If you’re self-employed in Greensboro, NC, you already know the benefits of being your own boss — flexibility, independence, and the satisfaction of building something on your own. But when it comes to getting a mortgage, the process can feel anything but flexible.
At The Don Owens Mortgage Team, we specialize in flexible financing for self-employed customers in Greensboro, NC, helping business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors secure the homes they love without unnecessary roadblocks.
In this guide, we’ll break down why mortgages for self-employed buyers can be tricky, what makes our approach different, and the options available to help you achieve your homeownership dreams.
Why Self-employed Borrowers Face Unique Challenges
While being self-employed can mean more control over your income, it also means mortgage lenders may view your application with more caution. Traditional lending often prefers the predictability of W-2 income over variable business earnings.
Here are some common hurdles self-employed customers in Greensboro, NC face:
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Income Verification: Lenders typically require two years of tax returns. For self-employed individuals, deductions and write-offs can make taxable income appear lower than it actually is.
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Business Stability: Some lenders want proof your business has been stable for multiple years, which can be tough for newer entrepreneurs.
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Inconsistent Cash Flow: Seasonal or project-based work can create income fluctuations that standard underwriting doesn’t account for.
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Debt-to-Income Ratios: Personal and business expenses sometimes overlap, complicating debt calculations.
The good news? With flexible financing for self-employed customers in Greensboro, NC, these challenges don’t have to be deal-breakers.
How The Don Owens Mortgage Team Makes Financing Easier
At The Don Owens Mortgage Team, we believe self-employment should be a strength, not a stumbling block. That’s why we focus on mortgage solutions tailored to entrepreneurs and independent earners.
1. Alternative Income Documentation
Instead of relying solely on tax returns, we can use:
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Bank statements (personal or business) to show real cash flow
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Profit-and-loss statements from your accountant
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1099 forms for contract work
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Asset depletion calculations for high-net-worth borrowers
2. Customized Loan Programs
We partner with multiple lenders that offer programs designed for non-traditional income situations, including:
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Bank statement loans
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Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans
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Asset-based loans
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Low-documentation refinance options
3. Local Expertise
Because we’re based here in Greensboro, NC, we understand the local market and have relationships with lenders who are open to flexible underwriting for self-employed buyers.
Types of Flexible Financing For Self-employed Customers in Greensboro, NC
Let’s look at some financing paths available to independent earners.
Bank Statement Loans
Instead of tax returns, bank statement loans allow lenders to review 12–24 months of deposits to determine qualifying income. This method often better reflects your true earning potential.
Non-QM Loans
Non-qualified mortgages give lenders more freedom to assess your ability to repay, meaning more opportunities for unique income situations.
Stated Income Loans
While less common today, certain lenders still offer stated income programs for borrowers with strong credit and solid down payments.
Portfolio Loans
Smaller local banks and credit unions sometimes keep loans “in-house” rather than selling them, allowing for more flexibility in approval standards.
Steps to Prepare for a Self-employed Mortgage in Greensboro
Even with flexible financing, preparation makes the process smoother and increases your chances of approval.
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Separate Personal and Business Finances – Use different bank accounts and credit cards for clarity.
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Keep Detailed Financial Records – Organized profit-and-loss statements, invoices, and receipts help build lender confidence.
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Build a Strong Credit Profile – A higher credit score often offsets perceived lending risk.
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Save for a Larger Down Payment – More equity means less risk for the lender, and more leverage for you.
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Work With a Mortgage Team That Understands You – Not every lender knows how to work with self-employed clients, but we do.
Why Greensboro, NC Is Perfect for Self-employed Homebuyers
The Greensboro area offers an attractive mix of affordable housing, thriving small business culture, and a supportive entrepreneurial community. Whether you run a creative agency, operate a small retail shop, or freelance from home, Greensboro provides:
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A lower cost of living compared to many other NC metros
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Diverse housing options from historic neighborhoods to modern new builds
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Strong local networking and business support programs
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A growing economy with opportunities for both traditional and remote work
Real Client Success Story
When Amanda, a Greensboro-based graphic designer, tried to get a mortgage through her bank, she was denied due to “inconsistent” income. She came to The Don Owens Mortgage Team worried she’d never own a home.
We used her 24 months of business bank statements and adjusted calculations to reflect her actual earnings. Within weeks, she was approved for a competitive loan — and moved into her dream home in Fisher Park.
Amanda’s story is proof that flexible financing for self-employed customers in Greensboro, NC isn’t just possible — it’s happening every day.
Common Myths About Self-employed Mortgages
Myth 1: You need perfect credit.
Reality: Good credit helps, but alternative programs exist for borrowers with fair credit.
Myth 2: You can’t get a competitive rate.
Reality: Many self-employed loans offer rates similar to traditional mortgages.
Myth 3: You must wait until your business is 5+ years old.
Reality: Some programs accept as little as 1 year of documented income.
Work With Experts Who Get It
At The Don Owens Mortgage Team, we know every self-employed borrower has a unique financial story. Our job is to help you present that story in the best possible light to the right lender.
When you work with us, you can expect:
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Transparent communication
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Access to multiple flexible loan programs
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Fast, efficient application processing
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Personalized guidance from first consultation to closing day
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, contractor, or small business owner in Greensboro, NC, don’t let traditional lending rules hold you back from homeownership. With flexible financing for self-employed customers in Greensboro, NC, your dream home is within reach.
Contact The Don Owens Mortgage Team today for a free consultation. We’ll review your income, explore all available programs, and help you create a clear path to approval.