Can You Buy a House Without a Job? [Yes]

 by Amresh Singh

·

Updated on March 30, 2023·
13 min read

Yes, you can buy a house without a job. The traditional approach to homeownership typically requires a borrower to have a regular job. However, the good news is, it is possible to buy a house in the US without a job through alternative loan options. 

In this article, we will explore the factors determining how you can buy a house without a regular job. Also, we will learn about loan options available for freelancers, small business owners, or someone in between jobs. This article will provide you with valuable insights on how to achieve your dream of homeownership without having a job.

However, before exploring our options, let’s first understand why having a job is essential to get a traditional mortgage.

Why Does Having a Job Matter to Mortgage Lenders?

A job matters to mortgage lenders because it demonstrates your ability to repay the loan. Lenders want to ensure that you have a steady source of monthly income that will allow you to make your monthly mortgage payments on time. In addition, a job provides lenders with a sense of security that you will have the financial means to repay the loan.

Many lenders look at several factors when evaluating mortgage applications, including employment history and income. They will usually require you to provide proof of employment, such as pay stubs or tax returns, to demonstrate that you have a consistent source of income. Lenders may also contact your employer to verify your employment status and income. 

However, many alternative loan options consider your bank statement, assets, and other passive source income to estimate your loan worthiness. 

Check your eligibility for a mortgage without a job.

Can You Get a Mortgage Without a Job?

Yes, you can get a mortgage without a job. Alternative sources of income may be considered, such as rental income, investment income, and retirement income. Some lenders may also be willing to consider non-traditional forms, such as income from a side hustle or freelance work. 

HomeAbroad can help you connect with mortgage lenders who use alternate ways to check your repayment capability and creditworthiness for approving your loan application.

Who Can Get a Home Loan Without a Job?

Anyone can buy a home without a job, as there are no legal restrictions. However, lenders may require reliable investments or assests as evidence to approve a mortgage loan.

1. Investors and Realtors

• Individuals with alternative sources of income, such as rental income, investment income, or retirement income, qualify for a mortgage loan.

2. Self-employed and Freelancers

• Freelancers, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals may also qualify for a mortgage loan if they can demonstrate sufficient income through tax returns and other financial documentation.

Must Read, A Complete Guide To Self-Employment Mortgage

3. Business Owner

• Business owners may qualify for a mortgage loan if they can demonstrate consistent profits and have sound financial records.

Buying a house without a job is possible with some planning and preparation. Lenders will scrutinize your income, assests, and credit history, so it’s essential to be prepared with the necessary documentation and understand the alternatives available. HomeAbroad can help you find mortgage lenders willing to work with people without traditional employment or income sources. We can assist you in taking the first step towards achieving your dream of homeownership.

Get quotes from no-job mortgage lenders.

How Can I Get Approved to Buy a House Without a Job?

Buying a house without a job can be challenging, but it’s possible. If you’re considering purchasing a home without a traditional source of income, there are several requirements that you should be aware of before initiating the home-buying process. These include:

1. Have a Good Credit Score

• Having a good credit score is essential for getting approved for a loan. If you don’t have a job, lenders will look closely at your credit history to determine your creditworthiness.

2. Maintain Adequate Savings

• Lenders want to see that you have sufficient savings to cover for the down payment and closing costs of buying a home. You may also need to demonstrate that you have several months’ worth of mortgage payments saved up in case of unexpected financial setbacks.

3. Have Alternative Sources of Income

• If you want to buy a house with a job, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have alternative sources of personal finances sufficient to cover your loan payments. These may include rental income, investment income, or retirement income.

4. Maintain Low Debt-to-Income Ratio

• Lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio to determine your ability to make mortgage payments. Your debt-to-income ratio should be below 43%.

5. Find a Co-Signer or Guarantor

• If you don’t have a job or a sufficient income, you may need to find a co-signer or guarantor who is willing to take on responsibility for the mortgage repayments if you are unable to make them.

6. Have Significant Cash Reserves

• Significant cash reserves, such as assests like mutual funds or other investments, can also help demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.

7. Make a Solid Financial Plan

• Lenders want to be sure that you have a solid financial plan to manage your mortgage repayments and other expenses. This may include creating a budget, paying off debt, and building up your savings.

8. Work With a Housing Counselor

• Housing counselors who are approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can assist you in assessing your financial situation and identifying potential solutions for repaying your home loan. 
• As certified and trained professionals, they can collaborate with you to increase your chances of getting a home mortgage and develop a plan to assist you with your mortgage responsibilities, often at little or no cost. 
• These counselors often partner with local organizations that focus on providing housing to individuals with lower incomes or those who are first-time homebuyers.

