Buying A Home
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Need mortgage approval/work history advice

I am interested in buying a home and have been pre-qualified. I have zero debt, good credit and can put down at least 20%. I also have money for closing costs, start up costs, a few major repairs and an emergency fund. What I don't have, is an extensive work history. I'm not proud of this at all, but 5 years ago, my now ex-husband bullied me into quitting my job to take care of his mother full time. She passed away earlier this year and within a month, he filed for divorce. I have been back at work for 6 months now and have received confirmation that my job is secure. However, I'm afraid my limited work history will prevent me from being approved for an actual mortgage, even though I can easily afford the houses I'm interested in. The pre-qualification I got was based only on my credit and income, so I don't feel like I can put much stock in it. I have also read that I may be asked to explain the employment gap and I'm not sure my explanation is acceptable. So my question is, is there anything I can do to make myself more appealing to a lender? Also, is there a certain type of loan, or program that I should be looking into? TIA for any help you can offer.

Re: Need mortgage approval/work history advice

  • I think you'd still be able to get a loan.
    image
    No amount of education could convince Betty to be nice to possums
  • I think you will be ok, but I was never asked about work history

    image Anniversary
  • For any extended job gap, you will need to be back on the job for six months. Which, you say you are. You will need to submit a letter of explanation as to your job gap. I would leave out the personal stuff, just say that you were out of the work force to take care of an elderly sick relative, and after that person passed you went back to work. Now, an underwriter may ask for documentation to support this, so if you have anything that you can furnish, be prepared to submit that. 
  • In a similar situation they were ok with my lack of work history because like you I had plenty of cash.
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