{"id":107066,"date":"2025-09-25T08:58:28","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=107066"},"modified":"2025-10-17T09:51:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T16:51:17","slug":"buying-a-house-self-employed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-house-self-employed\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Buy a House When You\u2019re Self-Employed: Steps, Requirements, and Loan Options"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Yes, you can buy a home self-employed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You\u2019ll just need extra income proof for lenders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep paperwork ready:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tax returns and bank statements show steady earnings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boost your finances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strong credit, low debt, and savings make approval easier.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a house while self-employed can feel more complicated, but it\u2019s far from impossible. Without W-2s or a traditional employer to verify income, lenders focus on detailed documentation to confirm earnings. The self-employed mortgage process requires more proof &#8211;\u00a0 but with preparation and organized finances, you can still qualify for a home loan confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re buying a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30818\/TX\/Austin\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house in Austin, TX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5155\/CO\/Denver\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home in Denver, CO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this guide explains what lenders look for, the documents you\u2019ll need, and strategies to improve your chances of approval \u2013 no matter if you run your own business, freelance full time, or work on 1099 contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-107067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"buying a house self employed\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-scaled.jpg 2133w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-267x150.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-1120x630.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2229835203-533x300.jpg 533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you buy a house if you\u2019re self-employed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can absolutely<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-mortgage-self-employed\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buy a house if you\u2019re self-employed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lenders approve self-employed buyers every day, but the process often comes with more paperwork and closer scrutiny. Unlike W-2 employees, whose income is steady and easy to verify, self-employed buyers usually have fluctuating earnings and no traditional employer to back them up. Because of this, lenders require additional proof, like tax returns, business records, and bank statements, to show that your income is consistent and reliable enough to make monthly mortgage payments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How lenders view self-employed income<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re self-employed, lenders look beyond your job title or business name. Their goal is to see whether your earnings are steady enough to cover a mortgage for years to come. Here are the main factors they review:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What counts as income<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Income can come from many sources: business profits, 1099 forms, dividends, or other documented earnings. What matters most is that the income can be verified through official records. A verbal promise of future work or an unsigned contract isn\u2019t enough. Lenders need a clear paper trail to prove your earnings are real and repeatable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax return requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most lenders ask for at least two years of personal and business tax returns. These provide a detailed picture of your income history, showing whether your earnings are steady or unpredictable. Consistency reassures lenders that your income isn\u2019t just a short-term spike but a reliable foundation for long-term payments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-percentage-of-your-income-should-go-toward-your-mortgage\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DTI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compares how much of your income goes toward monthly debts (like car loans or credit cards) against what you earn overall. Lenders often want to see a DTI under<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chase.com\/personal\/credit-cards\/education\/basics\/what-is-debt-to-income-ratio-and-why-it-is-important\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">43%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, though lower is even better. A healthy DTI shows that you aren\u2019t overextended, which makes lenders more confident that you can handle a new mortgage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit score<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-credit-score-to-buy-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a snapshot of how well you manage debt. For self-employed buyers, a higher score is especially important because it offsets the uncertainty of fluctuating income. A strong credit history can help you<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-home-loan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> qualify for lower interest rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, saving you money over the life of the loan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 steps to buying a house when you\u2019re self-employed<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Step<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What to do<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Why it matters<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>1. Get pre-approved early<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start mortgage pre-approval before house hunting.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gives lenders time to verify self-employed income and strengthen your offer.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>2. Gather documents<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collect tax returns, bank statements, and P&amp;L reports.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proves steady income and speeds up loan approval.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>3. Choose the right lender<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with a self-employed mortgage lender.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simplifies income verification and loan processing.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>4. Prepare for underwriting<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect detailed review of your income and DTI.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeps your mortgage application moving smoothly.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>5. Secure financing early<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finalize your loan approval before touring homes.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lets you make quick, confident offers.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>6. Separate finances<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use distinct business and personal accounts.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Makes income clear and builds lender trust.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>7. Stay current on taxes<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File on time and keep clean business records.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shows financial stability and reduces delays.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These seven steps cover the full process from pre-approval to closing. Below is a quick guide &#8211; each one builds on the next to strengthen your mortgage application.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Get pre-approved early<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/mortgage-pre-approval\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pre-approval<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows sellers you\u2019re serious and helps you understand how much home you can afford. For self-employed homebuyers, it also gives lenders time to review your tax documentation, business income, and financial statements before you start house hunting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Gather documents in advance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders will want proof that your income is consistent and reliable. Having your tax returns, bank statements, and profit-and-loss reports ready speeds up the process and helps avoid underwriting delays. Organized financial records are key to building lender confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Work with a lender experienced in self-employed mortgages<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all lenders handle self-employed borrowers the same way. Look for a mortgage lender who specializes in non-traditional income sources like 1099s or business earnings. Choosing an experienced lender makes it easier to navigate unique challenges such as variable income or business write-offs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Be ready for more questions during underwriting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect <\/span><b>l<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oan underwriters to dig deeper into your income and business performance. They\u2019ll analyze your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), review bank deposits, and assess business stability. Providing clear, organized documentation up front helps move your mortgage application forward quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Secure financing before house hunting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finalize your mortgage pre-approval and financing before you start looking at homes. With funding in place, you can make competitive offers faster &#8211; especially important for self-employed buyers, who may face longer review times due to extra income verification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Separate business and personal finances<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping separate accounts makes it easier for lenders to verify your income and expenses. If your finances are mixed, underwriters may question whether deposits are personal earnings or business revenue, which can slow things down. Clear separation shows professionalism and builds lender confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Keep your taxes and records up to date<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping business and personal bank accounts separate makes it easier for lenders to verify your income and expenses. Mixed finances can slow mortgage underwriting, since underwriters may question whether deposits are personal or business earnings. Separation also shows that you manage your business professionally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Documents you\u2019ll need to show lenders<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-employed buyers usually need to provide more paperwork than W-2 employees. Lenders want to see proof that your income is both consistent and reliable. Common documents include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Two years of personal and business tax returns:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gives lenders a full picture of your income history and business performance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Year-to-date profit and loss (P&amp;L) statements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Shows how your business is performing in the current year beyond what\u2019s on your tax returns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bank statements (personal and business:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Verifies cash flow, savings, and that your income matches what you\u2019ve reported.