How To Obtain A Mortgage When You Arerelocating
If you are required to move for a new jobyou will need to make living arrangements before you relocate. The leaststressful solution is most likely to rent in the new location for 30 days orlonger and then give your first pay stub to your lender. Extended-stay hotelsare one popular option to consider. That can give you the chance to becomefamiliar with the local real estate market and community. If you will beworking within the same industry and your new job offers a career or financialadvantage, then your new position should not impede your chances of obtaining aloan quickly in the city you are relocating to. Keep in mind that this is notalways required as some programs allow you to purchase your new home just withan offer letter which would avoid temporary housing.
Or you can try to buy and close on a housein your new location before you give notice at your current job so that youonly have to make one move. If you are going to be moving quickly, you need tobe aware that on average it takes 30-45 days for a purchase offer to close.During the loan application process, lenders verify employment and then do itonce again right before closing, so you need to make sure you maintainemployment until your sale has closed.
What If I Want To Change Jobs Just Before Or During Loan Application
Changing jobs can have several effects on your loan approval and most of them are not good. Always ask your loan originator before changing employment.
For example, if you are employed and decided to start your own company, you would need to wait for 2 tax returns to be filed before we could use your new income for your new company. Even if its the same line of work and you expect to make a lot of money. The money cannot be determined until the lender sees 2 years of filed tax returns.
If you are changing jobs and you are paid hourly or salary, and you have had stable job history with no gaps, and you are improving your income, you would probably be OK if you do this prior to loan application. Most lenders want at least 30 days on a new job in the same line of work and you must not be in a probationary period.
Another example is taking a job that pays you as a 1099 contractor when you have been paid W-2 in the past. This would require the same 2 year history window as the self-employed borrower discussed above.
Always check with your loan originator if you are contemplating a job change.
Five Ways Switching Jobs Can Derail The Home Buying Process
Buying a house is a significant undertaking. Many people use mortgages to raise some of the cash needed for this acquisition. You meet specific conditions set by lenders to qualify for these loans. Some changes in your life can affect your eligibility.
Loan officers often tell potential homebuyers not to change jobs during the home buying process. A switch in positions during the home buying process can rattle lenders, as they worry about the new homebuyer’s employment and income stability.
You May Like: Can You Get A Reverse Mortgage On A Mobile Home
Employees Who Receive Bonuses
If a large percentage of your income is made up of bonus payments then please reconsider changing jobs until after your home purchase. The lender requires 2 years of proof of bonus income and so changing jobs may mean that any potential bonuses will not be included when determining your loan amount. The only exception to this is if the bonus payments are guaranteed by your new employer.
Steady Salary Is What Matters
Kris Shenton, sales manager with Equity Prime Mortgage in Crofton, Maryland, said that a new job isn’t always a hurdle for borrowers. As long as the new job pays a salary, and isn’t based solely or largely on commissions, then an applicant should have little trouble qualifying for a mortgage, as long as that new salary provides a large enough income to support the borrower’s new monthly mortgage payments, Shenton said.
Complications can pop up when borrowers are relying on non-salary income, Shenton said. Borrowers who have gone from a salaried job to self-employment will need to show at least two years’ worth of tax returns to prove that their new income is stable and not likely to disappear any time soon. If they can’t provide these returns, lenders won’t consider these self-employment dollars as part of their qualifying income.
Borrowers who switch to a new job in a different field, might give lenders some pause. But most lenders are willing to overlook the job change as long, again, as the new job pays on a salary basis, Shenton said.
“If a borrower is switching a line of work, say the borrower was a scientist and is now a lawyer, then it’s case-by-case,” Shenton said. “Though typically, so long as it is a salaried position, you are fine to get a mortgage now.”
Don’t Miss: How Do Points Work For Mortgage
When Switching Jobs Has No Impact
Some circumstances when switching jobs can’t derail your home buying process. They include:
- A salaried or hourly employee who doesn’t earn extra income via bonuses, commissions, or overtime switches to a similar job with the same structured pay.
- Switching to a job with higher pay and benefits in the same profession and industry
Lenders may not be too worried about your job change in these scenarios. Getting a high-paying position can make lenders more open to lending you more money to finance your property acquisition.
What To Do If Youre Changing Jobs While Buying A House
There will be extra steps you need to take if youre thinking about switching jobs while house hunting. If possible, its best to wait a while after closing on your home and receiving loan approval to change jobs, but sometimes life happens.
