Side Hustles That Can Help You Buy a Home in Michigan

What to Expect in This Blog Post

How side hustle money can help you buy a home
30+ side hustle ideas for Michigan homebuyers
Seasonal side hustles unique to Michigan
How lenders look at side hustle income
How to keep records that help your mortgage application
How to get started with a Michigan mortgage professional

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Can a Side Hustle Help You Buy a Home?
Two Ways Side Hustle Income Can Help
30+ Side Hustles That Can Help You Buy a Home
How Lenders Look at Side Hustle Income
Tips for Making Your Side Hustle Work for Your Mortgage
Why You Can Trust the Treadstone Division of Neighborhood Loans
FAQs

Can a Side Hustle Help You Buy a Home?

If saving for a home feels like it’s taking forever, you’re not alone. Between rent, groceries, gas prices, and everything else, it can be hard to set money aside on a single paycheck.

Enter: the side hustle. A few extra hours a week driving, pet sitting, or selling on Marketplace can add up faster than you might think.

The good news for Michigan buyers is that homes here are still more affordable than in much of the country. That means your side hustle money can go further toward getting you into a home of your own.

CONNECT WITH A MICHIGAN MORTGAGE EXPERT

Two Ways Side Hustle Income Can Help

Side hustle money can help you buy a home in two different ways, and lenders treat them differently.

1. Saving for your down payment and closing costs

This is the most common way buyers use a side hustle. You earn extra money, put it in savings, and use it for your down payment, closing costs, or a cushion for repairs after you move in.

You don’t need a long history of side hustle income to use it this way. You will, however, want to keep good records. Lenders review your bank statements and may ask you to explain large or unusual deposits.

2. Counting it as income to qualify for a mortgage

Side hustle income can also count toward the income you use to qualify, which may help you afford a larger loan. This usually takes more time and documentation, because lenders want to see that the income is steady and likely to continue.

We’ll cover what lenders look for later in this post.

30+ Side Hustles That Can Help You Buy a Home

The best side hustle is one that fits your schedule, your skills, and what people near you actually need. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Driving and Delivery

These are some of the easiest side hustles to start, especially in and around Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Metro Detroit.

Rideshare driving: Drive for apps like Uber or Lyft on your own schedule.
Food delivery: Deliver meals through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Grocery delivery and shopping: Shop and deliver groceries through apps like Instacart.
Package delivery: Pick up delivery blocks through services like Amazon Flex.
Courier and moving help: Help neighbors move furniture or haul items with a truck or trailer.

Seasonal Michigan Side Hustles

Michigan’s four seasons create plenty of opportunities for extra income throughout the year.

Snow removal: Shovel driveways or plow for neighbors and small businesses in the winter.
Lawn care and landscaping: Mow, rake leaves, and clean up yards in the spring, summer, and fall.
Holiday light installation: Hang and take down holiday lights for busy homeowners.
Festival and event work: Pick up shifts at events like ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Tulip Time in Holland, or the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.
Orchard and farm market help: Work weekends at local orchards, cider mills, and farmers markets during the fall rush.
Lake season work: Help with dock installation and removal, boat cleaning, or cottage turnovers along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Seasonal retail: Pick up holiday hours at local stores or shipping centers.

Services for Your Neighbors

Pet sitting and dog walking: Care for pets while owners work or travel.
Babysitting and nannying: Offer date-night or after-school childcare.
House cleaning: Clean homes, short-term rentals, or move-out properties.
Handyman work: Take on small repairs, painting, or furniture assembly.
Car detailing: Clean and detail cars from your own driveway.
House sitting: Watch homes, water plants, and collect mail for neighbors.

Skills-Based and Remote Side Hustles

Tutoring: Help students with school subjects or test prep, in person or online.
Freelance writing and editing: Write for blogs, businesses, or local publications.
Graphic design: Design logos, flyers, and social media posts for small businesses.
Bookkeeping: Help small businesses keep their books organized.
Social media management: Manage posts and accounts for local businesses.
Virtual assistant work: Handle email, scheduling, and admin tasks remotely.
Photography: Shoot family photos, events, senior pictures, or real estate listings.
Sports officiating: Referee or umpire games for youth sports leagues.

