Employment Requirements for FHA Loans
July 15, 2023
Steady Income
- Employment History
Lenders will typically require at least a two-year employment history. This doesn't mean you have to work for the same employer for two years; it just means that you need to have a continuous employment record during that time. - Gaps in Employment
If you have gaps in your employment history, you may still qualify for an FHA loan, but the lender will want to understand the reasons for those gaps. Be prepared to provide an explanation, and it's helpful if the gaps were due to factors beyond your control, like a medical issue or the birth of a child. - Income Consistency
While having a steady job is crucial, so is having a consistent income. If your income fluctuates significantly or relies on bonuses, commissions, or self-employment, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your ability to repay the loan.
It's important to note that while the FHA has minimum credit score requirements, individual lenders may set their own standards. It's possible to find lenders who are willing to work with borrowers with lower credit scores, but you may need to make a larger down payment or meet other compensating factors.
Verification of Income
- Pay Stubs
You'll need to provide recent pay stubs that show your year-to-date earnings. These pay stubs help lenders confirm your income. - Tax Returns
Lenders may also ask for your tax returns for the past two years. This is particularly important if you're self-employed or have income from sources other than traditional employment. - Employment Verification
Your lender may contact your current employer to verify your employment status and income. - Written Verification of Employment (VOE)
You might be required to provide a written VOE, which is a document from your employer that confirms your job, income, and other relevant employment details.
FHA Loan Articles
January 22, 2025Consider this scenario: you've been in your home for five years or more and you've likely built up a significant amount of equity, and now you might be wondering how to put that equity to work for you. Whether you're dreaming of a major renovation, need to consolidate debt, or want to help a child with college tuition, you have options. Two choices are an FHA cash-out refinance and a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
January 20, 2025The FHA Streamline Refinance offers a refinance option for those who don't want to cash in on their property's equity but instead want a lower payment or interest rate or who need to get out of an adjustable-rate mortgage. This streamlined program, designed specifically for those already in an FHA-insured mortgage, simplifies the refinancing process with fewer requirements and faster approval times depending on the transaction.
January 16, 2025Want to buy a home and thinking about getting an FHA loan? FHA loans are a great way to make homeownership happen, especially if you're a first-time buyer or don't have perfect credit. But you might wonder, "Can I get more than one FHA loan?"
The short answer is, it's tricky. The FHA itself doesn't say no automatically to having more than one loan. But there's a caveat. FHA loans are about helping you buy a place to live in – your main home base. Because of this, and a few other things, getting multiple FHA loans isn't easy.
January 15, 2025Buying a condo with an FHA loan is an option some don’t consider initially, but it’s worth adding to your list of potential property types. FHA loans for condo units traditionally require condo projects to be on or added to the FHA-approved list. Still, changes in policy over the years allow borrowers to apply for FHA loans on condo units in projects not on the list on a case-by-case basis.
December 30, 2024When applying for an FHA loan, lenders will consider more than just your credit scores and history. They also look at other factors affecting your risk profile and the interest rate they offer you.
One factor is occupancy type. For FHA loans, this is straightforward because these loans require owner occupancy. Investment properties aren't eligible. While conventional loans may have different rates for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, this isn't a concern with FHA loans.
