These mortgages are common among self-employed people who say they earn a certain amount of money but whose tax returns show that their earnings are much lower.

Resources:
* "How to Shop for a Mortgage," Mortgage Bankers Association of America, 1125 15th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005; call (202) 861-6500.

However, there are home loans for which lenders require very little loan documentation as long as the borrower puts down a sizable down payment, generally 25 percent or more. These "no-doc" loans are common among self-employed people who say they earn a certain amount of money but whose income tax returns show that their earnings are much lower.

Borrowers should check directly with lenders when seeking a no-doc loan. If specific lenders do not offer them, ask for a referral.