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Obtaining a mortgage is a little different when you’re self-employed.

Reporting your income as a self-employed worker on Schedule C for income tax purposes can make qualifying for a mortgage loan or refinancing a little more complex. The reason being that proving consistent and reliable income as a freelancer can be more involved because you dont typically receive a regular paycheck. Because of this, the lender wants proof that you can repay the loan.

Each lender is different. Some require self-employed borrowers to go through extra hoops to prove employment, while others may or may not wait until the loan gets to its compliance or operations department. Early in the applications stage, for example, you may need to provide contact information for your employer so the lender can confirm youre working regularly.

Many lenders will ask for three years of accounts to prove income. Some may drop it to two years, and a small number of mortgage lenders will accept one year.

However, 2018 guidelines make it easier for self-employed homebuyers, requiring only one year of income tax documents to prove income, as long as the application qualifies for automated underwriting. This automated system doesnt require filling out various forms, though youll need to document your income, savings, retirement and investment balances.

An accountant or tax preparer may be able to help by providing a letter stating how long youve been in business. A Profit and Loss Statement, or P&L, can be prepared by your accountant to show your business income and expenses for a specific time, such as showing you paid off a business loan.

When applying for or closing on a loan, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. A rate lock can give you enough time to verify your income. Have your bank statements and tax forms ready, along with any other information your accountant or tax preparer says you might need. Respond to inquiries from your lender promptly and focus on the final goal of getting a new mortgage.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are just a few reasons why reclaimed wood might be the right choice for you!

 

Its an eco-friendly option, so youre helping to preserve natural resources. You can feel good about using timber that would otherwise go to waste.

 

Each piece of reclaimed wood is unique, and has often already developed a patina.

 

For a long time, reclaimed wood was only used in traditional or rustic design; however, these days, it can be found in almost any setting.

 

Unlike new materials, theres a story behind reclaimed wood that gives character to your home.

 

While certain styles come and go, salvaged wood has timeless appeal that continues to improve with age.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Many lenders pre-qualify or pre-approve mortgage applicants, which can help considerably in the buying process. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some important differences to note.

In general, pre-qualification is considered an initial step in which the applicant provides information on income, assets and debts. The lender may or may not require documentation.

Pre-approval is considered the next step and requires documentation and a credit check. A hard credit inquiry can affect your credit score, and several by different lenders in a short period of time can cause your score to take a significant hit. If you’re thinking about getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage, ask if the company will perform a hard credit inquiry and decide if you are willing to risk the potential impact on your score.

Reasons to Get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved
Getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting can help you throughout the whole process. It can save you time and can help you avoid frustration and disappointment later. This is because you can start your search with a reasonable estimate of how much you will be able to borrow. That means you can focus on houses in your price range, rather than falling in love with a house and then finding out that a lender will not loan you enough money to buy it.

If you have found the house of your dreams and want to make an offer, you need to show the owners that you are serious. That means you need to be able to demonstrate that you’re able to qualify for the mortgage you need to buy the house.

Some homeowners may only be willing to sell to buyers who’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, while others may be willing to accept an offer from buyers who’ve been pre-qualified. In some areas, one is more widely accepted than the other. Ask your real estate agent whether being pre-qualified or pre-approved is more likely to help your chances of having your offer accepted.

Obtaining a Mortgage
Being pre-qualified or pre-approved does not necessarily mean that you’ll be approved for a mortgage by that lender. The company may require additional documentation to process your mortgage application and may learn more facts that influence their decision. Getting pre-qualified or pre-approved by a particular company does not mean that you’re obligated to obtain a mortgage from that lender. You can and should shop around for the best terms.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Once your home is listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the listing broker discloses the terms of the commissions to other competing brokers so they will bring their buyers to the listing. When the buyer’s broker presents a contract to the seller, it will include a provision to collect their share of the sales commission, as offered by the listing agent in the MLS.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few tips for designing an area that does far more than hold your wardrobe.

Strategic Storage

Open shelving allows you to take stock of everything with a glance.

Take a Seat

Be it an ottoman or chaise lounge, have a place to sit when trying on shoes.

Mirrors Galore

Youll need a full-length mirror or two to see how you look, as well as a separate vanity.

Center Island

An island in the center of the dressing room can be used for display and additional storage.

Keep It Light

Shelves with LED lights provide the feel of a showroom, helping to distinguish colors.

Published with permission from RISMedia.