There’s a quiet reason many self-employed buyers pause their home search before it even starts.

It’s not income.
It’s not credit.
It’s not cash flow.

It’s the assumption that owning a business automatically means writing a massive down payment check.

That belief has stopped more capable buyers than interest rates ever have. And most of the time, it’s simply not accurate.

The Question Rich Bonn Hears Constantly

“Do I need a huge down payment because I’m self-employed?”

It’s a fair question. Business owners are used to hearing “it depends”—often followed by complicated explanations that don’t actually clarify anything.

Here’s the clearer answer: most often, no.

Some loan programs do ask for a little more money down, but many options land surprisingly close to traditional loans. In certain cases, down payments can be as low as 10%, depending on how income is documented and which program fits best.

That’s not a loophole. That’s structure.

This Was Never About Self-Employment

The mortgage system doesn’t evaluate job titles.
It evaluates risk.

Risk isn’t emotional or personal—it’s mathematical. When income is easy to understand, risk decreases. When risk decreases, loan terms tend to improve, including down payment expectations.

For self-employed borrowers, income may be shown through:

• bank statements

• 1099 income

• profit and loss statements

When the right program is paired with the right income style, clarity increases. And clarity changes outcomes.

Why the Myth Refuses to Die

This misconception sticks around for a few reasons:

• Many people only hear about traditional, W-2-based loans

• Online advice rarely explains why requirements differ

• Business owners are often told what they “won’t qualify for” instead of what might fit

Over time, assumptions harden into “rules.” And those rules keep buyers sidelined longer than necessary.

You’re Not Being Penalized — You Just Need Alignment

Self-employed buyers aren’t being punished for entrepreneurship.

What actually matters is alignment:

• the right documentation

• the right loan program

• the right interpretation of income

When those pieces line up, the conversation shifts from “How much do I need?” to “What actually makes sense?”

That’s a much better place to plan from.

Why This Is Where Rich Bonn Makes the Difference

This is where experience with non-traditional income matters.

At Habayit Home Loans, the goal isn’t to force business owners into a system built for someone else. It’s to translate real-world income into a structure lenders understand—accurately and responsibly.

No scare tactics.
No rumor-based estimates.
Just a clear calculation built around how your finances actually work.

The Smarter Next Step

Before assuming a number that delays your plans, it’s worth knowing the real one.

When you replace guesswork with clarity, decisions get easier—and timelines often shorten naturally.

Contact Information

Rich Bonn
Habayit Home Loans
📞 281.841.1723
📍 4660 Beechnut St, Ste 225, Houston, TX 77096