Solutions · Alternative Lending
Your income is real, even if it doesn't fit a bank form.
Self-employment income is often harder to document than it is to earn. We work with lenders who understand business income — some look at bank statements, others accept stated income with business documentation — and we build the path back to conventional rates.
- Bank statement & stated income
- Business-for-self programs
- Exit strategy included
Your income is real — even if your Notice of Assessment understates it.
Self-employment income is often harder to document than it is to earn. That should not keep you from homeownership.
If you run your own business, freelance, or earn income through contracts, you know the challenge: your actual earnings and what shows on your tax return can be very different numbers. Tax strategies that make sense for your business can make qualifying for a mortgage harder than it should be.
We work with lenders who understand self-employed income. Some look at bank statements instead of tax returns. Others accept stated income declarations backed by business documentation. The key is matching your situation to the right program — and that is where having a broker with deep alternative lending experience makes the biggest difference.
How it works
How we approach a self-employed file.
Assess your income documentation
We review what income documentation you have available and identify which lending programs best fit your situation — full documentation, alternative documentation, or stated income.
Match you to the right program
Using our network of lenders who specialize in self-employed borrowers, we find the program that offers the best rate and terms for your specific income profile.
Build your documentation path
We create a plan to strengthen your documentation over time so your next renewal or refinance qualifies for conventional rates with the most competitive terms available.
What you get
What we bring to a self-employed file.
Business-for-self expertise
We understand the nuances of self-employed income — from sole proprietors to incorporated professionals — and know which lenders serve each best.
Flexible documentation
Not every lender requires two years of Notices of Assessment (NOAs). We know which programs accept bank statements, contracts, or business financials as income proof.
Income calculation that works for you
Some lenders gross up income, others add back certain write-offs. We find the calculation method that reflects your true earning capacity.
Path to conventional rates
If you start with an alternative program, we map out clear milestones to transition you to conventional lending as your documentation strengthens.
Transparent fee structure
We explain every cost upfront, including any lender or broker fees that may apply with alternative programs. No surprises at closing.
Efficient approvals
Our established relationships with self-employed lending specialists mean faster underwriting and fewer back-and-forth requests for documentation.
Programs for self-employed borrowers.
Multiple pathways to qualification, each designed for a different income situation.
Stated income programs
Declare your income with supporting business documentation. Ideal for borrowers whose tax returns understate their actual earnings due to legitimate business write-offs.
Bank statement programs
Some lenders review 12 to 24 months of bank deposits to verify income, bypassing the need for traditional tax documentation. A strong option for borrowers with consistent cash flow.
Business-for-self (BFS) programs
Designed specifically for incorporated professionals, sole proprietors, and partnership income. These programs understand that business structure affects how income appears on paper.
CRA documentation alternatives
When NOAs or T1 General forms do not tell the full story, some lenders accept T2 corporate returns, financial statements, or accountant-prepared schedules.
Building toward conventional rates.
Alternative is a step, not a destination.
If you qualify for an alternative self-employed program today, that does not mean you will need one forever. As your business matures and your documentation improves, you may qualify for conventional lending with significantly better rates.
We help you identify what lenders will want to see at your next renewal — whether that means adjusting your tax strategy slightly, keeping cleaner business records, or simply having another year of NOAs on file. We map out the specific steps to get you there.
Most self-employed borrowers who start with an alternative program transition to conventional lending within one to two renewals.
Common questions
Frequently asked.
Alternative lenders use more flexible qualification criteria than traditional banks. They may place greater weight on property equity and overall financial picture rather than relying solely on credit scores and standard income verification. Rates are typically slightly higher, but these solutions can bridge the gap while you work toward conventional financing.
Yes. While traditional banks have strict credit score requirements, alternative and private lenders take a broader view of your financial situation. We work with lenders who specialize in helping borrowers rebuild their credit profile while securing the financing they need.
An exit strategy is a documented plan to transition you from alternative financing to conventional lending, typically within 12 to 24 months. It includes specific milestones like credit rebuilding targets, income documentation requirements, and timelines. We review your progress at each renewal to ensure you are on track.
Other ways we help.
Alternative Lending
Alternative Lending Overview
See the full picture of how we approach non-traditional lending — when it makes sense and how we map the exit.
Learn moreAlternative Lending
Equity-Rich Homeowners
If your equity is strong but your documented income is light, equity-based programs may fit you better.
Learn moreEquity & Retirement
Investment Property
Self-employed borrowers building rental portfolios face their own qualification quirks — we map those too.
Learn moreReady to explore your options?
Let us find the right program for your business income.
No obligation, no judgment. We review your situation and show you which self-employed mortgage programs fit best.