Business

5 Tips for Obtaining a Mortgage if You’re Self-Employed

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2022

Being self-employed can be a great way to make a living, but it also has its own unique set of challenges. One of the biggest is obtaining a mortgage. Many lenders are wary of self-employed borrowers because they don’t have the same income stability and proof of income as those with regular 9-to-5 jobs. However, that doesn’t mean taking out a mortgage is impossible if you’re self-employed. You can do some things to improve your chances of getting a mortgage, including using non-traditional lending. Here are five tips to help you on your journey and some alternative credit examples.

Know Your Credit Score

One of the first things to do when applying for a mortgage is to understand your credit score. Lenders will look at this number to determine how likely you are to pay back your loan in full and on time. A good credit score (typically anything above 600) will give you an edge when applying for a home loan, so make sure you know where you stand before diving into the application process. You can check your credit score online for free or purchase one from one of the major credit reporting bureaus like TransUnion or Equifax.

Gather Your Paperwork

Before applying for a loan, ensure that all of your paperwork is in order and easy to access. This includes everything from tax returns and bank statements to business licenses and profit and loss statements. Having these documents ready will speed up the application process significantly. Lenders won’t have to wait around while you scramble to find them.

Prove Your Income Stability

Since lenders need assurance that they’ll be paid back in full, having proof of income stability is key when applying for a mortgage if you’re self-employed. Most creditors will require two years’ worth of tax returns along with any other paperwork that proves your ability to pay back money owed (such as business licenses).

Try to provide evidence that shows your income has been steadily increasing over time. This helps demonstrate financial responsibility, which can significantly boost your approval chances.

Show Proof Of Assets And Liabilities

In addition to proving income stability, lenders may also want proof that you have enough assets available should something happen, and payments need to be made late or missed altogether. This could include savings accounts, investment portfolios, etc. Also, showing them any liabilities such as loans or other debts owed could show them that while these obligations exist, they aren’t too large, where they would interfere with making payments on any new mortgages taken out.

Look Into Non-Traditional Lenders

Suppose traditional lenders such as banks are not approving your loan applications due to a lack of income verification or low credit scores. In that case, consider looking into alternative lenders, such as online lenders or private investors, who offer different types of loans with more flexible requirements than traditional banks do. These types of lenders often have fewer restrictions when it comes to approving applicants who cannot provide two years’ worth of tax returns or have lower credit scores than what banks typically prefer. While these alternative credit examples can come with higher interest rates than those offered by traditional lenders, they could still be beneficial in helping you obtain financing if other options are not available.

Conclusion

Getting approved for a mortgage if you’re self-employed can be difficult but not impossible. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way toward achieving homeownership quickly and securely. Success when applying for a mortgage as someone who is their own boss won’t be too far behind.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.