Explain the way your business works.
Start with the type of business, ownership, how long you have operated, and how you pay yourself. These details help identify the documentation questions to address.
Mortgages for Self-Employed Borrowers
You built your business.
Let’s discuss your home.
A useful mortgage conversation starts with understanding how you earn income—not squeezing your business into a generic checklist.
Talk about Self-employed borrowers ↗Prepare before you shop.
Gross revenue is not the same as qualifying income. A lender may review personal and business returns, financial statements, and other records. Document requirements vary; there is no universal list for every borrower.
A USEFUL FIRST CONVERSATION
Bring your questions.
We’ll start with what matters to you and explain the next step.
Helpful topics to have ready
- Business structure, ownership, and operating history
- Questions about variable income and recent business changes
- Your homebuying timeline and the cash you need to preserve for the business
Keep sensitive documents for an approved secure application channel.
Your questions, answered.
Do I need to send tax returns with an inquiry?
No. An initial inquiry should contain only basic contact and goal information. Use an approved secure application channel when financial documents are requested.
Can you tell me what income a lender will use?
That requires a review of your circumstances and documentation under applicable guidelines. An early conversation can help identify what needs to be reviewed.
Learn more: Fannie Mae: self-employment documentation
Let’s work through the details.
A conversation comes before choosing a loan.
Keep exploring
Ready for your next step?
Start your secure application or return to your borrower portal.