9. Get a Non-Revocable Employment Contract

• Consider requesting an irrevocable employment agreement if you have a job offer pending and are jobless at present. This would ensure your job (and earnings) for a predetermined period. 
• It will help you during the mortgage application procedure by demonstrating to creditors that you will shortly have enough future income to meet your payments.

Buying a house without a job can be challenging, but it’s possible. To succeed, you’ll need a good credit score, adequate savings, alternative sources of income, a low debt-to-income ratio, and a solid financial plan. Working with a reputable mortgage lender and seeking the advice of a financial advisor can also help you navigate the process more successfully.

Find the best no job mortgage lenders.

How to Find a Co-Signer to Buy a House Without a Job?

Finding a co-signer is an option for those who wish to buy a house without a job, and is possible with some research and planning. A co-signer is a person who agrees to assume equal responsibility for the repayment of the loan with the borrower. Here are some tips on finding a co-signer:

1. Family or Friends 

One option is to reach out to family or close friends who are financially stable and have good credit. They may be more willing to help as they have a personal relationship with you.

2. Professional Relationships 

You can also consider asking a professional contact, such as a mentor or former boss, who can vouch for your reliability and work ethic.

3. Offer Incentives 

 If you have a potential co-signer in mind, consider offering incentives such as reduced rent, shared ownership of the property, or a percentage of profits if the property is rented or sold.

4. Discuss Responsibilities 

Before finalizing any co-signer agreements, discuss and document the responsibilities and obligations of both parties to ensure a clear understanding and avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

Ultimately, you can buy a house without a job if you have good credit, adequate savings, alternative sources of income, and a co-signer. Although it will take more effort and planning, with the right resources and assistance, you can make the dream of homeownership a reality.

Best Loan Options to Buy a House Without a Job

If you’re looking to buy a house without a job, several loan options are available. Some of the most popular loan products for non-working individuals include:

1. Bank Statement Mortgage

A bank statement mortgage, also known as a self-employed mortgage, allows self-employed borrowers to use their bank statements as proof of income instead of traditional income documentation such as tax returns or pay stubs.

Get a Bank Statement Mortgage in 5 Easy Steps

What Will Lender Look For?

To be eligible for a bank statement loan, individuals must satisfy the following requirements:

• With a bank statement mortgage, lenders will typically review the borrower’s personal or business bank statements throughout 12 to 24 months to determine their average monthly income. This allows self-employed borrowers with fluctuating income or multiple income streams to qualify for a mortgage.
• The candidate must not have more than two instances of thirty-day late payments on any credit accounts within the past twelve months from the same account.
• The candidate must be a legal resident of the United States and at least 21 years old.
• The candidate’s recent credit history should be free of any bankruptcies.
• If required, the candidate may apply for the loan jointly with a co-borrower who is a W2 employee.
• Self-employed borrowers must furnish two years of income tax returns.
• While some lenders may prefer higher scores, applicants must have a credit score of at least 620.
• The candidate must provide their Social Security Number and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Get quotes from bank statement mortgage lenders.

2. No Income Verification Mortgage

A no-income verification loan does not require the borrower to provide proof of employment. These loans are also known as “stated income” loans, as borrowers may simply state their income without providing any documentation to support it. 

No Paystubs? No Problem! Qualify for a No Income Verification Mortgage

What Will Lender Look For?

• To determine eligibility, lenders will evaluate factors such as credit score and assets. 
• The applicant must have a credit score of 620 or higher, although some lenders may accept lower scores.
• The borrower is typically expected to make a down payment of at least 30%, although some lenders may accept 20%.
• Lenders will also consider the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio and residency history.
• To ensure the accuracy of the financial situation, the borrower may be asked to provide bank statements and tax returns.

Get quotes from no-income verification mortgage lenders.

3. Asset-Based Loan

Asset-based loans are another option for individuals who want to buy a home without a job. In this type of loan, the borrower uses their assets, such as investments or savings accounts, as collateral to secure the loan. The lender will evaluate the value of the assets and determine the loan amount based on that value. This type of loan benefits individuals with a high net worth or those with significant assets.

Asset-Based Mortgages: A Guide to Flexible Financing

What Will Lender Look For?

• In asset-based lending, lenders evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness based on the value and quality of the assets being pledged as collateral. 
• Adequate collateral: The borrower must have enough valuable assets, such as property or investments, to use as collateral for the loan.
• High credit score: Lenders may require a credit score of at least 680 or higher, but some may accept scores as low as 600.
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): The LTV ratio is the loan amount compared to the collateral’s value. Lenders may require an LTV ratio of no higher than 70%, meaning the loan should not exceed 70% of the value of the collateral.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Lenders may consider the borrower’s DTI ratio, which is the amount of debt compared to their income. Generally, the DTI should be at most 45%.

