Preparing for mortgage financing

Learn how to successfully prepare your mortgage application.

What you should know before applying for a mortgage

6 min

  • The best time to apply for a mortgage
  • Important things to consider when applying for a mortgage
  • What you need to know about your credit score
Couple applying for a mortgage

Buying a home is one of the most exciting investments you can make for your family and future. But you may not be exactly sure how to get started and how to get a mortgage. Not to worry. We’ve got you covered – here’s what you need to know about applying for a mortgage.

When is the best time for you to apply for a mortgage?

Many factors come into play when you’re deciding when is the best time for you to get a mortgage. Some major things to consider are your down payment, the current rate environment, and your personal situation and needs.

Down payments

A mortgage down payment is the amount of money you can pay upfront when purchasing a home. It’s expressed as a percentage and is calculated as the dollar value of the down payment divided by the home price. In Canada, there is a minimum down payment required, which depends on the home's purchase price.

With owner-occupied homes, if the purchase price is less than $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5%. If the purchase price is between $500,000 and $999,999, the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of any amount over $500,000. If the purchase price is $1,000,000, then the minimum down payment is 20%.

If you’re a First Time Home Buyer – you may also be eligible for the Canadian Government’s Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). It allows first-time homebuyers to borrow up to $60,000 from their RRSP for a down payment, tax-free. If you’ve been putting money aside and are in a stable place financially, it may be a great time to take advantage of the plan.

The current rate environment

Another factor is the current rate environment at the time you’d like to purchase your home. Interest rates fluctuate depending on economic factors, such as the time of year. The Bank of Canada (BoC) sets the prime rate, which is the benchmark rate, and other financial institutions base their rate off the prime rate. A low-rate environment is a favourable time to get a mortgage since you’ll be able to save on interest.

Your personal situation and needs

Most importantly, take a good look at your personal situation and needs when deciding whether it’s the right time to get a mortgage. Look at your debts, your income and even your estimated utilities fees. Review all your expenses! Again, if you and your family have been saving, it may be the perfect time to see what you could qualify for.

A few things to consider when applying for a mortgage

It’s best to look at the different types of financial institutions you can get a mortgage from before making your final decision. There are a number of different mortgage sources, like mortgage brokers, banks, and alternative lending companies to choose from. It’s important to weigh your options, look for the best prepayment privileges so you can pay off your mortgage faster, and for the best rates. Here’s a bit more information about common mortgage providers.

Mortgage brokers

Mortgage brokers don’t lend money directly to you, but they arrange transactions by finding a lender for you. Since brokers have access to a number of different lenders, they may give you a wider range of mortgage products and terms for you to choose from.

The downside of a broker is that they may not have access to the same lenders, so the available rates will vary from broker to broker. They also work on commission, so you’ll need to choose a broker you trust to have your best interests in mind.

Banks

If you’ve been a customer at your bank for years, there is a trust associated with that bank. But while it might be convenient and familiar, they may not be able to offer you the best rate. They may have less rate flexibility than newer, alternative options entering the market and you often need to visit a branch in person.

QuestMortgage

QuestMortgage is the better way to get a mortgage. Our BetterRate ® mortgages can help you save up to thousands of dollars on your mortgage, so you can keep more of your money. You can apply completely online 24/7 and access your mortgage anytime you’d like with full transparency of the process. Plus, our team of dedicated Mortgage Advisors are here to help walk you through the mortgage process.

What you need to know about your credit score and credit checks

You may be thinking, “What does my credit score have to do with getting a mortgage?” Your credit score is actually quite an important factor to consider when applying for a mortgage.

A credit score is a 3-digit ranking between 300-900 that is calculated by the credit bureaus. It’s used to determine how likely you are to pay back credit (or in this case, your mortgage). Your credit score is made up of 6 different factors:

  • Payment history – how good you are at paying your bills on time
  • Credit utilization – how much of your available credit you’re using
  • Age of credit history – the age of your oldest account
  • Credit inquiries – a hard credit inquiry is when a bank or lender makes an inquiry about your credit to determine your creditworthiness, and it can slightly negatively impact your score. A soft credit, on the other hand, is when you check your credit score yourself
  • Number of accounts – the number of credit accounts in your name
  • Public records/derogatory marks – these can seriously impact your credit score

How do I improve my credit score?

