The nursing profession is an integral component of society and produces excellent homes. The nursing profession often offers excellent starting salaries and long-term job security. In addition, they have a nursing school degree, which satisfies the criterion for a two-year work history that is imposed by the mortgage business.
Mortgage companies are willing to work with nurses who have a diverse range of credit ratings and enable nurses to purchase a house with a little or no down payment at all. The same channels that are available to other professions, such as traditional mortgage loans and organizations funded by the government, are open to nurse practitioners who are interested in purchasing a property.
The most difficult part of obtaining a mortgage authorized for a nurse is demonstrating that they have a steady source of income.
This article provides information about house loans for nurses, including how to choose the most suitable alternative and useful hints for establishing proof of income.
4 Best Mortgage Loans for Nurses
It is important for nurses to be aware of the various mortgage options available to them when considering purchasing a home. Some options, such as traditional mortgage loans and government-backed programs, may require a minimum credit score and a demonstrated history of income. Nurses may also be eligible for special mortgage programs specifically designed for those in the healthcare field.
It is advisable for nurses to research and compare different mortgage options and consult with a financial advisor or mortgage lender to determine the best option for their individual situation. It is also important for nurses to carefully consider their budget and financial goals before making a decision on purchasing a home.
Conventional Mortgages For Nurses
Ideal for Registered Nurses Seeking Low Initial Investment Opportunities
If you are a registered nurse looking to make a low initial investment in your first home, a conventional mortgage may be the right option for you. These loans, which make up 78% of all mortgages issued, are often chosen by nurses as their primary financing option. Guaranteed by government entities like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, conventional loans have a minimal down payment requirement of just 3%.
There are many benefits to choosing a conventional mortgage:
- You can make a 3% down payment while still getting competitive interest rates
- You may be eligible for interest rates that are discounted in areas with low or moderate incomes
- Income requirements are often flexible for registered nurses with contract documents
By choosing a conventional mortgage, you can take the first step towards owning your dream home while making a low initial investment.
FHA Mortgages For Nurses
An Option for Nurses with Lower Credit Scores
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage is another alternative for nurses who may not qualify for a conventional mortgage. FHA loans are funded by the government and are often considered more flexible than conventional loans. These loans have a minimum down payment requirement of 3.5%, and they can be used to purchase homes that need extensive repairs.
FHA loans are a good option for nurses who may have lower credit scores, as they have less stringent credit requirements compared to conventional loans. However, FHA loans do require mortgage insurance, which can increase the overall cost of the loan.
VA Mortgages For Nurses
For Nurses Who Have Served in the Military
If you are a nurse who has served in the military or are the spouse of a service member, you may be eligible for a VA mortgage. VA loans are funded by the government and are available to veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans do not require a down payment and have competitive interest rates, making them a good option for nurses who are eligible.
USDA Mortgages For Nurses
For Nurses Who Live in Rural Areas
If you are a nurse who lives in a rural area, you may be eligible for a USDA mortgage. USDA loans are funded by the government and are available to individuals who live in rural areas or small towns with populations under 35,000. These loans do not require a down payment and have competitive interest rates, making them a good option for nurses who are eligible.
Alternative “Nurse Mortgage” Websites
It is important to be cautious of websites that claim to offer financial assistance or grants to nurses for purchasing a home. While there are mortgage options available specifically for nurses, these are not sponsored by the government and should be thoroughly researched before making any decisions.
Some websites that advertise these programs may not be legitimate or may not provide the necessary legal disclaimers required by mortgage businesses. It is best to verify the authenticity of any program or website before moving forward with any mortgage assistance.
Tips for Getting Approved as a Staff Nurse
It can be difficult for staff nurses to prove their income when applying for a mortgage due to the fluctuating nature of their pay. In addition to their basic salary, nurses may receive overtime pay, extra hours pay, and shift differential pay, which can make it challenging to accurately document their income. To simplify the mortgage approval process, mortgage lenders often recommend the following three methods for documenting a nurse’s income:
Store Every Pay Stub From Every Job Digitally Or On Paper
To obtain a mortgage as a nurse, it is important to keep track of your paychecks and pay stubs for at least the past two years. This will help to verify any additional income you have received, such as overtime, shift differentials, and bonuses. Keep electronic copies of your paychecks and pay stubs, or hard copies in a folder. You may also need to provide your W-2 statements. While pay stubs are not required for pre-approval for a loan, they may be needed to place a bid on a home.
Keep A Record Of Your Extra Shifts And Overtime
As a nurse, it’s important to keep track of your income and any additional pay you receive, such as overtime or shift differentials. This documentation can be helpful when applying for a mortgage, as lenders will want to see evidence of your income in order to determine the amount you are qualified to borrow. Keep pay stubs and W-2 statements, as well as records of any additional shifts you work and the pay received for them. Having this information on hand will make it easier to provide evidence of your income to lenders.
Make A Contact In Human Resources For Income Documentation
It is important for mortgage lenders to know that you have a steady income, including overtime pay. A letter from your employer’s human resources department can provide reassurance on this front. The letter should include your name and job title, as well as a statement confirming that your income, including any bonuses, is reliable and consistent. If you have not yet found a home, you may not need this letter.
Establishing a relationship with someone in your company’s HR department can be helpful in the mortgage approval process.
Tips for Getting Approved as a Travel Nurse
As a travel nurse, it can be challenging to secure a mortgage for your first home. However, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of approval. Firstly, it is important to keep thorough records of your employment history, including any breaks between assignments and per diem payments received. This information can help your lender understand the unique nature of your profession and accurately assess your income.
Additionally, try to minimize the time between assignments while house hunting, as mortgage lenders use a formula based on taxable income earned over the past two years, divided by 24 months. This means that pending contracts or offer letters are not taken into consideration and your salary is not averaged or prorated based on the number of months worked. Lastly, consider increasing your taxable income whenever possible.
While per diem costs and reimbursable travel expenses are not taxable and cannot be included in calculations, increasing your taxable income may allow you to qualify for a more expensive property. Be sure to consult with your accountant about the potential impacts of shifting your income in this way. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in your quest to purchase your first home as a travel nurse.