Why Mortgage Lenders Require Pay Stubs
Understanding what lenders look for in mortgage income verification
Income Verification
Lenders need to verify your gross monthly income to calculate your debt-to-income ratio and loan eligibility.
Employment Stability
Recent pay stubs (typically last 30-60 days) prove stable employment and consistent income.
Loan Qualification
Pay stubs are required documentation for all conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage loans.
What Mortgage Lenders Verify on Pay Stubs
Perfect For All Mortgage Types
Conventional Loans
Standard bank mortgages requiring proof of income, employment verification, and debt-to-income calculations.
FHA Loans
Federal Housing Administration loans with income documentation requirements for first-time homebuyers.
VA Loans
Veterans Affairs mortgages requiring military income verification and employment documentation.
Self-Employed & Freelancer
Document your business income with professional pay stubs showing consistent self-employment earnings.
Mortgage Application FAQs
How many pay stubs do I need for a mortgage?
Most lenders require 2-3 consecutive recent pay stubs (typically from the last 30-60 days) along with W-2s from the past 2 years.
Will mortgage lenders verify my pay stubs?
Yes, lenders may contact your employer to verify employment and income. Ensure all information on your pay stubs is accurate and matches your actual employment situation.
Can self-employed people use pay stubs for mortgages?
Yes! Self-employed individuals can create pay stubs from their business income. You'll also typically need tax returns and bank statements showing consistent deposits.
What income counts toward mortgage qualification?
Lenders count base salary, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and sometimes part-time income if you've earned it consistently for 2+ years.