Think You Can’t Get a Mortgage? Here’s Why You Might Be Wrong

Maria Tornga
Mar 23
4 min read

Self-employed borrower securing a mortgage

If you’ve ruled yourself out of homeownership because you’re not a salaried employee, here’s some good news: most people applying for a mortgage aren’t salaried employees either. Whether you’re self-employed, a gig worker, or have an unconventional income, credit history, or residency status, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. At Mortgage Up, we specialize in helping Michigan residents like you overcome obstacles and find mortgage solutions tailored to your unique situation.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all borrower. Maybe you’re worried your income isn’t “traditional” enough, your assets are tied up in unconventional ways, your credit isn’t perfect, or your residency status feels like a barrier. Whatever’s holding you back, solutions exist—but the first step is talking to one of our loan originators at Mortgage Up to explore the whole picture. Visit our about page to choose an originator and get started. In this post, we’ll break down why your situation isn’t as limiting as you think and how getting pre-approved can open doors to homeownership. Ready to rethink what’s possible? Let’s dive in.

You’re Not Alone: Most Borrowers Are “Outside the Box”

The traditional image of a mortgage borrower—a salaried employee with a W-2 and a spotless credit score—doesn’t reflect reality. Today, self-employed individuals, freelancers, contractors, and others with non-standard financial profiles make up a huge portion of mortgage applicants. At Mortgage Up, we see it every day: people just like you who assume they don’t qualify, only to discover there’s a mortgage solution designed for their needs.

Self-employed? Your income might not fit neatly into a tax return, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prove your financial stability.
Gig worker? Inconsistent paychecks don’t disqualify you—consistency in your overall earnings does the trick.
No credit history? You can still demonstrate reliability without a traditional score.
Non-citizen? Residency status isn’t a dealbreaker with the right documentation.

The key? Lenders like Mortgage Up look at your full financial story—not just the pieces that fit the “traditional” mold. Don’t assume you’re out of the running—talk to one of our loan originators at Mortgage Up to see what’s possible.

How We Find Solutions for Your Unique Situation

Every borrower’s journey is different, and that’s why a one-on-one conversation with a loan originator is so powerful. Here’s how we address the common concerns that might be holding you back:

Income That Doesn’t Fit the Mold

If you don’t have pay stubs or W-2s, don’t worry. Alternative documentation—like 12–24 months of bank statements or proof of regular payments—can showcase your income. Our bank statement loans are a game-changer for self-employed borrowers, letting your deposits tell your story instead of traditional forms.

Assets in Unexpected Places

Maybe your wealth isn’t in a standard savings account, or you’re relying on investments or family support. We’ll work with you to understand your assets and how they can strengthen your application. A loan originator can help you present your financial picture in the best light.

Credit Challenges

A less-than-perfect credit score—or no score at all—doesn’t have to stop you. For those with credit hiccups, we consider your broader financial habits. For those without credit, no-credit loans use payment histories (like rent or utilities) to prove your reliability. It’s about the whole picture, not just one number.

Residency Questions

Not a U.S. citizen? That’s okay. With a green card, work visa, or other valid documentation, you can still qualify. Our financing options for non-citizens ensure residency status doesn’t stand in your way.

These are just starting points. The real magic happens when you sit down with one of our loan originators at Mortgage Up to dig into your specific circumstances. Visit our about page to select an originator and start that conversation today.

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Next Move

Think of pre-approval as your risk-free way to test the waters. It’s not a commitment—it’s a chance to see what you qualify for, address any hurdles, and get a clear picture of your budget. Here’s how it works:

Apply: Kick things off with our straightforward application process.
Explore: A loan originator reviews your income, assets, credit, and residency, identifying the best options for you.
Get Pre-Approved: Walk away with a pre-approval letter that proves you’re a serious buyer—especially important in Michigan’s competitive market.

For non-traditional borrowers, pre-approval is a game-changer. It shows sellers you mean business and gives you confidence to move forward. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—apply now to discover your possibilities.

Solutions Exist, But We Need to Talk

Here’s the bottom line: no matter what’s making you hesitate—your income, assets, credit, or residency—there’s likely a mortgage solution waiting for you. But we can’t find it without looking at your whole picture. That’s why talking to one of our loan originators at Mortgage Up is so critical. We’ve helped countless Michigan residents turn “I can’t” into “I did” by exploring options like:

Bank Statement Loans: For self-employed buyers with strong cash flow.
No-Credit Loans: For those without traditional credit histories.
Non-Citizen Financing: For residents with valid documentation.

These are just a few examples. Your situation is unique, and our job is to match you with the right program. Reach out to one of our loan originators at Mortgage Up to start exploring.

Take the First Step Toward Your Michigan Home

You don’t have to fit a cookie-cutter mold to own a home. Most mortgage borrowers don’t—and neither should you. At Mortgage Up, we’re here to help you navigate the process and find solutions, no matter how unconventional your finances might seem. Don’t let doubt stop you from applying—talking to one of our loan originators at Mortgage Up could be the key to unlocking your homeownership dreams.

Visit www.mortgageuploans.com to learn more about our services or begin the pre-approval process. Have questions? Select an originator to speak with on our about page or call us at 616-259-4815. Your Michigan home is closer than you think—let’s make it happen together.