06/01/2026
If you're self-employed in Canada, your own bank is often the worst place to apply for a mortgage.
Not because you don't make the money. Because the bank isn't built to see it.
3 things most self-employed Canadians don't know:
Stated income mortgages still exist. Through Sagen, Canada Guaranty, and CMHC insured programs, with real rules: two years in business, clean credit, and income that's reasonable for your industry.
Your retained earnings can count. The money sitting in your corporation can be added as qualifying income if the right lender reviews it. Most ignore it. A handful don't.
Commission-only income is a landmine. Realtors, financial advisers, mortgage agents. Some lenders exclude it outright from insured programs. You need a different structure.
The income isn't the problem. The lender is.
If you're self-employed and planning to apply in the next 12 to 24 months, comment "SELF-EMPLOYED" or send me a message and I'll show you the lenders that actually count your income.