Handle a Mortgage Borrower Employment Change

A borrower may hesitate to mention a job change because they fear it will stop a purchase. A mortgage banker makes disclosure easier by responding without judgment: “Thank you for telling me before closing.” Ask what changed, when the new role begins, whether pay structure changed, and whether the borrower has documents from the employer. Route complete facts for review, where the designated team assesses how the change affects the application.

Devin moved from a salaried position to a role with base pay and commissions. He asks whether he should wait to tell anyone until he has his first paycheck. His banker should not advise concealment or say the loan will be denied. Instead: “The lending team needs the change reported through the approved process. Let’s identify the dates and documents they can review.” That answer protects Devin from making a choice based on an unsupported reassurance.

Explain what the banker can do today: record the reported change, identify the correct lending contact, and describe how the borrower may submit requested materials securely. Do not interpret an offer letter, calculate qualifying income, or promise that an old approval still applies. Questions about Devin’s employment agreement belong with his employer or a qualified advisor.

Close with a concrete handoff. Confirm the employer name, start date, compensation description, and the next person who will contact Devin. Ask whether any closing date has changed so the team has the current timeline. Coaching should focus on the phrase “report for review,” because it is more accurate than “update the file.” A borrower who understands the next step is more likely to disclose promptly and provide the right information without being led to expect a decision.