What's your advice for college graduates seeking a mortgage?

What's your advice for college graduates seeking a mortgage?

Accountant · Miami, FL · Member since 2020 · 89 posts · 57 votes

Hello BP Community,

I've heard so much about the mortgage pre-approval process. One particular qualification that comes up repeatably is "two years' worth of tax returns." As a soon-to-be college graduate, I believe I and many other graduates alike would have difficulty fulfilling this qualification, as some of us may be getting our first jobs right out of college.

To all of you, I ask: What advice would you give a college graduate that could help them secure a mortgage?

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y

There are ways around this, but the rules of the game are the rules. And they make sense if you think about it from their point of view....You might get a loan with a new job and that W2, but in my experience it's not that easy. You could get fired or laid off next week and then couldn't pay them back.

Getting a partner or co-signer is a more likely route. Or wait two years and accumulate knowledge during that time.

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    One option is to have someone co-sign a loan.  You are going to need money for a down payment, closing costs, inspection, etc.  

  • Real Estate Agent/Investor · Peoria, AZ · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    Talk to a knowledgeable loan officer. As a recent graduate, one may be able to qualify for a mortgage after getting a new job, showing pay stubs, and using their college transcripts.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    There are ways around this, but the rules of the game are the rules. And they make sense if you think about it from their point of view....You might get a loan with a new job and that W2, but in my experience it's not that easy. You could get fired or laid off next week and then couldn't pay them back.

    Getting a partner or co-signer is a more likely route. Or wait two years and accumulate knowledge during that time.

  • Lender · Boca Raton, FL · Member since 2017 · 35 posts · 15 votes
    4y

    Hi @Jonathan Feliciano

    @Bob Okenwa is correct. You can use education to explain lack of work history as long as you have been receiving paychecks from your employer and it is relatable to the degree you’ve received. As a lender in Florida I’ve assisted clients in similar situations.

    Best of luck

  • Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2020 · 182 posts · 90 votes
    4y

    Hey Jonathan, so long as everything is in the same field, you should be able to use your college transcripts/internships to make up the 2 year history. This works well for specialized fields, i.e. finance, engineering, math, etc. You might have a tougher time if your studies were in something totally different than your job (i.e. art major to data analytics job). 

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