Can You Get a Mortgage While Working for a Staffing Agency? Here’s What You Need to Know!

So, you’ve been crushing it at your job through a staffing agency, getting steady paychecks, and now you’re ready to buy a home. But then—bam!—you find out that lenders might not be as thrilled about your employment history as you are. Why? Because when it comes to staffing agency work, mortgage lenders want at least two years of consistent employment history before they’ll count that income toward your mortgage qualification.  Yep, it’s frustrating, but there’s a method to the madness. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense (and won’t make you want to throw your pay stubs out the window).

Why Do Mortgage Lenders Require a Two-Year Employment History for Staffing Agency Work?

Lenders aren’t just being difficult—they’re looking for stability and reliability in your income. Here’s why that two-year rule exists:

1. Consistency is Key

Mortgage lenders love predictability. They want to see a steady paycheck over time to feel confident that you’ll keep making those mortgage payments. If you’ve been working through a staffing agency for at least two years, it shows them that you have a solid track record of earning income and aren’t just hopping between short-term gigs.

2. Proof of Income is a Must

Lenders need to verify your income using pay stubs, tax returns, and other documents. A two-year history gives them enough data to assess whether your income is steady—or if it’s been a financial rollercoaster with ups, downs, and unexpected drops.

3. Job Stability = Lower Risk

Let’s be honest—staffing agency work can be unpredictable. Some assignments last months, others just weeks. Lenders want to make sure you’re not experiencing long gaps between jobs, which could affect your ability to pay a mortgage. If you’ve been employed through a staffing agency consistently for two years, it helps prove that you’ve got job stability, even if your job title changes from time to time.

4. Income Reliability Matters

Imagine a lender giving a mortgage to someone who worked two months out of the past year. Risky, right? That’s why they need to see a history of reliable earnings—not just proof that you sometimes make money.

5. Lenders Want to Minimize Risk

At the end of the day, a mortgage lender’s main goal is not losing money. If they’re loaning you hundreds of thousands of dollars, they want to be sure you’ll be able to pay it back. A two-year employment history helps them feel comfortable that you’re financially stable enough to handle a mortgage.

Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule?

Yes! While two years is the general rule, some lenders may make exceptions if:

✅ You have other strong financial factors, like excellent credit, a low debt-to-income ratio, and significant savings.

✅ You have a history in the same industry—for example, if you were a full-time employee in the same field before transitioning to staffing agency work.

✅ You can provide additional documentation showing consistent earnings.

But in most cases, you’ll need that two-year work history before your income is counted toward mortgage approval.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for Mortgage Success

If you’re working through a staffing agency and dreaming of homeownership, the key is planning ahead.

✔️ Keep working consistently—even if your assignments change, staying employed and earning steady income is what matters.

✔️ Track your pay stubs and tax returns—you’ll need them when applying for a mortgage.

✔️ Talk to a mortgage professional early—if you’re not sure whether you qualify, don’t wait until the last minute to find out! A mortgage expert can guide you on what’s needed and whether any exceptions might apply.

🏡 Ready to see if you qualify for a mortgage? Click HERE and let’s talk! I’ll walk you through your options and help you create a plan to get mortgage-ready. Whether you need advice now or want to prepare for the future, I’m here to help. Reach out today, and let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality!