I’m self-employed. Don’t I have to stay with my current lender to renew my mortgage?

Marci • March 12, 2012

Being self-employed doesn’t mean you’re shackled to your current lender. There are options to explore and ways to expand those options if you know how to approach your renewal.

 

Long before your mortgage comes up, you need a plan. The process for self-employed individuals takes longer and is more extensive than it is for salaried employees so the more time we have to get things in order, the better.

 

The main thing is to keep good records. You should be doing this for your business anyway, but it becomes essential when you are looking at your mortgage. Within the first few years of business, we can sometimes do a “stated-income” deal, where we state, rather than prove, your income. This is effective providing we are not excessively over-stating your income based on the earning potential in your industry. There is less reliance on your records in this phase of business.

 

After three years of business, having a good accountant helps the process along with the good record keeping. Lenders will require financial statements and copies of tax returns to prove your income. If your income fluctuates from year to year we can do a two-year average.

 

If income is still a challenge, we can look for a lender who will provide a non-income qualifying (NIQ) deal. While this might sound like an easy way out, NIQ deals often have a higher rate and still require access to your full tax return. We can do “add-backs” to your income for certain expenses to bolster the amount and in this case, that good record keeping is even more important.

 

Self-employed options are changing all the time. I stay on top of developments with both traditional and non-traditional lenders so that you have access to all the product options possible to find the right fit.

 

Whether you are renewing, or getting a new mortgage, being self-employed isn’t a sentence that ties you to your financial institution. Give yourself the most flexibility possible. Be prepared: know when you started your business, keep good records including your stated income, show an increase in what you pay yourself each year, make consistent payments to creditors to ensure an attractive credit score and if you’re looking at a new mortgage save for a larger down payment.

 

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Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — March 18, 2026

By Marci Deane • March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For anyone watching the mortgage market — whether you're renewing, purchasing, or simply keeping an eye on borrowing costs — here's a breakdown of what was announced and what it may mean for you.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy? A Look at Canada's 2026 Housing Market

By Marci Deane • March 17, 2026
For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership has felt like a moving target. After years of market volatility, shifting interest rates, and economic uncertainty, you might be wondering: is 2026 finally the year to make a move?

Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Home

By Marci Deane • March 11, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Home? Here’s What to Know Before You Start Whether you're buying your very first home or preparing for your next move, the process can feel overwhelming—especially with so many unknowns. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and preparation, you can approach your home purchase with clarity and confidence. This article will walk you through a high-level overview of what lenders look for and what you’ll need to consider in the early stages of buying a home. Once you’re ready to move forward with a pre-approval, we’ll dive into the details together. 1. Are You Credit-Ready? One of the first things a lender will evaluate is your credit history. Your credit profile helps determine your risk level—and whether you're likely to repay your mortgage as agreed. To be considered “established,” you’ll need: At least two active credit accounts (like credit cards, loans, or lines of credit) Each with a minimum limit of $2,500 Reporting for at least two years Just as important: your repayment history. Make all your payments on time, every time. A missed payment won’t usually impact your credit unless you’re 30 days or more past due—but even one slip can lower your score. 2. Is Your Income Reliable? Lenders are trusting you with hundreds of thousands of dollars, so they want to be confident that your income is stable enough to support regular mortgage payments. Salaried employees in permanent positions generally have the easiest time qualifying. If you’re self-employed, or your income includes commission, overtime, or bonuses, expect to provide at least two years’ worth of income documentation. The more predictable your income, the easier it is to qualify. 3. What’s Your Down Payment Plan? Every mortgage requires some amount of money upfront. In Canada, the minimum down payment is: 5% on the first $500,000 of the purchase price 10% on the portion above $500,000 20% for homes over $1 million You’ll also need to show proof of at least 1.5% of the purchase price for closing costs (think legal fees, appraisals, and taxes). The best source of a down payment is your own savings, supported by a 90-day history in your bank account. But gifted funds from immediate family and proceeds from a property sale are also acceptable. 4. How Much Can You Actually Afford? There’s a big difference between what you feel you can afford and what you can prove you can afford. Lenders base your approval on verifiable documentation—not assumptions. Your approval amount depends on a variety of factors, including: Income and employment history Existing debts Credit score Down payment amount Property taxes and heating costs for the home All of these factors are used to calculate your debt service ratios—a key indicator of whether your mortgage is affordable. Start Early, Plan Smart Even if you’re months (or more) away from buying, the best time to start planning is now. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, you get access to expert advice at no cost to you. We can: Review your credit profile Help you understand how lenders view your income Guide your down payment planning Determine how much you can qualify to borrow Build a roadmap if your finances need some fine-tuning If you're ready to start mapping out your home buying plan or want to know where you stand today, let’s talk. It would be a pleasure to help you get mortgage-ready.