Refinancing a home in today’s market can be difficult for the self employed and independent contractors. Even for the most qualified of self-employed borrowers with perfect credit have challenges with buying or refinancing a mortgage.
Because banks and other lending institutions are often less than eager to provide loans to self employed borrowers, entrepreneurs may find that their refinancing options are relatively limited, especially in light of the more difficult standards that have been put into place.
We get asked all the time, “Can I get approved for mortgage refinancing if I’m self-employed?” The answer is yes. Of course, self-employed borrowers can refinance their mortgages, but they might need to provide more documentation than traditional employees. When refinancing most mortgage lenders will request similar information to what is required when applying for a purchase loan. Whether you need a stated income mortgage or a bank statement loan, BD Nationwide can help you find the best refinance loan for your needs.
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One of the most difficult things to deal with for self-employed homeowners who are looking to refinance their mortgage is when it comes to proving their income. Because certain entrepreneurs may not get a regular paycheck, proving that they have a dependable income source may be next to impossible.
With banks taking a much closer look at applicants than ever before, it may seem like an impossible task.
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The first thing to understand is that the new standards have made it difficult not just for self-employed individuals, but for just about everyone across the board. Lenders are required to make sure that borrowers meet minimum debt to income ratios and that they have the ability to pay back whatever loans they qualify for.
Even lenders that have traditionally been quite favorable the first time homebuyers with bad credit and self-employed borrowers, such as the FHA, are required to meet stricter guidelines than ever before.
For a self employed borrower, providing accurate documentation has become increasingly crucial when applying for a home loan or seeking to refinance their existing mortgage. Incomplete documentation can pose challenges for self-employed loan applicants looking to secure the desired refinancing.
Therefore, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals are advised to proactively gather all necessary tax forms or payroll information required by lenders, ensuring preparedness from the outset instead of scrambling to find the required paperwork during the application process.
Get Help with Self-Employed Mortgage Loans for Refinancing
Lenders will determine whether to refinance your mortgage based on your personal finances, not your business bank accounts. Generally, they apply the same standards to self-employed borrowers as they do to those with traditional employment.
When contemplating refinancing, it’s essential for everyone to recognize that it may not always be the optimal choice.
Even if an individual qualifies for refinancing easily, they might discover that making prepayments is a more cost-effective option in the long run.
This is due to the absence of closing costs, application fees, and, unless there’s a substantial reduction in the interest rate, the long-term savings may not be as significant as anticipated with refinancing.
It’s unsurprising for professionals assisting individuals in achieving homeownership goals to acknowledge that increasing home mortgage rates can significantly impact home sales.
Given that buying a home is often a lifelong commitment, many individuals prefer to wait for a more favorable self-employed mortgage rate rather than purchasing a home at a higher rate than what was available just a short time earlier.
According to Freddie Mac, a mortgage finance company, a fixed rate 30-year mortgage reached an average rate of 4.28% recently. Although that is still relatively low, a rising rate is likely to put many buyers on hold as they wait to see whether or not rates will drop again, allowing them to get the most favorable terms possible when it comes to their next home loan. If you would rather not refinance your first mortgage because you already have a great rate, ask about a home equity line of credit for bad credit.
Currently, the national inventory of homes would take approximately 5 months to sell. Most industry experts agree that six months’ worth of inventory is healthy for the market.
The issues that caused the housing crisis a few years ago are still fresh in the minds of realtors, home buyers, and even lenders, making everyone a little bit more cautious when it comes to actually signing on the dotted line and taking possession of their new home. On the plus side, this also means that many homebuyers are more informed and better educated than they were just a few years ago.
Self-Employment Mortgage Requirements
As a self-employed homeowner, you’ll need to meet certain requirements to qualify for a self-employed mortgage refinance:
- Credit Score: Lenders usually require a credit score of 620 or higher. It’s important to maintain a good credit history and address any issues before applying.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) should be below 43%. This ratio compares your monthly debt obligations to your monthly income. A lower DTI indicates better debt management and makes you a more attractive borrower.
- Stable Income and Cash Flow: Lenders will want to see that your business generates consistent income sufficient to cover mortgage payments. Typically, you’ll need to provide a history of stable self-employment income for at least two years.
- Down Payment: Down payment requirements for self-employed borrowers are generally similar to those for traditional borrowers. Depending on the loan type, you may need to put down as little as 3% for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA loans.
- Additional Savings: Some lenders may require self-employed borrowers to have cash reserves to cover mortgage payments in case of business downturns. The required amount typically ranges from 6 to 12 months’ worth of mortgage payments.
What Income Do I Need to Document for a Mortgage Refinance if I’m Self-Employed?
You don’t necessarily need a higher income to qualify for a mortgage when you’re self-employed. However, you will likely need to provide more documentation to prove that your income is stable and sufficient to cover mortgage payments. Required documents may include:
- Two years of business tax returns, including relevant schedules (some lenders may request three years).
- Proof of income, which might involve bank statements, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, lists of assets, additional income sources, or personal tax returns.
- Proof of business activity, such as business licenses, letters from clients, statements from your accountant, or proof of business insurance.
It’s advisable to keep your business income separate from your personal finances, as this can help lenders more clearly assess your business’s earnings.
Why Do Underwriters Not Get Excited About Self-Employed Mortgage Loan Applications?
Typically, lenders assess the ability of all applicants, including self-employed individuals, to consistently meet their loan obligations. They seek assurance that your income is sufficient to cover your mortgage, remains stable, and that you have a reliable history of repaying debts. Demonstrating this can be more challenging for self-employed borrowers due to the often unpredictable nature of their income.
For borrowers seeking a the best priced self-employed mortgage it is important to establish credibility with the lender and underwriter right away. You need to showcase the stability of your business by providing documentation, such as proof of work, payments, and evidence of ongoing business activities, possibly including a business website.