Do I Need 2 Years on the Job to Get a Mortgage?
(Spoiler: Not Always — and Here’s Why)
You’ve probably heard this one before:
“You need two years at your job to qualify for a mortgage.”
That’s not wrong — but it’s not the full story, either.
Life’s not always that tidy. People take breaks from working, switch careers, become self-employed, go back to school, or start brand-new jobs. The good news? You’ve got options.
Let’s break down what lenders actually look for when it comes to income and employment — with real examples of how families I’ve worked with got qualified (even with non-traditional situations). Whether you're changing careers, getting back into the workforce, or just starting out, here's what you need to know.
📋 The Basics: Standard Employment & Income Verification
Most traditional home loans look for a two-year employment history in the same or similar line of work. That doesn’t mean you need two years at the same job — just two years of relevant, stable experience.
What Lenders Typically Look For:
W-2 employees: 30 days of paystubs + 2 years of W-2s
Hourly workers: Income averaged over 24 months
Salaried workers: Current salary + job history
Bonuses, overtime, commission: Need a 2-year history
Job gaps: Allowed with explanation and documentation
💬 Real Life Example: Returning to Work After a Gap
One client I helped had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. She and her husband decided to divorce. He was willing to let her keep the family home — but wanted off the mortgage through an equity buyout.
Before staying home, she’d worked seven years at a bank. After the separation, she found a new job as a salaried office manager at a doctor's office.
How we made it work:
She wrote a Letter of Explanation for the 10-year employment gap.
We verified her prior work history at the bank to show experience.
Once she was established in her new position, we used her income to qualify for a refinance that let her stay in her home.
💼 From W-2 to 1099: Going Independent
Thinking of ditching the 9–5 for contract work or self-employment? You’re not out of luck — you just need 12 months of stable income in the new role and to stay in a similar industry.
Real Life Example:
A nurse I worked with had been a W-2 employee at a hospital, but transitioned to 1099 contract work for a home health agency. The job was the same — just a different pay setup.
After 12 months, she had:
1099s and consistent bank deposits
Work in the same field (nursing)
A solid explanation for the switch
We were able to use her contract income to get her pre-approved and into her next home.
What You Need:
12+ months of self-employment/contract income
In the same or related field
Documentation: 1099s, bank statements, contracts, invoices
💡 Future Income & Reserves: You Don’t Always Need a Paystub
Starting a new job — or just graduated and about to begin your first “real” job? You may still be able to qualify using future income.
Lenders can use income from a job you haven’t started yet if:
You have a signed, non-contingent offer letter
Your start date is within 90 days of the loan closing
You have enough reserves to cover your expenses until your first paycheck
Real Life Example 1: Recent Graduate
A client had just earned his teaching degree. He had no job experience in education — just a part-time job at a restaurant while in school — and planned to leave that job after graduation.
He received an offer letter from a local school district with a fall start date, which was within 90 days of his planned closing date.
We made it work because:
His offer letter was firm (no contingencies)
He had unofficial transcripts from the university proving his education
He had enough reserves after closing to meet the guideline requirement
We were able to qualify him using his future salary as a teacher — before he even started the job.
Real Life Example 2: Changing Jobs
This also works if you're moving from one job to another — even if there’s a short gap.
If you’re currently employed and switching companies (maybe for better pay, a new city, or a fresh start), and:
You have a signed offer letter
The start date is within 90 days
You have enough savings/reserves
…we may be able to use your future income from the new job, as long as it’s in the same or related field.
🏠 Alternative Option: No Income Required
Let’s say you have great credit, a down payment, and reserves — but not enough documented income to qualify. That’s where the Champions Ally Program comes in.
This loan doesn’t require income documentation if other factors are strong.
Real Life Example:
An elderly mom was moving in with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids. She had great credit, but only SSI income — not enough for a traditional loan.
Her daughter and son-in-law were rebuilding their credit, but had:
Equity from the home they were selling (for the down payment)
Savings for reserves
A plan to all live together so Mom could help with the kids
We were able to put Mom on the loan, use the family's funds to meet the down payment and reserve requirements, and get them into a new, larger home that worked for everyone.
❤️ What This Means for You
You don’t need a perfect job history or traditional income to buy a home. Every story is different, and there’s a loan program out there that can meet your needs.
Whether you're:
Switching jobs
Returning to work
Self-employed or contracting
A recent grad
Helping family
Downsizing or upsizing
…let’s talk.
💡 Why Mortgage Brokers (Like Me) Can Do More
Here’s the deal: mortgage brokers have access to multiple lenders and loan programs — not just the one option a retail bank or direct lender might offer.
That means:
I can shop your scenario across my network of lenders
I look for programs that fit real life — not just cookie-cutter applications
I’m not limited to one company’s products — I work for you, not the bank
Especially when it comes to complex situations like self-employment, new jobs, non-traditional income, or family support — this flexibility can make all the difference.
I’m Jenn Patel, your go-to mortgage expert. I love helping people figure out how to make it work — not just saying no because it doesn’t fit in a perfect box.
Let’s make sure you’re not missing out on your dream home just because your mom or Steve at work said you couldn’t qualify.😉