It’s important to get your credit score in tip-top shape when applying for new credit, such as a mortgage approval. Out of the factors listed above, payment history and credit utilization carry the most weight in making up your credit score. So, if you’re looking to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage, here are two easy tips to help.

Keep an eye on your credit utilization

Your credit utilization is the amount of credit you’ve used out of the total amount available to you. The lower your credit utilization, the more attractive you are to mortgage lenders. You can calculate your total credit utilization by adding up your credit cards and lines of credit and dividing them by your total credit limit.

Try to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. This means if you have a credit card with a limit of $3,000, then you should try to keep the balance below $1,000.

Set reminders to pay your bills on time

Paying your bills on time is one of the best actions you can take to improve your credit score. In fact, your payment history makes up 35% of your overall credit score, which makes it the most important of all the factors. Mortgage lenders like to see that you’re financially responsible and that you can pay your bills on time.

You can set a monthly reminder in your phone to ensure you pay your bills when they are due. Or, if you like to keep things simple, you can mark it on your kitchen calendar.

We’re here to help, every step of the way

When deciding if it’s the right time to get a mortgage, it’s important to weigh your options and make an informed decision that suits you and your family. Luckily, a better and easier way to get a mortgage online is finally here. When you choose QuestMortgage, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Learn more about QuestMortgage.

Types of mortgage providers: how do I get a better rate?

5 min

  • What you should know about getting a mortgage with a bank
  • What you should know about getting a mortgage with a broker
  • How to get a mortgage with a better rate
Couple checking their laptop to see different mortgage types

Whether you're in the market for your very first home or are looking to renew your current mortgage, you may be wondering about the different types of mortgage providers available to you. Going through a mortgage broker or a traditional bank are both options that have helped many Canadians attain homeownership. But, each have their positives and negatives.

If you’re currently evaluating the different ways to get a mortgage and how to get better mortgage rates in Canada, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of mortgage providers.

Traditional banks

Canadians often place a lot of trust in their bank because of the familiarity. But a traditional bank may not be able to get you the lowest rate, especially in an already low-rate environment. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of getting a mortgage from your bank.

Traditional bank pros

Familiar

You may have a specific advisor you work with at your bank and working with the same person may provide you a level of comfort. Also, many people still enjoy going to the bank and speaking with someone in person.

Perks

Similarly, banks are sometimes able to pull a few strings to provide you with special perks in other areas, such as unlimited transactions or free e-transfers for bank accounts. While extra perks may be tempting, just be sure that those bells and whistles are worth it.

All in one place

Having your financial dealings in one place may be important to some. Fortunately, other mortgage providers are also evolving towards this model.

Traditional bank cons

Typically higher interest rates

Getting a mortgage from a traditional bank could mean you’ll receive a higher mortgage rate because banks may not offer the same rates as alternative lenders. Banks may not have as much wiggle room as other providers.

Stricter approval conditions

Canada’s large, traditional banks may have rigid rules about the qualifications a borrower must meet. For Canadians who have a less-than-perfect credit history, it may be best to keep your options open and look around. For tips to improve your credit score, check out this article.

Fewer mortgage options

Banks may only be able to offer their own traditional products. It may be helpful to look around at the new, attractive offerings on the market and weigh your options. Traditional banks can offer some exciting perks, but they may not be able to provide the lowest rate possible.

Mortgage brokers

A mortgage broker has access to many different lenders and can typically provide you with a low rate. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a mortgage broker.

Mortgage broker pros

A personalized experience

Mortgage brokers are paid a “finder’s fee” by lenders and can access many different options for you – so they don’t mind if you shop around. Some may be able to throw in extras by covering costly items that can add up, such as appraisal fees. Mortgage brokers typically do this in hopes that you will refer them to a friend, or you will use them again down the line.

Time saved

You may save time and effort with a mortgage broker since they are doing the legwork of evaluating different lenders.

Online process

It’s always a nice perk when you can apply for a mortgage from the comfort of your home. Brokers typically allow you to apply online and may also help you put together your mortgage application. If you like to stay home, a broker may be a good option.

Mortgage broker cons

Commissions

A mortgage broker works 100% on commission. This means that they rely on the lender to bring them business. If you choose to work with a broker, be sure to choose a trusted broker with your best interests in mind.

