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Struggling to get a mortgage while self-employed? You're not alone. The traditional mortgage process often leaves freelancers, contractors, and business owners feeling like homeownership is out of reach. But there's good news – alternative documentation options exist specifically for you.

In this eye-opening episode, we break down how self-employed borrowers can qualify for mortgages using bank statements instead of tax returns. Forget about the frustration of having your income dismissed because you've maximized write-offs. Learn how lenders can analyze 12 or 24 months of deposits to calculate your true income potential, accommodating seasonal fluctuations and business expenses without penalizing your homebuying dreams.

We explain the powerful but little-known portfolio loan programs that look at what you actually make rather than what your tax returns show. For 1099 contractors, discover how your income can be calculated with just a 10% reduction for expenses rather than the substantial write-offs that might appear on your returns. The best part? Once approved and funded, these mortgages function exactly like conventional loans – the alternative documentation is simply a smarter path to approval.

Most borrowers don't realize these options exist because many traditional lenders don't offer them or lack the expertise to properly implement them. Working with the right mortgage professional who understands self-employment can make all the difference between rejection and approval. Whether you've been self-employed for decades or just a few years, don't let conventional wisdom stop you from exploring unconventional solutions to homeownership.

Ready to move forward with your homebuying journey? Share this episode with other self-employed friends who might benefit, and leave us a review to help more entrepreneurs discover these game-changing mortgage strategies.

0:00 Welcome to Keys and Credit

0:23 Self-Employed Lending Options Explained

1:46 Bank Statements vs. Tax Returns

3:21 1099 Income Documentation Alternatives

5:54 Portfolio Programs for Contractors

8:00 Episode Wrap-Up

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Ever wonder what separates elite real estate professionals from those who just collect commissions? The difference becomes crystal clear when deals hit turbulence—and in this revealing episode, Barb and Bill pull back the curtain on recent transactions that would have fallen apart without their expertise and determination.

We dive into "Barb for the win" moments, including a near-disaster closing saved with just 24 hours to spare when insurance needed last-minute adjustments. Most lenders would have delayed closing by a week or more, but not Barb. You'll hear how her experience and relationships made the impossible happen, keeping buyers in their dream home and sellers on schedule.

The manufactured home negotiation story will have you shaking your head—a listing agent who didn't understand the property type ended up costing his sellers nearly $30,000 in required improvements after contract acceptance. Without Bill's strategic negotiation skills and Barb's specialized lending knowledge, this transaction would have collapsed entirely.

Perhaps most eye-opening are the stories about agents and lenders who actively discourage qualified buyers. We share multiple examples of clients told they "weren't ready" by other professionals, only to successfully close on homes within weeks of working with us. Sometimes these discouraging voices even come from family members with hidden agendas!

Whether you're buying, selling, or just real estate curious, this episode provides invaluable guidance on selecting trustworthy professionals. Learn how to spot "hack agents," verify credentials, test responsiveness, and ultimately find representatives who'll fight for your interests rather than taking the path of least resistance.

Ready to stop getting standard real estate advice and start hearing the unfiltered truth? Listen now, and discover why our 100% close rate isn't just talk—it's the result of putting clients first, even when the path gets challenging.

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Ever walked into a freshly painted house with new carpet and granite countertops only to discover later that the foundation is crumbling and the plumbing dates back to the 1800s? That's what Barb and Bill call "lipstick on a dumpster fire" – a hastily flipped home where serious problems lurk beneath surface-level improvements.

This eye-opening episode dives deep into the world of home flips, equipping you with practical knowledge to distinguish quality renovations from polished turds. We share real stories of buyers who fell in love with doctored listing photos only to discover twisted foundations, sagging roofs, and outdated systems hidden behind fresh paint. You'll learn the critical importance of checking permits, spotting warning signs like painted-over water damage, and understanding what professionally flipped homes should include.

Beyond identifying problematic flips, we explore financing options for buyers who want to tackle renovations themselves. From FHA 203k loans to construction financing, we break down how these programs work, what requirements they involve, and how to navigate the process successfully. Whether you're considering buying a flipped property, renovating a fixer-upper, or building from scratch, this conversation provides essential insights that could save you from making a six-figure mistake.

The difference between a dream home and a money pit often comes down to knowing what's behind the walls. Share this episode with anyone house-hunting in today's market – their wallet (and sanity) will thank you.