A Better Way Home for the Self-Employed
Self-employed entrepreneurs work hard to turn their dreams into reality. You shouldn’t have to work even harder to qualify for a mortgage. Other lenders might turn you away, confused by the prospect of navigating documentation from multiple income streams. But Ark embraces entrepreneurs, using our specialized knowledge of complicated transactions to simplify self-employed borrowers’ path to home ownership. We get you qualified and closed faster and easier without endless requests for additional documents.
While we strive to expedite all loans so that they close as quickly as possible, our Entrepreneur’s Fast Track program, (similar to our Express Mortgage Program), is designed to streamline the mortgage application so self-employed borrowers can buy or refinance their home in as few as 21 days following receipt of a complete mortgage application. To be eligible to apply for a Fast Track Mortgage:
- You must specifically request to be placed on the Entrepreneur’s Fast Track at the time of application.
- Because entrepreneurs can have diverse and complex income profiles, you must obtain an Ark Certified Pre-Approval to be eligible for a Fast Track mortgage. An Ark Certified Pre-Approval is free, good for 60 days and is guaranteed. Click here for details.
Once you meet the Express Mortgage eligibility requirements we will discuss your specific needs and goals. What monthly payment do you consider affordable? In how many years do you want to have paid-off your mortgage and own your home free and clear? How much of a downpayment will still leave you with sufficient cash to cover home improvements or an emergency fund? The “right” mortgage is different for everyone and at Ark, we custom-design every loan to ensure it’s a perfect fit.
What’s Next?
Once the most appropriate loan for your needs has been identified, your Ark Personal Mortgage Advisor will painlessly guide you in gathering all the documents required to get your loan approved. If you’re a qualified borrower, you’ll usually receive a quick approval which will include the conditions that must be satisfied before closing. Conditions typically include clean title, acceptable property appraisal and other items unique to each borrower and situation. Your Personal Mortgage Advisor will explain and help you address each condition, so the application can be forwarded to our in-house underwriting team. Underwriters will review your information and documentation one last time before clearing it to close.
Application to closing, usually in 21 days or less—even for self-employed borrowers!
How much mortgage can I afford?
The first step in buying a house is determining a realistic budget. Start with this handy calculator to get an estimate of how much you can qualify for, and how a home loan will fit into your monthly payments. The calculator takes into account your income, the purchase price, and total monthly payment. Try a couple scenarios to see how it might affect your finances.
FAQs
How can I improve my chance for qualifying for a mortgage if I’m self employed?
It definitely helps when you have some cash on hand. Due to the sometimes inconsistent income of self-employed borrowers, some lenders are uncertain about their ability to pay the mortgage consistently. Demonstrating that you can make the mortgage payments without consistent income definitely helps!
What are the most common reasons Self-Employed borrowers get denied for a mortgage?
One of the primary reasons self-employed borrowers gets denied for a mortgage is that they simply haven’t been self-employed for long enough. Most lenders require two years of self-employment history. The second most common obstacle may be the self-employed borrower can’t show enough income to qualify.
What documents will be required to qualify for a mortgage if I am self employed?
Beyond having good credit and a low debt to income ratio (DTI), you’ll need to provide bank statements and any other financial account statements you may have, and proof of any other debts or assets you own. You’ll also need to provide personal and business income tax returns from the past 2 years and a quarterly profit and loss statement.
Pair with Other Programs
Mortgage rates are unpredictable and fluctuate daily. Avoid rising interest rates, by locking it in. And you don’t pay extra to “float down” or get the lower current market rates.
A pre-approval makes the house hunting process simpler for you. Show sellers and real estate agents you’re approved for mortgage financing. That way, it doesn’t matter if another bid is higher; yours will be legitimate.
If you’re a first responder or health care worker, thank you. To show our gratitude we give a substantial discount on our fees whether you purchase or refinance a home loan.