Preferred lenders

Along those same lines, mortgage brokers may also have preferred lenders they use. This can create a less than ideal situation for the borrower because the preferred lender may offer the broker the greatest commission but the features of that mortgage may not meet their needs. For example, if it's important to you that you should be able to pay off your mortgage quickly and shorten your amortization period, then you should opt for a mortgage with the best prepayment privileges.  

You may be charged a fee

If you’ve established with your broker that the lender pays the broker’s fee, then there’s no need to worry. However, if the lender doesn’t pay a fee, then you may be required to. When shopping around, keep in mind there may be a broker’s fee for finding the mortgage. Be sure to discuss all costs upfront with your broker so there won’t be any surprises.

Mortgage brokers have access to many different lenders and rates, although you should try to make sure they have your best interests in mind.

Enter QuestMortgage

Previously, you would have had to choose between these two ways of getting a mortgage. But at Questrade, we’re revolutionizing the mortgage industry.

QuestMortgage

QuestMortgage is the better, easier way to get a mortgage online. You’ll never need to worry about if you’re getting our lowest rate and you’ll receive the help you need, whenever you need it. Here’s what makes QuestMortgage the better way to get a mortgage.

A BetterRate ® mortgage

You’ll get a great low rate right from the start. With QuestMortgage, there’s no haggling or negotiating – just our BetterRate ®. Learn more about our low rates and see what you could qualify for.

The best prepayment privileges on the market

Our BetterRate ® mortgages come with attractive prepayment privileges, so you can pay off your mortgage faster and keep more of your money. You can enjoy the best prepayment privileges on the market, of up to 20% of the balance at the start of the term, per year. Our payment increase option also allows you to increase your mortgage payments at any time (up to 100% of the original payment amount).

Help when you need it

Our team of expert Mortgage Advisors are here to help, every step of the way. You’ll receive a dedicated Mortgage Advisor who will be there to support you throughout the mortgage process and can answer any question you may have.

When deciding what type of mortgage provider is right for you, it’s important to consider all of your options and make a decision that’s best for you. With QuestMortgage, we’re here to help, every step of the way.

If you’re in the market for a mortgage, the QuestMortgage online application can show you how much you can qualify for and you can lock in your rate and with no obligation. Get my rate.

Learn more about QuestMortgage.

The information in this blog is for information purposes only and should not be used or construed as financial or investment advice by any individual. Information obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable, but no representations or warranty, expressed or implied is made by Questrade Group of Companies, its affiliates or any other person to its accuracy.

Important documents for a mortgage application

9 min

  • Common income-related documents you'll need
  • Necessary down payment and property documents
  • Which documents to prepare when switching to QuestMortgage
Two ladies looking at a tablet for a mortgage application

When applying for a mortgage, many Canadians are surprised at the number of documents that need to be prepared. These mortgage documents can include your financial situation, property information, down payment, and terms of the purchase and agreement of sale.

It can also vary depending on the situation and that’s why we’re here to help you prepare to make the application as quick and easy as possible. In addition, our Mortgage Advisors will be there to help, every step of the way.

The following below are some of the most common documents per income type:

Employment and income documents:

Full-time (salaried or hourly) income

Any two of the following:

  • Letter of employment or Job Letter.
  • Recent Pay stubs: Proof of how much you earn on a regular basis.
  • Notice of Assessment (NOA): Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides employed people with a notice of assessment every year after their returns are submitted. (If hours are not guaranteed or less than 37 hours per week), typically for part time or temporary employment, a 2-year average of the most recent NOAs will be considered. Typically for a part time or temporary employment (i.e. if hours are not guaranteed or less than 37 hours per week), a 2-year average of the most recent NOAs will be considered.
  • Most recent T4.

Please note: Typically, 2 years of employment history is needed. If it’s less than 2 years, your previous employment must be confirmed and should be in the same line of work. If it’s less than 2 years with no previous experience or coming from a new line of work, you can apply for an exception. If an exception is required, make sure you provide supporting reasons for the lack of employment history.

Part-time income

Any two of the following:

  • Letter of employment
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Most recent T4

If hours are not guaranteed, a 2-year average of the most recent Notice of Assessments (NOA) will be considered.

