I want to break down the basic requirements for getting a mortgage, because there are so many myths floating around that keep people from even trying.

I hear this all the time:

• “I’m too young to buy a house.”
• “I’m too old to get a mortgage.”
• “I don’t make enough.”
• “I don’t have perfect credit.”
• “You have to be rich to buy a home.”

None of those is true.

So let’s walk through what actually matters — and what doesn’t.

Age: Too Young? Too Old? Neither.

Let’s start here because this one surprises people.

Age does not matter.
Legally, lenders cannot discriminate based on age.

If you are 18 or 102, you are eligible for the same loan programs.

You do need to be at least 18, but that’s it. There is no “too young” or “too old” when it comes to getting a mortgage.

Employment & Income: You Don’t Need 2 Years at the Same Job

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of qualifying.

You do not need to be at the same job for two years.
You need a two-year work history.

Those are very different things.

When You Don’t Need Two Years on the Job

If you:

• Went to college
• Attended trade school
• Completed a program that led directly into a salaried position

…that income can often be used immediately.

For example, if you went to dental assistant school and got hired right after graduation into a salaried role, we can usually use that income right away.

The key is showing a pattern of employment, not staying stuck in one role forever.

Switching Jobs Is Usually Fine

Hate your job? You’re not trapped.

As long as:

• You have another job lined up
• The pay is guaranteed
• The income is consistent

…it’s usually not an issue.

Where things can get tricky is with variable pay, like truck drivers who may be paid:

• By the mile
• By the load
• By the trip

Consistency matters more than the job title.

Income Types (Quick Breakdown)

• Salary: Easiest.
• Hourly (40 hours guaranteed): Easy.
• Commission: One-year minimum; two years preferred.
• Switching commission jobs: Can be tricky.
• Overtime: Needs to be consistent and documented.

Overall? Income qualifications are way easier than most people think.

Assets & Down Payment: You Don’t Need a Ton of Cash

This is where people really overestimate the barrier.

You do not need a huge lump sum of money to buy a house.

Here are real options:

• VA loans: 0% down
• USDA loans: 0% down in eligible areas
• Conventional first-time buyer: As little as 3% down

Example:

• $300,000 home
• 3% down = $9,000

And closing costs?
In many markets right now, sellers are paying them through negotiation.

Bottom line: you don’t need to be sitting on a pile of cash.

Credit: You Do Not Need Perfect Credit

This is where anxiety goes through the roof — and it shouldn’t.

No, you do not need:

• An 800-credit score
• A 700-credit score

Here’s the reality:

• Conventional loans: Typically, 620+
• FHA: Can go down to 550
• VA: No official credit score requirement (we look at credit history)

And this varies by lender.

What If You Have No Credit?

You’re not doomed.

We can sometimes use non-traditional credit, like:

• Verified rent payments
• Cell phone bills
• Auto insurance
• Utility payments

Credit score matters — but not nearly as much as people think.

The Bigger Problem: Misinformation

I made this video (and this blog) because I see so many people who think:

• You have to be rich
• You have to be a certain age
• You have to make a certain amount
• You have to be “perfect” financially

You don’t.

I wish I had known this in my 20s. I didn’t grow up with financial education or parents teaching me about homeownership — and that’s something we see all the time.

Families who talk about buying homes early tend to raise kids who buy earlier.
Families who didn’t? Their kids assume homeownership is only for “later” or “when I’m rich.”

That assumption is wrong.

Final Thoughts: It’s Shockingly Easy

Here’s the truth:
Getting a mortgage is not that hard.
It’s actually shockingly easy compared to what most people believe.

If you want to:

• See if you qualify
• Put together a plan
• Or just understand where you stand

We don’t charge for that.

Reach out. Let’s talk.
It might be a lot closer than you think.

786-933-2077 

https://zerostressmortgage.com

Want to plan ahead? Book a call with Jennifer: https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston