number of Americans, particularly millennials, earn their living in the sharing or gig economy by providing on–demand services. These people mostly work for themselves and are expanding the nation's already sizable self–employed workforce. And like salaried employees, on–demand workers want to buy homes.
Unfortunately, many self–employed individuals hear from family and friends that it’s challenging to get a mortgage because it’s hard for lenders to calculate your income. However, there’s good news. If you’re self–employed and your lender has an automated underwriting system like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or the Veteran’s Administration, you and your lender have several advantages, including an automated review of the accuracy of qualifying income, eliminating the need to chase down unnecessary documents that support residual/excess income.
Whether you’re self–employed or not, lenders will evaluate the “four Cs” when deciding to make a loan:
Capacity to pay back the loan. Lenders look at your income, employment history, savings, and monthly debt payments, such as credit card charges and other financial obligations, to make sure that you have the means to take on a mortgage comfortably.
Capital. Lenders consider your readily available money and savings plus investments, properties, and other assets that you could sell quickly for cash. Having these reserves proves that you can manage your money and have funds, in addition to your income, to pay the mortgage.
Collateral. Lenders consider the value of the property and other possessions that you're pledging as security against the loan.
Credit. Lenders check your credit score and history to assess your record of paying bills and other debts on time.
Even if you don't plan to buy a home right now, it's always a good idea to build and maintain strong credit. Landlords often check your credit to make sure that you can pay the rent. It's also important if you want to apply for a mortgage or other credit line in the future, such as a student loan, car insurance, an auto loan, or credit card.
For more information, visit us at hfamiami.com/homebuyers to learn about our first-time home buyers’ mortgage, low interest rates and down payment assistance program.
Note, information in this post was derived from freddiemac.com.
