Self-Employed Mortgage Solutions

Financing for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

If you’re self-employed, qualifying for a mortgage can feel frustrating — even when your business is thriving.

Many entrepreneurs legitimately reduce taxable income through expenses, dividends, or reinvestment. While that’s smart for taxes, it can make traditional lenders believe you earn less than you actually do.

The result? You may qualify for far less than your true purchasing power — or be declined entirely.

Fortunately, there are mortgage solutions designed specifically for business owners.

Mortgages Designed for Self-Employed Borrowers

Specialized programs recognize that tax returns don’t always reflect real income. Approval can be based on the strength of your business and cash flow — not just reported net income.

These options may be ideal if you:

✔ Write off significant business expenses
✔ Show strong revenue but lower taxable income
✔ Receive income through dividends or retained earnings
✔ Have seasonal or variable income
✔ Recently transitioned to self-employment

Low-Documentation Options Available

Instead of relying solely on CRA tax filings, lenders may use alternative proof of income such as:

• Business registration or Articles of Incorporation
• Business bank statements showing deposits
• Invoices, contracts, or receivables
• Accountant’s letter
• Proof of ongoing operations

In many cases, applicants can qualify after as little as 6–12 months of self-employment history, depending on the strength of the overall application.

Purchase or Refinance — Even With Limited Proof of Income

Self-employed mortgage programs can be used to:

✔ Buy a primary residence
✔ Purchase an investment property
✔ Refinance an existing mortgage
✔ Access home equity
✔ Consolidate debt

Most programs require a minimum down payment or equity of approximately 20%, with higher requirements for rural properties or unique situations.

Credit and Rates

Your credit profile influences:

• Interest rate
• Maximum loan amount
• Available lenders
• Down payment requirements

Low-documentation mortgages may carry higher rates or fees than traditional bank products, but they can make homeownership possible when conventional approval isn’t.

How Approval Typically Works

Rather than focusing only on tax filings, lenders evaluate the overall strength of your application, including:

• Stability of your business
• Consistency of deposits
• Credit history
• Available assets
• Property type and location

In many cases, borrowers can qualify for 65%–80% of the purchase price or appraised value, depending on their situation.

A Mortgage Strategy Built Around Your Business Reality

Every entrepreneur’s situation is unique. Our role is to match you with lenders and programs that reflect your actual financial strength — not just what appears on paper.

As a Top 5% Mortgage Professional in Canada, Cam works with a broad network of banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders to structure solutions tailored to business owners.

Serving Self-Employed Clients Across Niagara

We work with business owners and entrepreneurs throughout:

St. Catharines
Niagara Falls
Thorold
Welland
Fort Erie
Port Colborne
Grimsby
Lincoln
Niagara-on-the-Lake
And communities across Southern Ontario

Whether you operate a local business or work remotely, we can help structure financing that reflects your true income and financial strength.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you’re self-employed and unsure whether you qualify, a quick review can clarify what’s possible and what steps may improve your approval.

Use the Apply button or schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.

Contact me today for more information!