Self employed / Business income (sole proprietor or incorporated)

  • NOAs.
  • Corresponding T1 General tax return.
  • Business license or articles of incorporation confirming business ownership.
  • In some cases, we would ask for some financial statements, prepared by an accountant or corporate/business tax returns.

Please note: The 2-year average will be considered to qualify. If the most recent year is lower, only the most recent year’s income will be considered.

Commission income

Any two of the following:

  • Letter of employment.
  • Year to date commission statement.
  • 2 years of most recent T4As.
  • 2 years of most recent 2-year T1 Generals using net income.
  • 2 years of most recent 2-year NOAs (must be obtained if self-employed).
  • Proof of Business.

Please note: The 2-year average will be considered to qualify. If the most recent year is lower, only the most recent year’s income will be considered.

Bonus, overtime, and seasonal income

  • Letter of employment.
  • Paystub.
  • Two most recent years of either T4, NOA, or T1 General.

Please note: The 2-year average will be considered to qualify. If the most recent year is lower, only the most recent year’s income will be considered.

Maternity and paternity leave income

Letter of employment confirming:

  • Employment (confirming full time salaried employment).
  • Maternal or paternal leave.
  • Return date, in the same position.
  • Base annual salary.

Investment income

  • Current investment statement(s) confirming liquidity.
  • Most recent (2 years) T1 Generals or tax summary forms.
  • NOAs.

Please note: Investment income is considered as income from interest and dividends. The 2-year average will be considered provided the income has been available consistently for the past 2 years. Any portion of the investments that are needed for the down payment may not be considered. If the most recent year is lower – only the most recent year’s income will be considered.

Pension income

Any one of the following:

  • Pension Statement or T4A confirming allowable monthly benefit, name & address.
  • Bank statements confirming regular deposits.
  • Most recent T1 General or NOA.

Retirement income

Most recent Annuity, RIF, or LIF statement confirming sufficient investments to cover the term of the mortgage and any one of the following:

  • Bank statement confirming direct deposit(s).
  • Recent Payment stub.
  • Most recent T1 General.
  • Most recent T4A.

In addition to above, the most recent year’s NOA to confirm no taxes owing.

Rental income

Any one of the following:

  • 2 years of most recent average of the most recent T1 Generals including the Statement of Real Estate Rentals (T776).
  • 2 years of most recent average lease agreements.
  • In some cases, “fair market” rents from an appraisal or comparable report may be used.

Down payment documents:

Withdrawals from your RRSP through the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP): If you're buying your first home, you may be eligible to use money from your RRSP for your down payment through the Home Buyer's Plan.

Savings or investment statement (money should be in the account in the last 90 days).

Gift letter: This is a document signed by the borrowers and gifters (the donors who are from an immediate family member or relative) to ensure that the donors are helping the borrowers with the downpayment via a gift and not lending the money. Please ensure to also provide a bank statement showing that the gifted funds are in your (the borrower’s) account at least 15 days before the closing date of the purchase.

Deposits made with the purchase offer or deposits made to a builder: the history of funds must be provided to confirm the funds are from the borrower's own resources.

Statement of assets or investments.

Agreement of Purchase and Sale of an existing property: If you're selling your existing home, any proceeds from the sale that can be used for your down payment must be obtained.

Property documents:

Depending on the type of property you’re buying, certain documents may be needed. Our Mortgage Advisor will be able to provide a list of documents required including (not an exhaustive list):

  • Copy of accepted purchase and sale agreement.
  • Copy of MLS listing.
  • Property’s address and legal description.

Switching to QuestMortgage documents

Switching to QuestMortgage can help you save over the term of your mortgage. When you apply from your current mortgage, some documents may be needed including:

  • Property tax statement.
  • Current mortgage statement.
  • Property insurance policy.

Please note: Certain documents might be needed depending on the type of home you’re buying and your situation. Call us and one of our Mortgage Advisors would be happy to ensure you have all the documents required at 1-888-909-5588 or send us an email.

You don't need all of your documents to start a mortgage application, all you need is a signed offer. Start an application today and you'll get help along the way by one of our expert Mortgage Advisors. Get my rate.

Learn more about QuestMortgage.

The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as real-estate, mortgage, financial or investment advice.

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Understanding Mortgage Default Insurance and Creditor Insurance

6 minutes

Couple watching their daughter read a book

Mortgage insurance and creditor insurance are both important parts of homeownership. While mortgage insurance protects the lender, creditor insurance protects you as the borrower. It’s important to understand the ins and outs of both so you can plan ahead and budget accordingly when preparing to buy a home.

