08/11/2026
Being self-employed gives you plenty of freedom, but applying for a mortgage can come with a little more paperwork. Instead of relying on pay stubs, lenders may review your tax returns, profit and loss statements, and income history from the past two years. They’ll also look at your net income after business deductions, which means tax write-offs can affect how much you’re approved to borrow.
Knowing what lenders want to see before you start shopping can make the process much easier.
Self-employed and planning to buy a home? Learn what lenders review, how income is calculated, and why you should prepare before touring.