10/11/2024
Entrepreneurs are constantly faced with this “easy” solution as a means to qualify for a mortgage with a bank or a prime lender. These lenders have stricter guidelines and policies that don’t always align with a self-employed borrower’s finances. They need to make “more on paper” to qualify for the mortgage that they need at the best interest rates on the market.
But does the cost to claim more income on your taxes outweigh the interest rate savings you get with the bank vs an alternative or B lender?
Flexibility and control of your tax exposure are some of the biggest perks of being your own boss. You can decide how much to pay yourself and, therefore, how much you’re going to pay in income taxes. And, of course, the more you make (according to what you file on your annual taxes aka “on paper”), the more income taxes you’ll owe.
So, while having more documented income gives you more borrowing power, it does cost you more in taxes. If you don’t qualify at a prime lender, there are always alternative or B lenders that have more flexible guidelines and love to work with entrepreneurs to get them approved!
The interest rates are higher at B lenders, no question. Maybe 0.5%-2% higher than the bank, depending on the specifics of your mortgage need and credit profile.
So ask yourself this question: “Does paying X% more on my mortgage interest rate cost me less than paying myself $X more in taxes?” If the answer is yes, then maybe simply “paying yourself more” isn’t the best solution for you.
Need help running the numbers for your specific situation? Reach out!
Lorrinda Mabee
Mortgage Broker
📞 519-694-6863