 

What is mortgage default insurance?

Homeownership is a common goal for many Canadians, but there are very few folks who are able to buy their homes without a mortgage. Many will contribute a percentage of the purchase price of their home and borrow the rest. This portion paid upfront is called a down payment. Of course, the down payment only covers a fraction of the cost of buying a home. The rest of the amount is typically covered by a mortgage.

If your down payment is less than 20% of a home’s purchase price, you may require mortgage default insurance. Also known as mortgage insurance, it’s required on all mortgages with down payments of less than 20% (or high-ratio mortgages) where the value of the property is less than $1,000,000.

There are three mortgage default insurance providers in Canada: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Sagen, and Canada Guaranty. As a borrower, you probably won’t deal with these companies directly, as your lender will work with them to arrange financing. Typically, lenders add mortgage insurance premium to your total mortgage amount and will be added as part of your monthly mortgage payments.  You also have the option of paying this amount as a lump sum up front. The mortgage default insurance is added to your mortgage amount, so you would be paying interest on the money borrowed, plus mortgage default insurance. If you decide to pay an upfront lump sum, the mortgage default insurance amount would not be added to your mortgage amount, so you would save on interest. Learn more.

How mortgage default insurance works

Calculating the down payment

With owner-occupied homes, if the purchase price is less than $500,000, the minimum down payment will be 5% for most mortgages. If the purchase price is between $500,000 and $999,999, the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% for any amount over $500,000. If the purchase price is $1,000,000 or more, then the minimum down payment is 20%.

For example, let’s say you purchase a home that is $800,000. So, 5% of $500,000 equals $25,000 and 10% off the remaining portion ($300,000) equals $30,000. So, your total down payment would need to be at least $55,000.

Calculating mortgage default insurance

Mortgage default insurance isn’t cheap – which is why you’ll want to save up for as large of a down payment as possible. For example, say you were buying a $500,000 home with a 5% down payment ($25,000), your mortgage default insurance premium would be $19,000. That’s calculated by multiplying the “rate” of the insurance by the amount being borrowed.

The rate is set by the mortgage default insurers and depends on how large your down payment is, relative to the price of the home. For down payments of 5%, the set rate of  insurance premium is 4%. So, we can multiply 4% by the amount being borrowed – $475,000 – to get $19,000, which would add significantly to your overall costs. Learn more about how mortgage default insurance is calculated.

Minimizing mortgage default insurance

One way to minimize mortgage default insurance is to save up for a larger down payment. The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) allows home buyers to borrow up to $35,000 from their RRSP for a down payment, tax-free. If you and your co-borrower each have an individual RRSP and choose to participate in the plan, you can withdraw a combined maximum of $35,000 per person for a total of $70,000. You have up to 15 years to pay what you withdraw from your RRSP back.  The repayment period begins the 2nd year after the year when funds are withdrawn. For example, if you withdrew funds in 2022, your first year of repayment will be 2024.

What about creditor insurance?

Creditor insurance is another type of insurance you can get for your mortgage, but creditor insurance protects you – the borrower. Creditor insurance, which is optional and highly encouraged, is a smart way to help protect your family’s lifestyle. If something unexpected happens and you are unable to make your mortgage payments, creditor insurance can help protect you and your loved ones. It can also help cover mortgage debt you may have, in the event of critical illness, death, or disability.

If you decide creditor insurance is right for you, you’ll be able to apply for it during your mortgage application. You can also apply to add it to your existing mortgage at any time. Learn more about creditor insurance from the leading company in Canada, Canada Life.

Preparing a mortgage application as a business owner

8 minutes

Business owner applying for a mortgage

Preparing and applying for a mortgage as a business owner can be as exciting as starting your own business. This venture is more than a pathway to owning a home, it’s a strategic investment to support your financial endeavours in the future. As a business owner, you’ll find that the mortgage application process may resonate with the familiar excitement and challenges of launching a new business venture.

In this article, we’ll explore the preparation for a mortgage application through the lens of a business owner. What you need will be unique, and we’re here to guide you through the steps to ensure your journey to homeownership is as rewarding and successful as your business endeavours.

