Getting creative with financing can help them reach homeownership goals for self-employed buyers. One trending strategy is pairing a HELOC with a self-employed mortgage. But is this a smart move or a risky gamble? Hence, let’s break it down.
Use a HELOC to Fund Your Down Payment
You can use a HELOC to cover part of your down payment. This means you don’t have to touch your savings. Besides, many self-employed people prefer to keep their money invested in their businesses. In addition, they open a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead of using cash reserves. This line of credit helps increase their down payment. Therefore, pairing a HELOC with a self-employed mortgage helps meet loan requirements without losing liquidity. (Learn more about “Creative Ways to Fund Your Down Payment – You May Need Less Than You Think!”.)
Preserve Cash Flow
Self-employed borrowers often face cash flow ups and downs. Keeping extra cash is key to staying financially stable. Definitely, buyers keep more money on hand by using a HELOC for a portion of the down payment or closing costs. This is especially helpful when business expenses pop up. Moreover, it reduces the need to dip into emergency funds. So, pairing a HELOC with a self-employed mortgage allows business owners to stay nimble while buying a home. (Read about “1099-Only Loan Solutions for Self-Employed Borrowers”.)
Flexible Access to Funds
A HELOC works like a credit card—borrow what you need, and pay interest only on what you use. This flexibility makes it ideal for self-employed borrowers with unpredictable income. Importantly, you can hold off on drawing funds if a slow season hits. You can pay it down faster if income spikes. Additionally, HELOCs let you reuse the credit as needed, unlike personal loans. That’s why using a HELOC can provide strong financial support when paired with a mortgage.
Combine with Non-QM Loans
Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are built for borrowers with unique financial profiles—like self-employed buyers. These loans accept alternative documents like bank statements or 1099s. Indeed, you increase your flexibility when you pair a HELOC with a self-employed mortgage using a non-QM loan. Furthermore, you may qualify for more borrowing power or get better terms. Together, they offer a creative solution for buyers with non-traditional income. (Discover more about “Non-QM Loans: A Flexible Solution for Self-Employed Borrowers and Unique Situations”.)
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Takeaways
This approach isn’t for everyone. But if used wisely, it can be a smart financial move. Thus, you should talk to a trusted mortgage advisor before moving forward. Make sure your repayment plan is solid. Moreover, a HELOC is still debt—and combining it with a mortgage means more responsibility. Still, with the right planning, pairing a HELOC with a self-employed mortgage could be a strategic way to get into your dream home while keeping your finances strong. (Find out more about “Consolidate Debt Using a HELOC or Cash-Out Refinance to Simplify Your Finances”.)