What self-employed buyers need to understand about timing, equity, and smarter home entry strategies.
At Burson Home Advisors, we’ve helped dozens of self-employed buyers chart a path to homeownership—without waiting two or three years to qualify for a mortgage.
But sometimes, even the clearest strategy gets drowned out by well-meaning mentors who don’t fully understand today’s market. And unfortunately, that kind of advice can cost a buyer far more than they realize.
Meet Chris: A Self-Employed Buyer in Raleigh
Chris is a self-employed buyer in Raleigh.
He’s passionate, driven, and serious about proposing to his girlfriend and settling into their next chapter together. He wants to move into a new construction home, start building equity, and set himself up for a purchase down the line.
When Chris found us, we listened.
Because of his unseasoned tax returns, we recommended one of our partners’ lease to own Raleigh programs—designed specifically for self-employed buyers who are at least 18–24 months from qualifying for a mortgage, but don’t want to keep throwing away money on rent in the meantime.
Why Lease-to-Own Was the Perfect Fit
The program was everything Chris said he was looking for:
- Our partner buys the home for cash—often below market value
- Chris leases it with a fixed monthly payment lower than a mortgage
- His down payment is never lost—it applies toward his purchase, or he
can transfer or cash it out - The home is professionally managed, with taxes, insurance, and major
repairs covered - When he decides to buy, he pays no buyer’s closing costs
- And if the home appreciates while he leases it, Chris gets a fixed
percentage of that wealth
In short—he could start building wealth before he ever applied for a mortgage. He was approved within 24 hours. We were ready to begin our Red Carpet One & Done Tour™, where we sit down, listen deeply to lifestyle goals, and tour only the homes that meet both heart and numbers.
Then? Silence.
The Mentor Effect
Chris came back a few days later, but this time, his energy had shifted.
The excitement we’d seen in our first meeting was gone.
Instead, he looked hesitant—almost guarded.
He’d spoken to a few mentors. People he respected. People who’d guided him in other areas of his life. They told him they believed he could get a mortgage in six months. That he should wait. That he’d pay less buying outright.
And here’s the thing: they weren’t trying to steer him wrong. They wanted to help. They just didn’t understand how the self-employed lending world actually works—or what the cost of “waiting” really looks like.
We could feel the tug-of-war happening inside him.
Part of Chris wanted to believe what they said—because waiting sounded easier than stepping into something new. But another part of him knew the math we’d walked him through made sense.
We listened. We clarified. We reminded him:
- His self-employed tax returns hadn’t seasoned long enough to support traditional mortgage underwriting
- The partner down payment wasn’t “lost”—it was his money
- He would avoid 2–3% buyer’s closing costs if he purchased through our partner’s program
- He could gain equity during the lease period—something that would never happen while renting or waiting
Still, the mentors’ voices echoed louder than ours.
It happens more often than you’d think—buyers confuse charisma with competence. And because we’re not the loudest voice in the room or backed by a social media entourage, our deep expertise can be overlooked in the moment.
When Advice Costs More Than Action
We’re not here to talk anyone into a home.
We’re here to protect financial momentum and educate clients on timing, math, and real-world options that don’t fit the traditional mold.
For self-employed buyers in particular, the biggest cost isn’t just rent—it’s the opportunity cost of waiting while:
- Home prices continue to rise
- Rent payments build no equity
- Credit conditions shift
- Inventory for homes for sale in Raleigh becomes more competitive
Programs like the ones our partners offer exist because traditional systems don’t work for everyone. They’re not loopholes they’re lifelines. And when buyers understand how they work, the path becomes clear.
If You’re Self-Employed, Here’s What You Deserve to Know
- You don’t need a mortgage to start building equity
- You don’t need to wait years to live in the home you want
- Your down payment can be protected, transferable, and wealth-building
- You deserve housing flexibility that supports your long-term goals
We work with buyers just like you—people running businesses, building families, navigating uncertainty, and refusing to wait for perfect conditions.
If you’re self-employed and tired of outdated advice that doesn’t reflect your reality, let’s talk.
Learn more about our lease to own Raleigh program and how it can help you start building wealth today— without waiting for a mortgage: https://www.bursonhomeadvisors.com/low-down-payment-homeownership/