Self Employed Borrowers & Mortgages

Being self employed leaves you with the freedom to make your own decision as well as not have to answer to a boss. Unfortunately, it is not the 90's anymore, when borrowers only needed a few months of bank statement to show your cash flow. Now self- employed borrowers must prove their income with two years of tax returns instead of using a stated income loan.

Declining income is most likely a result of the recession, but for someone who is attempting to qualify for a loan that takes the average of the past few tax returns; this can actually prevent a borrower from qualifying for the loan.  

Many self-employed borrowers report the gross income minus their expenses for a net income. It is more beneficial to have the net as low as possible, but the net is what they use to qualify the borrowers income. They have to ask themselves "what is more important? Being approved for a larger loan or avoid paying taxes?" 

They must also prove their business exists. In addition to the tax returns a lender may request the following: 

1. Written statement from their accountant.

2. Business License

3. Website

4. Client Statement

5. 1099

What are the Mortgage Do's & Don't?

The home buying process is no walk through the park. There are many little mistakes or oversights that could be made during the process that can cost you the home of your dreams. Here are a few do's and don't that can help keep you on the right path.

Do...

...disclose all your income and debts. i.e. side business, alimony, child support, additional homes that you may own

...be prepared to provide a great deal of financial documentation

...keep paying your bills

...pay your existing mortgage/rent on time.

...be upfront about your credit. Good, Bad, or otherwise.

Don't...

...quit or change our job

...open any new lines of credit or finance/buy any large purchases i.e.cars, furniture, boat, or RV

...incur overdraft fees

...make ANY cash deposits

...pay off debts or close accounts without speaking to a mortgage professional

...DON'T MOVE!

For more information, give me a call! 

Why Short Sale Instead Of A Foreclosure Defense?

One of the services I offer to homeowners, investors and commercial borrowers is a full review of their current mortgage (sometimes known as an audit), if the mortgage is in foreclosure.  I have had many instances when the borrower has been able to establish a defense or gain leverage to negotiate based on our findings.  To date we have helped borrowers negotiate millions of dollars in reductions.  

However, over time I've also become a big proponent of short sales if they can be successfully closed with a waiver of deficiency.  Statistics show that on average a home sold through a short sale brings a 24 percent greater return to the lender than a foreclosure.  While banks are offering incentives to homeowners and borrowers to short sale, in many cases this 24 percent can be a tool for negotiating more favorable terms for the borrower such as cash for keys or a waiver of deficiency.  

Regardless of the decision you make to short sale the property or establish a foreclosure defense, it is imperative that you have a professional on your side.  I have seen many foreclosure defenses botched by inexperienced attorneys and short sales fall through due to a lack of knowledge on the part of real estate agents and attorneys.  

Due diligence is the key to putting a negative real estate experience behind you.  Should you have any questions or need an introduction to a capable and knowledgeable real estate agent or attorney, please don't hesitate to contact me.

yourbestmortgagechoice@gmail.com

@TheMortgageFirm

Suzanne Morton is a partner in Compleat Consulting Group, Inc. and is a respected consultant in the mortgage field working with  over 50 law firms as an expert in foreclosure defense and compliance.  Additionally, Suzanne is a Senior Loan Originator with The Mortgage Firm originating residential loans.