Here's What Happens When You Apply for a Mortgage Without a Job

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• You need to prove that you have an ongoing source of income to get approved for a mortgage.
• That income doesn't necessarily have to come from a job, but could come from investments or a pension.
• You might also get approved if you're buying with someone else who has enough income to qualify alone.

There are different factors that mortgage lenders look at when deciding whether to approve or deny home loan applications. One factor is your credit score, because it speaks to how risky (or not) a borrower you are.

Experian says that a credit score under 580 is considered poor. A score that low sends the message that you're not necessarily the most trustworthy borrower, and that doesn't bode well. As such, it generally takes a minimum credit score of 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage, though there are certain types of loans, like FHA loans, that allow you to borrow for a home with a lower score.