Get quotes from asset-based mortgage lenders.

4. No-Doc Mortgage Loan

No-doc loans are typically offered to self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, or those with non-traditional sources of income who may find it challenging to provide the traditional documentation required by conventional mortgage lenders. A no-doc mortgage loan is a type where the borrower is not required to provide traditional documentation, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, or bank statements, to verify their income or employment history.

No Doc Mortgages: The Fastest Way to Get Approved 

What Will Lender Look For?

• One standard method that lenders use to evaluate creditworthiness in a no-doc loan is the borrower’s credit score. The lender may pull the borrower’s credit report and examine their credit history and score to determine whether they are reliable.
• Good credit score: Borrowers typically need a credit score of at least 620, although some lenders may require a higher score.
• Down payment: The borrower is typically expected to make a down payment of at least 30%, although some lenders may accept as little as 20%.
• Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders may consider the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio, which should be no higher than 45% to 50%.
• Property type: The property must be a single-family home, condo, or townhouse and must be in good condition.
• Asset verification: While borrowers may not be required to provide income documentation, they may need to verify their assets, such as bank statements or investment account statements.
• Property value: The loan amount may be limited based on the value of the property and the borrower’s creditworthiness.

Get quotes from no-doc mortgage lenders.

5. Self-Employment Mortgage

Those who are self-employed or have inconsistent income streams can take advantage of the specialized loan known as a self-employment mortgage. With this particular type of loan, borrowers must be prepared to provide more detailed financial paperwork than what is usually required for traditional mortgages—tax returns, profit, and loss statements, bank records, etc.—in order to prove their creditworthiness and stable source of earnings. Additionally, individuals may need to present evidence that they’ve been receiving a comparable salary over an extended period in order to qualify for the mortgage.

A Complete Guide To Self-Employment Mortgage

What Will Lender Look For?

• Tax returns for the past two to three years: To ensure accuracy in your income records and compliance with tax regulations.
• Profit and loss statements: To demonstrate the success and fiscal health of your business.
• Bank statements: To verify cash flow and evidence of income.
• Proof of income: To verify that you have a steady income stream.
• Business plan: To show your long-term strategy and the potential for continued success.
• Credit score and history: To assess your creditworthiness and ability to repay the mortgage.
• Debt-to-income ratio: To ensure that you can afford the monthly mortgage payments.
• Proof of assets and liabilities: To get a full picture of your financial situation.
• Any other relevant financial information: To provide additional context or explanation for any unusual financial circumstances.

Get quotes from self-employment mortgage lenders.

These are just some of the loan options available to individuals who want to buy a house without a job. Be sure to do your research and speak to a mortgage lender or broker before making any decisions.

Steps to Apply for a Mortgage to Buy a House Without a Job

Buying a house without a job can be more challenging than with a steady income, but it’s still possible. Here are some steps to follow:

Step 1 – Find the right lender:

Start by looking for lenders who specialize in mortgages for self-employed or non-traditional borrowers. Check their requirements and eligibility criteria before applying.
HomeAbroad can help find and connect with mortgage lenders who cater to people with no job or non-traditional borrowers.

Connect with no-job mortgage lenders.

Step 2 – Gather your financial documents:

You’ll need to provide detailed financial information, such as tax returns, bank statements, and proof of income from other sources. Make sure you have all of these documents ready to go.

Step 3 – Get pre-qualified:

Before you start looking for houses, get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford and what kind of interest rate you might be able to get.

Step 4 – Find a co-signer:

If you’re having trouble qualifying for a mortgage on your own, consider finding a co-signer with a stable income. Keep in mind that they’ll be responsible for making payments if you can’t.

Step 5 – Apply for the mortgage:

Once you’ve found a lender you want to work with, fill out the application and provide all of the required financial documentation. Be prepared to answer questions about your employment history and financial situation.

Step 6 – Wait for a decision:

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for the lender to review your financial documents and make a decision. This can take several weeks, so be patient.

Step 7 – Close on the loan:

If you’re approved for the mortgage, you’ll need to close on the loan before you can take ownership of the property. This involves signing legal documents and paying closing costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can buy a house without a job, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of being approved. It’s important to gather all your financial documents, consider alternative income sources, look for lenders specializing in non-traditional income, and be prepared to pay a higher interest rate or make a larger down payment. Remember to be honest and transparent with your lender, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice if you need it. With patience and persistence, you can still achieve your dream of owning a home, even without a traditional job.

Find the No Job Mortgage Lenders

Get pre-qualified for a mortgage without a job.

Frequently Asked Questions