If you’re buying a home in the Seattle area right now, there’s a good chance this thought has crossed your mind: What if I lose my job before we close?

It’s not an irrational fear. Tech layoffs have been real and visible, economic uncertainty is genuinely elevated, and buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments most people make. The last thing anyone wants is to be mid-transaction when bad news arrives.

The good news: there’s a lot more nuance here than most buyers realize — and understanding what lenders actually look for can help you make a more confident decision. [Read more…]