Jordan B. Hamilton, a costume supervisor and personal stylist based in Portland, Oregon, recently purchased a home for $430,000 after navigating challenges common to freelancers with variable incomes. Hamilton, 39, who has worked on projects including “Portlandia” and “Shrill,” faced difficulties securing mortgage approval despite having saved a 20 percent down payment.

Hamilton relocated to Portland in 2009 from Chattanooga, Tennessee, amid an economic recession. Initially sharing a rental with two roommates, he began his career selling vintage clothing before transitioning into costume supervision and design for television and independent films. His diverse income streams, which include freelance styling jobs paid via 1099 forms and television work compensated through union payroll companies on W-2 forms, complicated the loan approval process.

“Sometimes, on a freelance styling job, you’re getting a 1099. If you’re on a union television show, the check isn’t coming from Netflix. It’s coming from a crew payroll company,” Hamilton explained, highlighting the unpredictability of payment sources for gig workers in the entertainment industry.

Real estate broker Reg Martocci, owner of Wood Land Realty, assisted Hamilton in both selling his one-bedroom condo and navigating the financing process. Martocci noted that unconventional income streams often require matching clients with lenders experienced in handling such cases, since conventional mortgage processes can be difficult for freelancers.

After a two-year period during which Hamilton’s financial records aligned sufficiently to satisfy lenders, he pursued several housing options within his $540,000 budget. Among the possibilities were a converted 1924 storefront in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood listed at $499,000, a 1951 two-bedroom ranch on a large lot priced at $399,000, and a 1975 three-bedroom ranch in Overlook with a $488,000 listing price.

Following two unsuccessful bids above listing prices on the larger ranch and the converted storefront, Hamilton finalized the purchase of a two-bedroom ranch home for $430,000. The property featured a fenced backyard, an attached two-car garage, and had recently received updates including a new furnace, air conditioning, carpeting, and paint, though a roof replacement was needed.

Hamilton has since undertaken interior painting work with fellow members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union. The new home’s walk-in closet and spacious yard, now landscaped with daisies and poppies, were among the appealing features that drew Hamilton to the property.

Looking ahead, Hamilton plans to host a Christmas party at the house, inviting family and friends to enjoy the space. “I can have a fire. It’ll be dark outside. Some garlands,” he said. He envisions a warm gathering grounded in the comforts of his new home and its green, soft lawn.