Michael Santos

MLB Residential Lending

  • Home
  • About
    • About Michael Santos
    • Corporate Site
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Mortgage FAQ
  • Testimonials
  • Calculator
  • Apply
  • Contact

Freelancing in 2015? Three Tips for How to Secure a Mortgage if You’re a Self-Employed Entrepreneur

May 20, 2015 by Michael Santos

Freelancing in 2015? Three Tips for How to Secure a Mortgage if You're a Self-employed EntrepreneurIf you are self-employed, either as a freelancer or as the owner of your own business, your income can fluctuate greatly from year to year. That can make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage, although there are some things you can do to improve your chances. Here are three tips for securing a mortgage if you are self-employed.

Make Sure Your Credit Score Is In Good Shape

While your ability to pay back a mortgage is the most important factor in approval, your credit score is a close second, and that goes for every borrower, not just those who are self-employed. If you have a credit score in the high range — something above 750 or 760 — it will help you get approved for a mortgage. To boost your score, make sure you pay all bills on time, pay down your debt levels and don’t make any new big purchases or apply for new credit soon before you apply for a mortgage.

Have a Large Down Payment

The more money a bank lends you to buy a house, the more risk it is taking in that the money won’t be paid back. If you are self-employed and considered a higher risk to begin with, one way you can alleviate some of that risk is to be able to put down a large amount of money. Putting down 20 percent is standard for a conventional loan, and you should be willing to contribute at least that much. Putting down at least 20 percent also will save you money in the long run, because you won’t have to pay for mortgage insurance and you will pay less in finance charges over the life of the loan.

Have Significant Assets

One way to put a lender at ease about your ability to pay for a mortgage is to have significant reserves in the form of assets. If you have large amounts of money in regular savings, brokerage and retirement accounts, it offers a reserve for you to tap should your income take a dive. Other forms of property, such as personal and business property that’s paid off and has value, also help.

If you are self-employed and are thinking about buying a home, contact a mortgage professional to discuss your situation and to see if you will be able to qualify for a home loan.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgages, Mortgages and Credit

Michael Santos Headshot

Contact Michael


Branch Manager Executive / Mortgage Loan Originator

Top Loan Originator Since 2001

Call (908) 296-6608

NMLS #199875
MLB Residential Lending Logo
MLB Residential Lending, LLC.
NMLS# 1101220
1095 Morris Ave.
Suite 104
Union, NJ 07083

Direct 908.296.6608 (24/7)
Corporate Site
Free Rate Quote

Sign Up For My Newsletter!

Connect With Me!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Let’s Keep In Touch!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Looking For Something?

This is not a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower and property qualifications. Contact loan officer listed for an accurate, personalized quote. Interest rates and program guidelines are subject to change without notice.
MLB Residential Lending is an Equal Housing Lender.
NMLS# 1101220.
Equal Housing Lender
NMLS Consumer Access
Michael Santos is not licensed in NY and this site is not intended for NY loans.
Michael Santos NMLS #199875 • MLB Residential Lending, LLC. NMLS# 1101220. Michael originates NJ loans only. MLB Residential Lending, LLC. is located at 51 Commerce Street, Springfield, NJ 07081, 732.243.0140. MLB Residential Lending, LLC. NMLS#: 1101220 is a residential lender, licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance; licensed by the PA Department of Banking and Securities; licensed by the CT Department of Banking; licensed by the DE Dept. of the Banking Commissioner; and is licensed under the FL Mortgage Lender Service License # MLD1128. All rates are subject to change without notice. MLB in no way, claims to represent or to conduct business on behalf of HUD, the FHA or the Federal Government. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. THIS SITE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR NJ CONSUMERS.

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2021 Michael Santos. All rights reserved.   Log In