For any Realtors or mortgage lenders in Vancouver... (mortgage broker, credit card)

[Michi_B]

I have a quick question for any Realtor or mortgage broker who can help, with some brief background first:

I'm planning a move to Vancouver next year (June, specifically) and will be looking to buy a home. I'm self-employed as a writer. I can prove it with tax returns, I've been in business for nine years, and my income is full-time this year - last year I worked part time because I had money in the bank (statements will show that) I was living off of so my income wasn't as great. My credit is excellent (over 750 and nothing at all negative on it) and I will have absolutely no debt when I arrive (no credit cards, no car payment, nothing).

Given the volatility of the market, how difficult will it be for someone like me to get a mortgage because of my self-employment status, and what kind of down payment am I looking at?

The last house I bought was with a stated-income loan and only the land it was being built on as a 'down payment,' but those kinds of loans might be things of the past now, and I'm not sure how friendly someone will be to me for a standard mortgage.

Any information would be appreciated, and you're also welcome to PM me with suggestions for documentation and/or companies or people I should talk to in order to pre-qualify when it gets closer.

I realize it's early yet, but I want to have my ducks in a row.

Thanks!!