Own your business? We know exactly which lenders approve self-employed income — and which don't.
Most A-lenders average your last two years of Line 150 income from T1 Generals. That's brutal for business owners who write off aggressively. Alternative-income programs use bank deposits or a "reasonability test" instead.
Sagen's Business-for-Self insured program allows a stated-income top-up on top of declared T1 income — an approval path most self-employed borrowers don't know exists.
When A doesn't work, B-lenders and select monolines assess self-employed income using 12 months of business bank deposits. Rates run 100–200 bps higher; you refinance to A in 12–24 months.
Threads searching self employed mortgage reddit often say "you need 3 years of taxes" — outdated. Two years is standard, one is achievable with the right lender. Reddit also rarely mentions Sagen's BFS stated-income program, which changes the math for a lot of business owners.
Ready to see your numbers?
Same as W-2 borrowers on insured deals (5% up to $500k, tiered above) — but many self-employed borrowers use 20%+ down to unlock uninsured programs with easier income proof.
Not with A-lenders on standard programs — they use net (Line 150). Sagen BFS stated income and B-lender programs can consider gross under specific conditions.
Two years is standard. One year is possible with the right lender and strong compensating factors.
Most Reddit advice defaults to "show more T1 income" — the better play is to shop lenders who use alternative-income programs.
Pick a time that works best for you
