You run the business. Let me run the mortgage.
You're already the owner, the bookkeeper's first call, the sales team and the help desk. Your mortgage shouldn't be one more project to manage. I find the lenders whose policies fit how you're paid, prepare the file, and keep it moving.
Sole proprietors
Lenders usually start from line 15000 of your T1 General and your Notices of Assessment, and some add back certain expenses.
Incorporated owners
Salary and dividends you pay yourself are the starting point. Some lenders also review the corporation's financial statements.
Professionals
Doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants may have access to specific professional programs at some lenders.
Built for business owners
You keep the gears turning. I keep them running.
Self-employed people have it the hardest when it comes to mortgages. You already handle the sales, the books, the clients and whatever broke this morning. A mortgage shouldn't become one more project you have to manage.
Mortgage paperwork: finding lenders, answering document requests, chasing conditions and follow-ups.
Where your week goes
Part of every week goes to lenders, forms and follow-ups. (Illustration.)
Remember what the engine is for.
Excellence
Doing the work you're known for, at the standard you set for yourself.
Progress
The next client, the next hire, the next milestone.
Starting something new is where the stress lives: new lender relationships, new portals, new document requests, new rules to learn. I work with lenders every day, so you get the mortgage without having to set any of that up yourself.
Your documents
Sending everything isn't always in your favour.
Every lender has its own document list. Choosing the lender, and putting together the package it actually asks for, is my job, and I take pride in doing it well. The aim is the most suitable mortgage I can find for you across the lenders I work with.
Pick a situation
Tap a card to turn it over
Dividends, salary and money left in the company are read differently by every lender. Matching how you pay yourself to the right lender is where the work is.
Examples only. Every lender sets its own document requirements, and they change. Lenders can ask for more at any time, and when they do, we provide it. Nothing a lender requires is held back or altered.
How lenders may evaluate your income
There's no single rule. Each lender has its own policy on which income counts, how many years it averages and which documents it needs. Commonly reviewed items include:
- Personal income, as shown on your T1 Generals.
- Business income, and whether any expenses can be added back.
- Dividends paid from your corporation, and how consistent they have been.
- Corporate financial statements, usually for the last two years.
- Notices of Assessment, to confirm that income was declared and taxes are paid.
- Corporate ownership and other corporate financial information.
- Your existing personal and business debt obligations.
Retained earnings and lower declared income
Many business owners leave profit in the corporation or reduce taxable income through legitimate expenses. That can be sensible for tax purposes, but it can also lower the income a lender will use.
Some lenders consider part of a corporation's earnings in specific circumstances, and some don't consider it at all. Retained earnings do not automatically count as qualifying income. The way to know is to review your documents against several lenders' policies before applying.
Prime, alternative and insured options
Prime lenders generally look for about two years of self-employment history and fully documented income. Alternative lenders may be more flexible on documentation, usually with a larger down payment and a higher rate. Mortgage default insurers also offer programs for some self-employed borrowers.
The aim is the most suitable option you can qualify for today, and a plan to move to better terms later if an alternative lender is the right first step.
Qualification depends on lender underwriting. Rates, terms, fees and penalties vary by lender and are subject to change. Examples are illustrative only and are not a commitment to lend. Content reviewed October 20, 2026. Lending rules change; confirm current requirements before relying on them.
Common questions
How long do I need to be self-employed to get a mortgage?
Many prime lenders look for about two years of self-employment history. Some lenders will consider less, particularly if you stayed in the same line of work, though usually with other conditions.
Will my dividends count as income?
Dividends paid to you and shown on your tax returns are generally considered, often averaged over two years. Because dividends are taxed differently, some lenders gross them up. Policies vary by lender.
Should I send all my documents to every lender?
Usually not. Each lender has its own document list, and what matters depends on the lender and the program. I send each lender what its policy asks for, organised and explained. Nothing a lender requires is held back, and if a lender asks for more, we provide it.
Can I qualify if I owe taxes to CRA?
Often, yes. A CRA balance doesn't automatically stop a mortgage. Some lenders are comfortable with it and will pay it out from the mortgage at closing, while others want it cleared before they approve. Which lender fits depends on the amount owing and the rest of your file.
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Let's discuss your mortgage.
Whether you're purchasing, refinancing, or reviewing an existing mortgage, start with a conversation about your circumstances and available options.