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>1099 forms or client contracts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Demonstrates steady work and incoming revenue, especially if you work with multiple clients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Proof of ongoing work or pipeline:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Examples include signed contracts, recurring invoices, or future agreements. These reassure lenders that your income will continue.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to improve your chances of approval<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being self-employed doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t qualify for a mortgage, it just takes more preparation. These strategies can make you a stronger applicant:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Build and maintain strong credit: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher credit score signals that you manage debt responsibly, which helps offset concerns about fluctuating income.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Save for a larger down payment: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more money you put down, the less risk for the lender. A bigger<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-save-for-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can also help you secure better loan terms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Separate business and personal finances: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using different accounts makes it easier for lenders to verify income and expenses. It also shows you manage your business professionally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep consistent records and limit aggressive write-offs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writing off too many expenses lowers your taxable income, which can hurt your loan eligibility. Clean, accurate records give lenders confidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lower your debt before applying: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paying down credit cards, auto loans, or other<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-get-out-of-debt-to-buy-a-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">debts<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improves your debt-to-income ratio and makes your application more attractive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loan options for self-employed borrowers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-employed borrowers have access to many of the same<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-mortgage-loans\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loan types<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as W-2 employees, but some programs are more flexible than others. Here are the most common options:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Conventional loans: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most widely used mortgage type. Conventional loans typically require two years of tax returns and strong credit, but they can offer competitive rates if you meet the requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>FHA loans: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backed by the Federal Housing Administration,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/can-seller-refuse-fha-loan\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allow for lower credit scores and smaller down payments. They still require proof of steady income, but can be more accessible for first-time buyers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bank statement loans \/ non-QM loans: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These \u201cnon-qualified mortgage\u201d options let you qualify using 12\u201324 months of bank statements instead of tax returns. They\u2019re designed for self-employed borrowers with complex finances, but often come with higher interest rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Portfolio lenders and credit unions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller lenders and credit unions may keep loans in-house rather than selling them to investors. This gives them more flexibility to work with self-employed borrowers who don\u2019t fit standard guidelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Loan type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ideal for<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Key requirement<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Conventional loan<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-employed buyers with strong credit and income history<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 years of tax returns<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>FHA loan<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers with lower credit scores or small down payments<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of consistent income<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Bank statement loan (non-QM)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freelancers or contractors with complex finances<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12\u201324 months of bank statements<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Portfolio loan \/ credit union<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers who don\u2019t fit standard lending rules<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible, case-by-case\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common challenges for self-employed buyers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a home while self-employed is possible, but it often comes with extra hurdles. Some of the most common challenges include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Irregular income: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders prefer predictable paychecks. Fluctuating income can make it harder to prove that you can consistently cover a mortgage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Writing off too many business expenses: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While deductions lower your tax bill, they also reduce your reported income. A smaller taxable income may make it look like you earn less than you actually do.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Large down payment requirements: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To offset risk, some lenders may ask self-employed buyers to put more money down compared to W-2 borrowers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stricter underwriting: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The review process is often more detailed, with lenders double-checking documents and asking more questions than they would for traditional employees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line: Buying a house when you\u2019re self-employed<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a home while self-employed takes more preparation, but it\u2019s absolutely possible. Lenders just need extra proof that your income is steady and reliable. Keep your financial records organized, maintain strong credit, and work with a lender experienced in self-employed mortgages. With the right documentation and planning, being your own boss doesn\u2019t have to stand in the way of becoming a homeowner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a house self-employed FAQs\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Is it harder to buy a house if you\u2019re self-employed?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Lenders require stricter income verification, but with the right documentation, it\u2019s very possible to qualify.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. How many years of self-employment do you need to get a mortgage?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most lenders want at least two years of self-employment income history to show stability.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Do lenders use gross or net income for self-employed borrowers?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders typically use net income (after expenses) from your tax returns, not gross revenue.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Can you buy a house with one year of self-employment?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some lenders may allow it if you have strong credit, a large down payment, and prior work experience in the same field.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Are there special mortgage programs for self-employed people?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Bank statement loans and portfolio lenders may offer more flexible options compared to traditional loans.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yes, you can buy a house self-employed. Learn what lenders require, what documents to prepare, and how to qualify for a mortgage with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":585,"featured_media":107067,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[36548,34881],"coauthors":[34682],"class_list":["post-107066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-a-home-faq","tag-first-time-home-buyer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Buy a House When You\u2019re Self-Employed | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Yes, you can buy a house self-employed. 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