Many parents take time away from their careers to raise their children, but when it’s time to buy a home, they often wonder: will my employment gap affect my mortgage approval?

The good news is, not necessarily! Lenders understand that life happens, and as long as you meet certain requirements, you may still qualify for a home loan.

How Employment Gaps Affect Loan Approval

When applying for a mortgage, lenders typically want to see at least two years of steady employment. However, if you’re returning to work after raising kids, you may still qualify under these conditions:

• Returning to the Same Field: If you’re going back to the industry you worked in before your time off, lenders may consider your past work history.
• Providing Documentation: Employment verification from previous employers, pay stubs, and tax records can help show your prior experience.
• Explaining the Gap: A letter explaining your career break for childcare and confirming your return to work strengthens your loan application.

What If You’re Starting a New Job?

If you’ve just re-entered the workforce, lenders may require a few months of pay stubs to prove stable income. Some loan programs may also require you to be employed for a certain period before qualifying.

Real-Life Example

A former church secretary took several years off to raise her children. Once they were older, she returned to work as a church secretary at a different location. Because we were able to verify her prior employment with a pastor who had connections to both churches, her previous work history helped qualify her for a mortgage.

Bottom Line

Taking time off to raise kids doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage. With the right documentation and a clear plan for returning to work, homeownership is still within reach.