Will housing stipends count toward my mortgage qualifying income?

Sometimes, but often only with a strong documented history and depending on the lender's guidelines, since stipends are generally viewed as less guaranteed than base pay.

Do I need two years of travel nursing experience to qualify?

Many lenders look for at least a couple of years in the same or a related field, though prior related experience, such as staff nursing before travel assignments, may sometimes be considered.

Can I qualify if I am paid as a 1099 contractor?

Yes, though it typically requires documentation similar to self employed borrowers, such as tax returns showing consistent income.

What if I recently switched staffing agencies?

This is common in the field and generally does not disqualify you, but be prepared to explain the transition and provide documentation from both agencies if needed.

Self Employed Borrowers

Mortgage Options for Travel Nurses and Contract Workers

How variable income, contract assignments, and 1099 pay affect mortgage qualification for travel nurses and other contract workers, and what documentation helps.

Updated 2026-08-17| Applies to: Travel nurses, traveling therapists, contract IT workers, and other 1099 or contract based employees.

The short answer

Travel nurses and other contract workers can generally qualify for a mortgage, though lenders often look more closely at income consistency, contract history, and employment gaps compared to salaried borrowers. Providing a clear paper trail of contracts, pay history, and employment continuity can help support the application.

Can travel nurses and contract workers qualify for a mortgage?

Yes, travel nurses and other contract workers can qualify for a mortgage, but the underwriting approach usually differs from a borrower with a single steady salaried job. Lenders generally want to understand the pattern of your assignments, how consistently you have worked, and whether your income has been stable or increasing over time.

Why does variable income get extra scrutiny?

Income that changes from contract to contract, or that includes per diem, stipends, or overtime, can be harder for an underwriter to project forward compared to a fixed salary. Lenders often average income over a recent period, such as the last one to two years, and may exclude certain non-guaranteed components like housing stipends unless there is a strong documented history.

What documentation helps support an application?

Copies of recent and past employment contracts or assignment letters.
Two years of tax returns, particularly if a portion of income is reported as 1099.
Pay stubs or statements from staffing agencies covering recent assignments.
A written explanation for any gaps between contracts.
Bank statements showing consistent deposits, especially useful if income varies by assignment.

How different income types are often treated

Income Type	General Treatment
Base contract pay (W-2)	Often averaged similarly to salaried income if history is consistent
1099 contract income	Typically requires tax returns, may be averaged over two years
Housing or travel stipends	Often excluded unless well documented and history supports continuation
Overtime or per diem	May be counted if there is a consistent two year history

What if there are gaps between assignments?

Short gaps between contracts are common in travel nursing and similar fields, and many lenders understand this pattern. Being able to explain the gap, such as time between assignment start dates, and showing that gaps have not significantly disrupted overall income, can help support your case during underwriting.

Does working through a staffing agency change anything?

Whether you are paid as a W-2 employee of a staffing agency or as a 1099 contractor can affect which documentation is used to verify income. W-2 staffing agency income is often treated more like standard employment income, while 1099 income generally requires the same type of documentation used for self employed borrowers.

Exact income averaging methods and stipend treatment vary by lender and by loan program.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not keeping copies of past assignment contracts organized for underwriting.
Assuming stipend income will automatically be counted toward qualifying income.
Underestimating how gaps between contracts may be reviewed.
Not disclosing 1099 status if it applies to part of your income.
Switching from 1099 to W-2 status, or vice versa, right before applying without discussing timing with a broker.

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