Can you get a mortgage with a brand new job or a recent raise?

One of the most important things consumers have to deal with when securing mortgage loan financing besides having a good credit score and a good down payment is having income to actually offset the proposed liability i.e, a  mortgage payment. Income is single-handedly the most important thing because it drives affordability. Lenders and banks know this and as a result, a mortgage much like a credit card is made against your income. 

So let’s say you’re at the preapproval stage, you’ve given the lender all requested docs. Let’s say in this example for whatever reason you just don’t qualify for the amount of purchase price you’re desiring to try to purchase.

Your options are:

  • pay off debt
  • change the loan programs
  • put more money down
  • get et a CO signor

Those are generally the ways you can enhance borrowing power. Another pragmatic way is that if you happen to be getting a job brand new job as long as it’s in the same field and you’re earning more money. The new job needs to be bona fide and legitimate. This new income can be considered which in turn you go to apply for a mortgage would increase your borrowing power. You will likely need an offer letter, a start date, and the lender will need to perform a written verification of employment to validate the employment.

If you are getting a raise in the next few weeks lender can get a letter from the employer documenting the compensation change and you can use your new income to help you qualify as well.

Not all lenders will count your new job income the same. Be sure to ask this to the lender when you are seeking out a mortgage company. Don’t be fooled by the wise crackin’, ultra-low rate lender that seems to be cheaper than everyone else promising you the world. Work with someone who has real, and tells you what you need to hear vs what you want to hear.

Looking to get a mortgage to buy a home? Get a no-cost quote!

RELATED MORTGAGE ADVICE FROM SCOTT SHELDON

Cartoon-style image showing a happy homebuyer and a smiling house running through a green maze labeled “Mortgage.” The homebuyer holds a sign saying “Credit & Income,” and the house holds one saying “Appraisal.” A “Loan Denied” barricade marks an obstacle along the path. The scene is bright, humorous, and optimistic, symbolizing overcoming hurdles in the mortgage process.

The Only Two Real Obstacles in the Loan Process: Credit/Income and Appraisal

For many homebuyers, getting a mortgage can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork and…

Mortgage interest rate chart showing rates briefly dip on policy news, then fall further during recession, job losses, and rising unemploymen

When Mortgage Rates Actually Fall (And Why That Hasn’t Happened Yet)

Over the past week, there has been a lot of noise around mortgage rates. Headlines…

Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Buying a Home While Married in a Community Property State

Buying a home is exciting—but if you’re married and live in a community property state,…

Notes: Roxanne Durney has been set up for a cash-out refinance on a property that is currently owned free and clear. Income has been verified with a 2024 pay stub; however, the 2023 W-2 is still needed. Homeowners insurance is currently estimated at $200/month and will need to be verified with an insurance document. The file is set up with a $250,000 loan amount at 56% LTV. DTI is 40%. I am holding off on running DU until tomorrow morning to avoid triggering disclosures, pending confirmation of a time for Scott to connect with the borrower.

Should You Use Down Payment Assistance or Just Go With 3.5% Down on an FHA Loan?

Buying a home is exciting — but it also comes with decisions that matter. One…

View More from The Mortgage Files:

begin your mortgage journey with sonoma county mortgages

Let us make your mortgage experience easy. Trust our expertise to get you your best mortgage rate. Click below to start turning your home dreams into reality today!