How to Buy a Home as a Business Owner
As you may be aware, buying a house as an entrepreneur can be tricky. As you have to declare your income in a different manner, it often seems like you are making less than you actually are. Thus, most banks are hesitant to offer you a mortgage. To ensure that the odds are in your favor, here are the steps that you should take:
Gather the Necessary Documents
The last thing that you need is for the decision about your mortgage to be delayed because your documents aren't in order. This is why you should make sure that you have everything that you will need ahead of time.
This starts with your tax returns – you will need to show two years’ worth of tax returns both business and personal related. It is also a good idea to have profit and loss statements so that lenders can get a better idea about your income. Bank statements will also work as proof for your personal wealth.
Know Your Options
If your business hasn’t really gotten off the ground yet then most banks will not provide you with a mortgage. This doesn’t mean that you are out of options, though. Did you know that it was possible to get a self-employed mortgage from Clovermortgage.ca and similar alternate lenders? These take your special circumstances into account and allow you to apply for a suitable mortgage.
Of course, when dealing with alternate lenders, you have to be aware that not every agency has a good reputation. Many will often engage in predatory lending, leaving you stuck in a vicious cycle. This is why it is important to do your research and opt for the certified mortgage broker Clover Mortgage as they have proven themselves to provide an outstanding service.
Reduce Your Tax Deductions
As an entrepreneur, tax deductions can be your best friend. After all, these help you to lower your income so that you don’t have to pay nearly as much on your taxes. The problem is that when looking for a house loan, these deductions can work against you.
As your income is made to seem smaller, you don’t look nearly as dependable. Many lenders will assume that you will be unable to make monthly payments and may reject your application. To prevent this from happening, minimize your deductions for a short while before applying for a mortgage.
Save for a Down Payment
Another way to make yourself look more appealing to lenders is to offer to pay a higher down payment. In order to do this, find ways to save money for as long as possible prior to applying for a loan. This could also mean cutting down on non-business-related costs.
Don’t worry as you will not have to tighten your belts forever. Once you have saved up enough for the down payment, you can go back to your usual spending system.
These are the top guidelines to buying a home as an entrepreneur. It can be tricky at times but now that you know the proper process, you should be able to get a handle on it right away.
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