Here are some things to consider having on hand thatll increase your loan approval odds:
- Employer letter: Present a letter of intent from your new employer as verification of employment. Present a title change letter if youre staying at the same company but are being promoted.
- Verification of employment : Similar to an offer letter, your lender may require a verbal or written VOE from your new employer.
- Most recent pay stub: Have your most recent pay stub on hand to show evidence of current employment.
Read Also: Can You Get A Mortgage On A Foreclosure
How Can You Qualify For A Mortgage If Youre Changing Jobs
It is important to show the lenders that your new job and pay are going to be secure. Provide them with any payslips that you get from your new job to prove that you can afford to satisfy the banks income requirements. Regardless of how much youre making, lenders disapprove of irregular, unpredictable earnings. Document as much of your past irregular income stream as possible and calculate trends and averages that can help you to prove that your income is reliable and consistent.
Consider getting a letter from your new boss verifying the pay, benefits, starting date, and the security of your position. If you are switching to a different field, then the creditors might require no probation in the letter.
If you are in the contract role , then you need to show the contract letter. The remaining term of the contract should be for at least 6 months.
If you start your own business, then your company must be ABN registered for at least 2 years with a tax return for at least 1 financial year.
Two- year work experience is a customary requirement for most mortgage applications. If youve been in your role for 2 years, then your mortgage process will go on smoothly. However, if your experience in the role is less than 2 years, then your lenders will take the following into account while examining your application:
Also, be prepared to clarify why you transferred jobs and what your credentials are for the new job to your lender.
Keep The Lender Informed
The most important thing you can do when youre applying for a mortgage is to keep your lender informed of any changes in your financial life.
This includes keeping the lender informed of changes in your employment.
Lenders will do a deep dive into your finances when considering your mortgage application.
If you go to your lender and explain that youre going to be changing jobs, that will look good for you. If the lender finds out about the change without your input, that could raise a red flag.
Make sure to explain why youre changing jobs, why it is a good thing, and provide any documentation about the change that the lender requests.
Recommended Reading: How Much Do You Need For A Mortgage
Can Relocation Packages Help With Home Purchases
Often, companies offer relocation packages that range in coverage from paying for a moving service to a generous Guaranteed Buy Out . A GBO is when the company buys your home for an average appraisal value if it does not sell in a fair timeframe. Other relocation packages might help with closing costs of your home sale or pay the real estate commission fees. If youre underwater on your home, your new employer might cover the loan difference at resale.
Some relocation packages assist their new employees to purchase a local home within a year of moving, they may buy down your interest rate or contribute to a down payment.
Whether buying a house out of necessity or preference, acquiring a new job within the same industry for better pay likely wont prevent loan approval, but it may slow the process down by a month.
Looking to purchase a home now?
What Youll Need To Show Your Lender If Youre Changing Jobs
If you do have to change jobs before youve closed on a property, the best move is to be able to prove to lenders that youre staying in the same industry and that your earnings are on par with or better than your last position. Ensuring your new employer waives any probationary period is also recommended.
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Mortgage If Self Employed
New Bonus Or Commission Pay Structure
Sometimes, companies change employee pay structures. They move a bigger portion of pay or all of it to bonus or commission.
These changes may help an employee earn more, but they can also complicate the mortgage application process.
To count as income, incentive pay must have been received for 12 to 24 months, depending on the overall strength of your mortgage application and loan program.
FHA loans, though, allow commission-based income to be counted with less than a 12-month history. The employer must have changed the employees pay structure, and the employee must be in the exact same position with the same employer.
Getting A Mortgage Without 2 Years Work History
Most mortgage lenders prefer that you have worked consistently in the same field for at least two years before you qualify for a mortgage. It is still possible to get one with a shorter work history. However, you would need to prove that you are employed and that you have a steady income. If you are a recent graduate, you can still qualify for a mortgage if you have a job offer with a high financial compensation level. The job should also represent a stable career track. It is an advantage if the job is in the same field as your degree.
You also get a waiver if you have only been recently discharged from the military, and you now have a job similar to what you did while you were enlisted. Lenders typically regard this as a continuation of employment. Also, a medical report of a medical condition that prevented you from working may be acceptable.
