Mortgage Navigator • Conventional • Income

Future employment & future raises

A borrower may be able to close before starting a new job—but Fannie and Freddie impose specific guardrails.

Fannie — offer or contract

Fannie has an option allowing qualifying income from a fully executed future employment offer or contract. When no paystub is obtained before delivery, the transaction is limited to an eligible purchase of a one-unit principal residence using fixed-base income, and the start date can generally be no later than 90 days after the note date. Additional reserve or financial-resource requirements apply.

Fannie — future raise with current employer

Fannie can use a documented future increase in fixed-base pay for an eligible purchase or limited cash-out refinance when the increase takes effect no later than 60 days after the note date and the other requirements are met.

Freddie — income commencing after note date

Freddie has its own framework for new primary employment and future income increases from the current primary employer. Income must be non-fluctuating salary or qualifying hourly income and must satisfy the applicable start-date, documentation and reserve requirements in Section 5303.2.

Agency Difference — potentially loan-saving: future-income rules are not identical. A borrower whose start date or compensation structure misses one agency's box may fit the other agency's current rule.

Official guide baseline

Fannie Mae Selling Guide · Freddie Mac Seller/Servicer Guide

Agency guide and AUS findings control over summaries. Lender overlays may be more restrictive.