Preparations before applying:

  • Organize your financial documents

When you run a business, your financial situation may be more complex than a traditional employee. Because of this, it’s important to prepare your tax returns, any profit and loss statements, and other relevant financial documents to show your income. Preparing your financial documents will be a great first step to see where you currently stand financially and see whether you’re ready to buy a home.

  • Maintain a good credit record

Your credit score is an important factor in getting your mortgage approved. Here in Canada, there’s two main credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, which receive information from banks, credit card companies and collection agencies in order to create your credit report and calculate your credit score.

Since your credit scores show your financial health to lenders, it’s important to keep them in good standing. Ensure you plan and pay bills on time to avoid penalty fees and lowering your credit. Additionally, keep your credit usage low. You can do this by keeping your credit usage under 35% of your credit limit. For example, if your limit is $20,000, try to avoid exceeding a balance of $7,000.

To learn more, take a look at this helpful guide about your credit scores and how to improve them.

  • Determine and maintain a good debt-to-income (debt service) ratio

Running a business may mean you have other expenses and debts that you need to cover on a monthly basis. That is why it’s crucial to determine your debt service ratio, a percentage that compares your total monthly debts to your gross monthly income.

Lenders use two different calculations to determine whether you could qualify for a mortgage. They use gross debt service (GDS) ratio to determine the percentage of your gross household income needed to cover basic housing expenses. These expenses include the mortgage principal and interest payment, property taxes, heating costs and maintenance fees, if applicable.

Gross debt service ratio formula

The next calculation is the total debt service (TDS) ratio. The total debt service ratio differs from the gross service ratio because it will include any and all debt and isn’t just focused on the housing part of the equation. The TDS ratio is the income required to cover the expenses in the gross service ratio, plus any debts including credit card payments, car loans, student loans, lines of credit, and the expenses for any other properties you may own.

Total debt service ratio formula

Please note: The mortgage principal and interest (in both GDS and TDS) is calculated at the mortgage qualifying rate, and not the rate you’ve received on your mortgage. This is known as the stress test, introduced by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), to mitigate mortgage default risk.

Financial institutions use the stress test to make sure borrowers are able to pay back their mortgage if mortgage rates rise during their mortgage term and checks their ability to make payments based on the Bank of Canada’s qualifying rate.

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), there’s a guideline restriction of 39% (GDS) and 44% (TDS) ratios for anyone applying for a mortgage. If your numbers are higher than the CMHC guidelines, you may have challenges in securing a mortgage. However, certain lenders may still approve you for a mortgage, based on certain situations. This can include having a high credit score, down payment, or being able to pay off some more debts. At the end of the day, always consult with a trusted mortgage advisor so they can assess your overall situation.

To learn more, check this helpful guide about calculating your GDS and TDS ratio.

  • Save for a down payment

Depending on the lender, you may be required to put down a larger down payment for a property. Consider setting aside a portion of your business income each month to save for a down payment. You can also set aside these funds to a registered account like the first home savings account (FHSA), registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), or a tax free savings account (TFSA) to save your money. Essentially, the more down payment you have, the higher chances you can secure better interest rate and loan terms.

Key items you’ll need:

When you apply for a mortgage as a business owner, you’ll submit two types of documents which will be your personal and business documents.

  • Personal documents
  1. 2 years notice of assessments (NOAs)
  2. 2 years of T1 Generals corresponding to the NOAs submitted

Please note: The 2-year average will be considered to qualify. If the most recent year is lower, only the most recent year’s income will be considered.

  • Business documents
  1. A copy of your business license or Articles of Incorporation confirming business ownership
  2. Financial Statements prepared by accountant (this does not always apply, but good to let them know to have it prepared in case)

Please note: You’ll be asked to submit other general documents (IDs, bank statements, tax returns, etc.) but the requirements above are the key documents you’ll need as a business owner.

Another success story to your entrepreneurial journey

Applying for a mortgage as a business owner may seem intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can achieve it. Always remember to maintain a good financial status, save for a down payment, gather necessary documents, and understand the unique mortgage requirements as a business owner. By following these steps, you’ll not only achieve success in securing a mortgage but also accomplish another great milestone in your entrepreneurial journey.

Ready to apply for a mortgage? Start an application today and get the assistance you need as a business owner with one of our expert Mortgage Advisors.

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