Yes, Your Side Hustle Counts — Here’s How to Use It to Buy a Home

Edith Parinas
Sep 3
2 min read

That Etsy shop, coaching biz, photography gig or online service? It’s more than a passion project — it might just be your key to homeownership.

👋 Hey, Self-Made Woman — This One’s for You

If you're juggling a 9-to-5 and running a side hustle (or even hustling full-time), you're part of a powerful movement: women creating financial freedom on their own terms.

But when it comes to mortgages? Lenders haven’t always caught up.

Good news: things are changing, and there are real ways to use your non-traditional income to qualify for the home you’ve been dreaming of.

🧾 What Lenders Actually Want to See

When you're self-employed or bringing in income from your side gig, lenders want to know two things:

Consistency: Is your income reliable? Can we see proof over time?
Sustainability: Can you afford a mortgage based on that income going forward?

Here’s how to give them what they’re looking for:

✔️ 1. Keep clean financial records

Separate your personal and business expenses. Use bookkeeping software or a spreadsheet that tracks what’s coming in and out — this makes it easier to prove income.

✔️ 2. File taxes (and keep your NOAs!)

Lenders love your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA — it shows exactly what you earned and what taxes you’ve paid.

Pro tip: Avoid writing off too much. It might help at tax time, but it lowers your reported income for mortgage approval.

✔️ 3. Show two years of income

Most lenders want to see at least two years of steady income from your business or side hustle. This helps them calculate an average to base your mortgage on.

🧩 Don’t Fit the Mold? Alternative Lenders Might Be Your Best Friend

If traditional banks say “not yet,” that doesn’t mean you’re stuck renting. There are B-lenders and non-traditional mortgage options designed to support entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creators.

These lenders can be more flexible when it comes to:

Credit score
Income documentation
Debt ratios
Type of income (seasonal, gig-based, etc.)

You may need a slightly higher down payment or interest rate — but for many, it’s the stepping stone that gets you in the market now.

🧠 Strategy Beats Perfection

As a mortgage broker, my job is to advocate for you — the woman building something incredible, even if it doesn’t come with a corporate T4.

I’ll work with you to:

Review your income sources (side hustle + employment, if applicable)
Build a mortgage plan that fits your reality
Connect you with lenders who value what you're building
Keep you ready for rate changes and upcoming opportunities

🎯 Ready to Turn Your Hustle into a Home?

Your entrepreneurial journey deserves to be celebrated — and leveraged. You’ve built something powerful. Now let’s use it to build something you can live in.

📞 Book a free consultation

📥 Or email me directly at hello@edithparinas.com