Q&A: How can the self-employed get a mortgage?

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Dec. 16, 2013 – Question: I am self-employed and make a good living. I want to buy a house, but it’s hard to document my income. So I’ve been getting turned down for a mortgage, even though I’m willing to make a large downpayment. Any hope for me? – Trevor

Answer: With banks and the federal government tightening lending requirements, it has become increasingly difficult for people who don’t get regular paychecks to qualify for loans. Although still rare, “stated income” loans are making a comeback. But they require very high credit scores, large downpayments and deep cash reserves.

If this is not available, you will have to try to get a loan based on your tax returns. Still, this can be difficult because the self-employed tend to use expenses to offset their net income, resulting in low numbers. That forces them to choose between favorable tax treatment or getting a loan.

If you can’t find a loan from a traditional bank, there are a growing number of private lenders. Some, such as “hard money” lenders, will offer a smaller amount based only on the value of the house, perhaps lending 50 percent of its value. Others also will look at your credit, income and debts and lend larger amounts.

Because these kinds of loans are risky for the lender, be prepared to pay a higher interest rate and higher closing costs. Shopping around is especially important with these loans because the costs and rates vary greatly from one lender to another.

About the writer: Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He is the chairperson of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is an adjunct professor for the Nova Southeastern University Paralegal Studies program.

The information and materials in this column are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed. Nothing in this column is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney, especially an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.