Buying a home solo after a divorce often means qualifying on a single income for the first time in years, and lenders will want a clear picture of how the divorce affects your finances. The process is manageable, but it comes with documentation requirements unique to your situation.
Lenders typically want support income expected to continue for at least three years.
A common complication: your credit history may still show a jointly held mortgage even after the settlement assigns it to your ex-spouse. That can inflate your debt-to-income ratio until the loan is formally refinanced or your name is removed. Deal with it early, ideally before you start shopping, so it doesn't derail your approval later.
Alimony and child support can generally count toward qualifying income, but lenders typically want to see it documented and expected to continue for at least three years.
Divorce changes your financial picture, but it doesn't close the door on homeownership.
It means walking into the process with your paperwork organized and your new numbers clearly understood. Sort out the decree and the old mortgage first, then pre-qualify on your own income.
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A loan officer can review your decree, any support payments and the old mortgage on your credit to show where you stand. Pre-qualifying will not affect your credit score.
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