Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Divorce is one of the most financially complicated life events — and a shared mortgage sits at the center of it. Here’s how to handle a jointly held mortgage when a marriage ends. The Core Problem: Joint Liability When two spouses take out a mortgage together, both are…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Retirement changes your income profile — but it doesn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage. Lenders have specific guidelines for qualifying retirees, and there are several strategies to maximize your borrowing power on a fixed income. Can Retirees Get a Mortgage? Yes, and federal law prohibits age discrimination…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Self-employed borrowers can absolutely get a mortgage — but the process is more documentation-heavy than for W-2 employees. Here’s what lenders look for and how to prepare. Why Self-Employment Makes Mortgages Harder Mortgage lenders need to verify that your income is stable, sufficient, and likely to continue. For…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Having a low credit score doesn’t automatically disqualify you from buying a home — but it does limit your options and typically increases your costs. Here’s what you need to know. What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House? Different loan programs have different minimum credit…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Bankruptcy and foreclosure feel like permanent financial records — and the stigma can make it seem like homeownership is over. It isn’t. Every major mortgage program has defined waiting periods after these events, and buyers are routinely approved for mortgages 2–4 years after a bankruptcy or 3–7 years…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Self-employed borrowers are approved for mortgages every day. The process is more document-intensive than for W-2 employees, and the income calculation works differently — but it’s not harder to qualify. The main challenge is understanding how lenders analyze self-employment income and preparing accordingly. Who Counts as “Self-Employed” to…
Student loans don’t disqualify you from getting a mortgage. Millions of buyers carry student debt and get approved every year. But student loans do affect how lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio — and the rules vary so dramatically between loan types that the same borrower can qualify for dramatically different loan amounts depending on which…