Qualified – as little as 15% gross up to income (2-year filed taxes net average)
Stated income or Net Income After Tax (NIAT) – programs that add corporate income back to income to assist in qualifying (need 10% down or more- ideally 20%) Most of these lenders allow higher rental qualification offsets, which means they can use more rental income to offset the expenses to essentially qualify for more. The cost for this type of program is typically within 0.5-1%. And you're only typically with these types of lenders for 1-3 years.
Fully stated revenue-based – as little as 6 months in business, use revenue, track invoices can use 2-5x as much when compared to traditional lending.
How much money do I claim as income? Is it via dividends or T4’s
Should I be incorporated? And if I am then how much should stay in the company and how much should come out? Should I pay myself more personal income or should I reduce that amount and pay myself less tax?
Considerations Before Jumping In
Down Payment
If you have less than 20% there will be fewer options available. Typically, you will need 24 months of business under your belt and 2 years of taxes filed.
20 to 35% % Down Payment – You can explore more lending options and flexible terms.
Should You Wait? - Cost vs Perceived Cost.
1-2% lending fee vs taxes
What is the cost of waiting? Appreciation / Rent = 100% interest/principal paydown
Use equity for investments – opportunity cost.
Can reduce monthly payments- paying out other high % debt.
2nd homes and vacation properties
Pay less tax
Tips for the Self-Employed
Use money from your company for a down payment on a property if needed.
Utilize the equity in your existing property to pay off taxes and other expenses that could be related to your business and invest in other types of programs.
Work with someone who understands self-employed lending