If you’re self-employed and thinking about buying a home in Tampa, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not out of luck. Tampa is full of entrepreneurs, business owners, freelancers, and investors who don’t fit into a traditional W-2 box. The process can look a little different, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely doable.
We’re Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz, and with over 40 years of combined experience helping buyers navigate the Tampa real estate market, we’ve worked with countless self-employed clients. Here’s what the homebuying journey really looks like—and how to set yourself up for success.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (and Expect Extra Paperwork)
For self-employed buyers, the mortgage process is where things differ most. Lenders want to see consistency and stability in your income, which usually means:
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Two years of personal and business tax returns
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Profit & Loss statements
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Business bank statements
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CPA or accountant letters (sometimes required)
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Strong credit and cash reserves
This can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the biggest advantages of working with a local Tampa team like ours is that we connect you with lenders who specialize in self-employed borrowers—including bank statement loans and non-QM options when appropriate. Not all lenders are created equal, and choosing the right one can make or break the deal.
Our advice? Start the pre-approval process early. The clearer your financial picture is upfront, the smoother everything else becomes.
Step 2: Define the Right Buying Strategy
Once financing is lined up, we shift into strategy mode. Tampa’s market varies dramatically by neighborhood, price point, and buyer profile. Are you:
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A business owner buying a primary residence?
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A freelancer relocating to Tampa?
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An investor purchasing a short- or long-term rental?
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Looking for a home with a dedicated office or flexible layout?
We take the time to understand not just what you want to buy, but why. Self-employed buyers often value flexibility, tax efficiency, and long-term growth—and those factors matter when choosing a property.
With our local insight, we’ll guide you toward neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle and financial goals, whether that’s South Tampa, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Westchase, or emerging pockets investors are watching closely.
Step 3: Make a Strong, Clean Offer
In competitive Tampa markets, sellers want confidence. That means your offer needs to look solid on paper.
As your advocates, we:
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Present your financing clearly
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Structure competitive but smart offers
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Help you understand appraisal and inspection risks
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Communicate directly with listing agents to strengthen your position
Self-employed buyers sometimes worry sellers will see their financing as “riskier.” With the right presentation—and the right professionals involved—that concern usually disappears.
Step 4: Navigate Underwriting (This Is Where Experience Matters)
Underwriting is often the most detailed phase for self-employed buyers. Lenders may ask for updated bank statements, explanations for deductions, or clarification on income trends.
This is where having experienced agents truly pays off. We stay in constant communication with your lender, help anticipate requests, and keep the transaction moving forward. Over the years, we’ve seen just about every underwriting curveball—and we know how to handle them calmly and efficiently.
Step 5: Close with Confidence
Once you’re through underwriting, the finish line is in sight. From final walkthroughs to closing day, we make sure everything is aligned so you can focus on what matters—starting your next chapter in Tampa.
Final Thoughts from Emeri & Joe
Buying a home while self-employed isn’t harder—it’s just different. With the right preparation, the right lender, and the right real estate team, it can be a smooth and empowering experience.
Tampa continues to attract entrepreneurs and independent professionals for a reason: opportunity, lifestyle, and long-term growth. If you’re self-employed and thinking about buying here, we’d love to guide you through the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
When you’re ready, we’re ready.