To qualify for a mortgage with short work history, it is helpful if you have factors that compensate for the lack of job history. These could include a large down payment or a high credit score. The interest rate on your loan may be slightly higher than normal to compensate for the increased risk associated with your short job history.
Don’t Miss: What Credit Company Do Mortgage Lenders Use
Do You Have To Tell Your Mortgage Provider If You Change Jobs
Provided that youve secured your mortgage and started making your monthly repayments, you are not obligated to tell your employer that youve changed employers.
The same applies if you have been made redundant. As long as you are able to make the monthly repayments and are confident that you will be able to find work swiftly, you do not have to inform the lender.
However its important to contact your mortgage provider if a change in circumstances means you will be unable to make repayments and you are in or approaching financial difficulty.
How Long After Closing Can You Switch Jobs
Discuss with your lender if you plan to switch jobs after closing on your home. They need to know you can show proof of stable income before approving your home loan. Theres less risk of loan delay if your new job is in the same industry and has a similar or improved salary.
Most lenders conduct a verification of employment within 10 days after your loan closes, during which your current employer will be contacted to verify your employment.
Before beginning the mortgage approval process, discuss with your lender what you need and the steps you should take. Work with our expert team to find the best affordable mortgage for you.
Get approved to see what you can afford.
Rocket Mortgage® lets you do it all online.
Also Check: Can I Get A Mortgage At Age 70
Can I Quit My Job Before Closing Is Over
Its possible your lender will not approve your mortgage loan if you choose to quit your job before closing on your house. Itll hurt your mortgage approval if you dont have proof of stable income to make monthly payments.
Theres less risk if you choose to quit a part-time job as long as the job isnt the income stream youre using for your loan qualification. We recommend avoiding changing jobs before your home loan closes to avoid putting your loan at risk. If you do end up changing jobs, you must let your lender know so they can verify your new income.
Changing Jobs Before Buying A House
Changing jobs before or during the mortgage application process could be a problem for the lenders. This is usually the case if the switch is from a higher-paying job to a lower-paying one. It may also be a problem if you switch from a more stable industry to a job in a less stable industry. If you move from one job to another, and your income stays relatively stable, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
This applies even if the jobs are not in the same field. Lenders look for stability above all else. If you have a history of moving from job to job, lenders may consider you high risk. That said, frequently switching jobs is not bad in itself. If your income and responsibility increase from job to job, it should not affect your mortgage application.
If you have gaps in your employment history, you can still be eligible for a mortgage, provided you can show that your income is sufficient, reliable, and ongoing, and you have a good reason for the gaps. If you get a new job after six months or less, all you need is to get your first paycheck within 30 days of closing your loan. If you have been unemployed for more than six months, you are unlikely to get a loan.
There are plenty of requirements you must meet when applying for a new mortgage or when you plan to refinance your existing loan. Lenders will look at your debt levels, income and credit score. Theyll also look at your employment history. Fortunately, getting a mortgage with a new job is far from an impossible task.
Don’t Miss: What Is A 30 Year Fixed Jumbo Mortgage Rate
What If You Have Just Started A New Job
If you have started a new job, you should contact your mortgage broker and discuss your options going forward.
As mentioned, it might not have any impact at all on your mortgage application but it could impact it significantly, so its best to check.
Your broker may advise to continue your application as normal, or they may decide it is best to go back to the drawing board looking at other lenders that will be more favourable to your situation.
Getting ahead of the curve can prevent an unnecessary decline which can impact future mortgage applications.
It might also be the case that your broker can find a better mortgage product because the change in your circumstances is more favourable overall.
Free consultations are available in the UK.
What Mortgage Lenders Need To Know About A Job Change
While all mortgage lenders have different lending standards their applicants must meet, they generally look for applicants with a two-year work history. If you werenât employed in your current role for two years , the lender will want to know the following information.
- Why you changed jobs
- How often you change jobs
- If you experienced any periods of unemployment
- The current strength of your industry and employer
Right before you close on a home, the lender will want to verify that your income and employment status didnât change since you sought out pre-approval for a mortgage. This is why itâs better to be proactive and inform your lender of a career change as soon as possible. The truth will come out eventually, so itâs best to get ahead of it and prepare accordingly.
You may need to present the following information to your lender if you switch to a new job after the pre-approval process.
- Your offer letter or title change letter
- Your most recent pay stub
You May Like: What Does A Mortgage Loan Officer Make
