How to Buy a Home When You’re Self-Employed Professional in Raleigh — Your Lease-to-Own Raleigh Solution

Being one of the self-employed professionals in Raleigh is a journey filled with freedom, independence, and the satisfaction of being your own boss. But when it comes to buying a home, that same independence can create roadblocks.

Self-employed professional in Raleigh working from a home office, building equity through a lease-to-own program.

Mortgage lenders often view entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners as risky borrowers. Verifying fluctuating income, documenting complex tax returns, and meeting rigid underwriting guidelines makes getting approved for a traditional mortgage extremely difficult.

So, what’s the solution? At Burson Home Advisors, we’ve lived this challenge ourselves. We purchased our own home through a lease-to-own program — and it completely changed how we think about homeownership for self-employed professionals in Raleigh.

Why Getting a Mortgage When You’re a Self-Employed Professional in Raleigh is so Difficult


Traditional lenders require proof of steady, predictable income, usually two years of tax returns showing consistency. For entrepreneurs and contractors, that’s often impossible:

  • Fluctuating Income: Business owners may have strong annual earnings but irregular month-to-month cash flow.
  • Tax Return Hurdles: Self-employed professionals often write off business expenses — which lowers taxable income and makes qualifying harder.
  • Rigid Guidelines: Even profitable entrepreneurs can be denied because they don’t fit the conventional W-2 mold.

That’s why many self-employed Raleigh professionals search for terms like “mortgage for self-employed” or “how to buy a home when self-employed” — and end up feeling shut out.

How Lease-to-Own Programs Solve the Self-Employed Buyer’s Dilemma

Our lease-to-own homes in Raleigh NC create a bridge between renting and owning — and they’re a lifeline for self-employed professionals who are tired of being penalized by traditional banks.

Here’s how our program offered through our partner works for you:

  • Common-Sense Underwriting: Approval looks at your whole financial picture, not just your tax returns.
  • Lower Upfront Costs: Move in with less cash than a traditional mortgage down payment.
  • Flexibility to Adapt: Buy when you’re ready — or cash out your wealth if life or business changes.
  • No Major Maintenance Costs: During your lease period, all major health and safety repairs are covered, so you can focus on your business, not unexpected expenses.

Lease-to-Own vs. Self-Employed Mortgage Alternatives

Many entrepreneurs are told to look into bank statement loans or stated-income loans. While these options exist, they come with higher interest rates, stricter terms, and significant risk.

By contrast, lease-to-own offers:

  • Lower Monthly Payments than a Mortgage 
  • No Closing Costs as a Buyer if/when you purchase after leasing; you only pay mortgage lending fees
  • Risk-Free Down Payment: Your initial payment is never lost — you can cash out or transfer if needed
Couple in Raleigh celebrating lease-to-own homeownership, a path designed for self-employed professionals.

For self-employed Raleigh buyers, that’s not just an alternative — it’s a smarter strategy.

Real Support from Self-Employed Professionals Like You

At Burson Home Advisors, we know your challenges because we’ve faced them. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we built our business around making sure other self-employed professionals never have to feel excluded from homeownership.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  1. We Understand Entrepreneurship: We’ve been where you are. Our guidance is grounded in experience, not guesswork.
  2. Tailored Solutions: Every buyer’s journey is unique. We match you with the lease-to-own model that fits your goals.
  3. Red Carpet One & Done Home Tour™: Nearly all our clients find their home on the first tour. We save you time and stress by doing the heavy lifting in advance.

The Path to Homeownership for Self-Employed Professionals in Raleigh

Modern Raleigh living room interior representing the lease-to-own path to homeownership for self-employed professionals.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Start the Conversation: Tell us your goals, lifestyle, and business situation.
  2. Get Approved Quickly: Our common-sense underwriting is fast, easy, and has no impact on your credit score.
  3. Tour Your Options: We’ll show you homes that fit your life and your finances — and most clients choose their favorite on the first outing.
  4. Move In & Build Wealth: From day one, you’ll live in your home while building wealth and enjoying fixed payments that are lower than a mortgage.

Ready to Stop Renting and Start Owning?

If you’re a self-employed professional in Raleigh, NC, don’t let traditional mortgage barriers hold you back. Our partners’ lease-to-own programs were built for people like you — flexible, innovative, and financially sound.

Are you ready to stop asking “how do I buy a home when I’m self-employed?” and start building wealth in your own home?

Learn more about our Low Down Payment Homeownership Program

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