Selling and Creative Side Hustles

Reselling: Flip thrift store, garage sale, or estate sale finds on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
Handmade goods: Sell crafts, candles, or art online or at local craft fairs.
Baking: Sell baked goods (check Michigan’s cottage food rules first).
Selling unused items: Declutter and sell items you no longer need before you move.

Weekend and Evening Work

Bartending and serving: Pick up weekend shifts at restaurants, weddings, and events.
Event setup and catering: Help with weddings, graduation parties, and corporate events.
Part-time retail or warehouse shifts: Add steady part-time hours on nights or weekends.

How Lenders Look at Side Hustle Income

If you want your side hustle income to count toward qualifying for a mortgage, lenders will want to see that it’s stable and likely to continue.

In general, lenders look at:

How long you’ve earned it: A two-year history is typical. In some cases, at least 12 months may be accepted when other strengths in your application support it.
Whether it’s steady: Income that holds steady or grows is viewed more favorably than income that drops year to year.
Your net income, not gross: If you’re self-employed or paid as an independent contractor, lenders typically use the income on your tax returns after business expenses. Big write-offs can lower the income that counts.
Your documentation: Expect to provide tax returns, 1099s, and bank statements.

If you don’t yet have the history for a traditional loan, a non-QM loan may be an option. Some of these programs use bank statements or 1099s instead of tax returns, though they may come with different rates and down payment requirements.

What to Know	Saving for Your Down Payment and Closing Costs	Counting It as Income to Qualify
History Needed	You don’t need a long history of side hustle income	A two-year history is typical; at least 12 months may be accepted in some cases
What Lenders Review	Bank statements; you may be asked to explain large or unusual deposits	Tax returns, 1099s, and bank statements
What Counts	The money you’ve saved	Typically your net income after business expenses, if you’re self-employed or an independent contractor

Requirements and Guidelines can change at any time. Income and documentation requirements vary by loan program. Contact a licensed Loan Officer for current details. Not a commitment to lend.

TALK TO A LOAN OFFICER

Tips for Making Your Side Hustle Work for Your Mortgage

Open a separate savings account. Keep side hustle money separate so it’s easy to track how much you’ve saved.
Deposit money regularly. Steady deposits are easier to document than large, irregular cash deposits.
Keep your records. Save invoices, app earnings statements, and payment receipts.
File your taxes. Income that isn’t reported on your tax returns generally can’t be used to qualify.
Think twice about write-offs. Business deductions lower your taxes, but they also lower the income a lender can count. A tax professional can help you weigh the trade-off.
Talk to a Loan Officer early. They can tell you how your side hustle income will be viewed before you apply.

Why You Can Trust the Treadstone Division of Neighborhood Loans

Whether your side hustle is helping you save for a down payment or adding to your income, the details matter when it’s time to apply.

The Treadstone Division of Neighborhood Loans has helped Michigan homebuyers navigate mortgage and home financing decisions for more than 20 years.

Our Loan Officers can look at your full financial picture, including side hustle income, savings, and credit, and help you understand which loan options make sense. They can also point you toward down payment assistance programs that may help your savings go even further.

CONNECT WITH A LOAN OFFICER

FAQs

Can I use side hustle income to buy a house?

Yes. You can use side hustle money to save for your down payment and closing costs. With enough history and documentation, it may also count toward the income you use to qualify.

How long do I need side hustle income for it to count on a mortgage?

A two-year history is typical. In some cases, at least 12 months may be accepted when other parts of your application are strong. A Loan Officer can tell you how your income will be viewed.

Do lenders count gig income like DoorDash or Uber?

App-based drivers are often paid as independent contractors, so lenders typically look at the net income reported on your tax returns.

Can I use cash from my side hustle for a down payment?

Cash can be harder to document. Depositing your earnings regularly and keeping records makes it easier to show your lender where your money came from.

What if I don’t have two years of side hustle income?

You can still use your savings toward your down payment. You may also qualify based on your primary income alone, or explore non-QM options that use bank statements or 1099s.

What are the best side hustles in Michigan?

Popular options include delivery and rideshare driving, snow removal, lawn care, pet sitting, and seasonal festival or orchard work. The best one fits your schedule and skills.

Should I quit my side hustle before applying for a mortgage?

Not necessarily. If you’re counting the income to qualify, stopping it could affect your application. Talk to your Loan Officer before making changes to your income.

Treadstone does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.