Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (2024)

Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (1)

Changing jobs may offer more perks – higher income, greater fulfilment, and the opportunity for growth are often things people look for in a new gig. But could it also impact your mortgage application?

January and February each year is typically prime time for people considering switching jobs – the Christmas holiday period is in the rear-view mirror and a new year of possibilities lies ahead.

In fact new LinkedIn research shows 59% of workers are thinking about leaving their job in 2023, with more than half saying they’re confident of finding something better.

Coincidentally, 2023 could also be a good time to start considering your next property purchase, with house prices reaching a record decline of -8.40% in January from the May 2022 peak.

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Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (2)

So, could a job change impact your mortgage application? The short answer is it could.

But how much of an impact it has depends on a few factors.

Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (3)

Can you still land a mortgage?

Employment histories with frequent job changes over short timeframes can raise lenders’ eyebrows.

But even with a rock-solid employment profile, lenders may view a fresh job change as an added risk.

Lenders love to see stability. Staying in a job and building up your employment and financial profile will improve your mortgage approval chances.

A new job is less stable than one you’ve been in for a long time. There could be probation periods for both you and your employer to see if the role fits.

But you still may be able to land a mortgage with a new job.

Some job changes are low risk, with possibly minor effects on your mortgage application.

And some are high-risk and may result in delays and more hoops to jump through.

Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (4)

Low-impact changes

A change lender consider less risky is switching to a permanent, salaried role in your current industry.

This is because you have a proven record of holding employment in this field and have the promise of a steady pay-check streaming into your bank account.

Typically, lenders want to see at least two to three of your most recent payslips. Some may require you to have your new job for at least three months.

So as long as you have a good financial profile, meet the requirements, and don’t have an unstable employment history, you may experience minimal impact.

But ultimately this depends on the lender and the loan.

Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (5)

High-impact changes

Considering a complete career overhaul, starting a business, or switching to casual, contract, or freelance work?

These are exciting changes that may result in more fulfilment, flexibility, and money, if the stars align.

But while opportunity is on the cards, so too is risk – as far as lenders are concerned.

This is because sometimes to enter a new industry you have to accept lower-paying roles. Or because it can take some time to thrive in a new industry or business.

Similarly, casual work (and similar) often has higher pay rates. But part of this is to offset the lack of benefits you may receive, such as job security, severance pay and sick leave.

Suffice to say, all these types of job changes may make the mortgage application process more difficult.

Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (6)

However, there could be lenders who will consider your application if your financial profile is otherwise hunky dory, and your previous employment history is stable.

Lenders may want to see more than the typical two to three payslips. Some may also require you to be employed in your new role for at least three to six months.

And self-employed applicants typically need to show at least a year’s worth of business income records.

These added requirements may result in a need to delay applying for a mortgage for a little while.

Find out more

Switching up your employment and landing a mortgage can be tricky. But having a helping hand can make the process easier.

We can point you in the direction of lenders more likely to consider your situation and help put together an application that presents your situation in the best possible light.

So, if both a career change and a new property are on the cards for you in 2023, check out Wealthy & Wise Lifestyle Planning for more information.

Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (7)

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Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circ*mstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circ*mstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced, or republished without prior written consent.

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Can A Job Switch Affect Your Mortgage Application? | Thrive50Plus Magazine (2024)

FAQs

Does changing jobs affect your mortgage application? ›

Changing jobs while buying a house, especially if you've already applied for a mortgage, may lead to delays, and it also brings with it the possibility of a reversal in the lender's decision. Once you switch jobs, underwriters need to take a complete relook at your application, basing it on details from your new job.

Does job title matter on mortgage application? ›

Lenders may ask for an applicant's job title to verify employment and confirm a stated salary. It's also used to verify identity and, in some cases, is used as a factor to predict default risk.

How long do you have to wait to apply for a mortgage after changing jobs? ›

It's typical for mortgage lenders to consider your last two years of employment. But that doesn't always mean you must have been in the same job for the past two years. Generally, lenders will accept a two-year history of consistent work in the same line of work, if not at the same exact job.

Do lenders check your job? ›

When you apply for a mortgage, you'll typically give the lender some financial information, including your employer and income. The lender will verify this information during the underwriting process in order to approve you for a mortgage. That process happens days to weeks before closing.

Do mortgage lenders look at employment history? ›

When you apply for a home loan, mortgage lenders want to know about your employment history. They'll want to see that you have a steady income and at least two-year job history. Your employment history is one of the factors that lenders look at when they're considering your application to qualify for a mortgage.

How many times do lenders verify employment? ›

Some lenders will verify your employment with your employer either over the phone or through a written request. Then, about 10 days before your scheduled closing, re-verify your employment. This is done to make sure nothing has changed with your employment status.

How much does job title matter? ›

Your job title not only explains your role in the company, it also defines your position in the company relative to others. If your job title includes “associate,” that indicates you're a lower-level employee.

Do companies check your job title? ›

You may need to provide an employment verification letter. However, some background checks automatically include a report of your employment history, a list of all the companies you've worked for, your job titles, and dates of employment.

Do lenders verify employment after closing? ›

Sometimes lenders do a third VOE after closing. There may be a variety of reasons for this. First, it could be that the mortgage institution is undergoing an audit. Perhaps a third party is checking that the mortgage company employees took all the proper steps to verify the information on your loan application.

How do lenders verify employment? ›

Mortgage lenders usually verify income and employment by contacting a borrower's employer directly and reviewing recent employment and income documentation. These documents can include an employment verification letter, recent pay stubs, W-2s, or anything else to prove an employment history and confirm income.

Does changing jobs affect credit score? ›

Your employment status isn't a factor in your credit score. That means that getting a new job or increasing your salary won't improve your score. It also means that you can rest assured that entering a period of unemployment or having your wages reduced won't hurt your credit score either, all other things being equal.

What income can be used to qualify for a mortgage? ›

In addition to your monthly income from wages earned, this can include social security income, rental property income, spousal support, or other non-taxable sources of income. Your work history: This helps lenders understand how stable your income is and how likely you are to repay your mortgage.

Do lenders watch your bank account? ›

Lenders typically look for 2 months of bank statements from potential borrowers, which provides enough data to assess your income consistency, spending habits, account balances and other crucial financial information.

How important is job history when buying a house? ›

A dependable income is a must for getting a mortgage. Lenders want evidence that you'll be able to repay a loan, so typically they like to see a steady two-year work history with a stable or rising income.

Do mortgage lenders verify remote employment? ›

In most cases, yes, you will need a remote work letter when applying for a mortgage loan. The purpose of this letter is to provide verification of your employment and income during the underwriting process. Underwriters are responsible for verifying the information you provide, including your employment details.

What happens if I lose my job right after closing on a mortgage? ›

Temporary or Permanent Job Loss

You will probably have to be able to qualify for the mortgage payments on your reduced income. If your job has truly been terminated, the mortgage process will likely have to be put on hold until you find new employment.

What happens if I lose my job while getting a mortgage? ›

The best thing you can do if you get laid off during the mortgage process is to get a new job as quickly as possible. If you submit an employment offer or contract from a new employer, your lender may be able to move forward with the loan.

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