Need loans for self employed? Here’s how to qualify in Michigan

Clear Rate Mortgage offers loans for self employed with flexibility, transparency, and support to help you move forward with confidence.
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Need loans for self employed in Michigan? Pre-qualify now and call 888-573-2640. Clear Rate Mortgage provides flexible options to fit your situation.

What lenders look for in self-employed applicants

Loans for self employed individuals need specific criteria that's different from regular employment checks. Your chances of approval will improve if you know what lenders expect.

Proof of consistent income

Lenders give priority to applicants who show stable, reliable income streams. Self-employed borrowers, however, must provide detailed documentation.

Clear Rate Mortgage knows your income might go up and down, but this doesn't stop you from getting financing.

Lenders usually ask for these documents to verify your income stability:

  • Tax returns (personal and business) from the past two years
  • Bank statements that show regular business deposits
  • Profit and loss statements that prove your business health
  • 1099 forms or other income verification documents

Minimum self-employment duration

At least two years of self-employment history is what most mortgage lenders need before they look at your loan application.

This time helps them see patterns in your income and business stability. You could qualify with just one year of self-employment if you can show previous experience in the same field.

Clear Rate Mortgage understands career changes happen, so we look at your entire professional background while assessing mortgage loans for self employed applicants.

Credit score and debt-to-income ratio

Your credit history plays a key role in getting home loans for self employed individuals, beyond just income checks.. Your score affects both your chances of approval and interest rates.

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio matters just as much. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. This helps them know if you can handle mortgage payments along with your other financial commitments.

Clear Rate Mortgage looks at every part of your financial profile when reviewing loans for self employed applications. We know self-employed professionals often have unique financial situations that need careful review.

Essential documents to prepare before applying

Getting the right paperwork ready is vital for loans for self employed applicants. Clear Rate Mortgage makes the documentation process easier by listing everything you'll need to show your financial stability. Your chances of loan approval improve by a lot when you have these important documents ready.

Tax returns 

Lenders need two years of signed federal income tax returns from self-employed borrowers. These returns must have all schedules filed with the IRS. Our team looks at your personal returns and business returns if you have them.

Business license or third-party verification

You need proof that shows you're self-employed. A business license works best, but other options exist. Clear Rate Mortgage accepts various documents that prove your status.

Year-to-date profit and loss statement

A profit and loss statement (P&L) shows how well your business performs financially. Lenders might want a year-to-date P&L if you apply for a loan more than 120 days after your business's tax year ends. Make sure this statement stays current and accurate since it proves your ongoing income stability.

2–3 months of personal and business bank statements

Bank statements prove your actual cash flow. Lenders usually ask for 2-3 months of both personal and business bank statements from mortgage loans for self employed applicants.

These documents help verify your deposits and show steady income patterns. Clear Rate Mortgage checks if your stated income matches your actual deposits, which shows us you can handle monthly loan payments.

How your income is calculated as a self-employed borrower

Learning how lenders assess your finances is significant to get loans for self employed professionals. Clear Rate Mortgage follows industry standards that determine your qualifying income through specific calculations.

Loan options available for self-employed in Michigan

Michigan has several financing options that work great for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for loans for self employed status. Clear Rate Mortgage gives you multiple choices based on your specific needs.

Bank Statement Loan

You can qualify for bank statement loans by showing 12-24 months of personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns.

This works well because self-employed people often reduce their taxable income through legal deductions. 

DSCR Loan

Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans look at your investment property income rather than personal finances. Your rental property just needs to bring in enough cash to cover mortgage payments.

This works great for real estate investors with complex tax situations, whatever their personal income looks like.

HELOC Home Loan

Home Equity Lines of Credit let you tap into your home's equity when you need money. HELOCs work well for self-employed borrowers since they don't need income documentation.

Cash-Out Refinance

You can replace your current mortgage with a bigger loan and keep the difference. This money helps with debt consolidation, home improvements, or business investments. 

Low Down Payment Options

Clear Rate Mortgage helps find programs that work with smaller down payments while understanding the unique challenges of proving income for business owners. Several programs need minimal cash upfront from self-employed borrowers.

Clear Rate Mortgage: Loans for Self Employed Made Simple

Clear Rate Mortgage makes the loan process easier for self-employed buyers with transparency, fast communication, and client-first guidance.

We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, call 888-573-2640 or pre-qualify now!

FAQs

1. Can self-employed people get a mortgage without traditional pay stubs?


Yes, self-employed borrowers can still qualify by using other forms of income proof like bank statements or tax records. Lenders focus on showing that you have steady income, even without pay stubs.

2. Do self-employed homebuyers face stricter rules than regular employees?


The process isn’t stricter, but lenders often ask for different documents. With the right preparation, self-employed buyers can qualify just like anyone else.

3. What helps self-employed applicants build trust with lenders?


Showing consistent income and organized financial records gives lenders confidence. It helps prove that you can manage a mortgage over time.

4. Can self-employed income from side work count toward a home loan?


Yes, income from side work may be considered if it is steady and documented. Lenders usually want to see proof that this income is reliable.

5. Is it possible to buy a home while newly self-employed?


It can be harder with less work history, but it’s still possible in some cases. Lenders may look at your overall experience and financial strength to decide.