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Asset Depletion Guide

Can I Qualify If I'm Retired?

Yes — retirees are one of the strongest fits for asset depletion Non-QM. Your portfolio can create qualifying income when a traditional paycheck is gone.

Built for Indiana Retirees

Leaving the workforce does not have to end homebuying or refinancing. Asset depletion Non-QM converts eligible IRA, 401(k), brokerage, and cash balances into monthly DTI income — so underwriters look at your balance sheet, not a missing W-2.

Many retirees also bring Social Security, pension, or annuity income. Those streams can often be stacked with depletion income, which may shrink the asset base required to clear the payment.

Ryan & Steve structure retiree files for downsizers, second-home buyers, and homeowners who want to refinance without forcing a full portfolio liquidation.

Guidelines vary by investor, credit, and loan amount. This overview is educational — your file is reviewed against current product rules.

Retiree Snapshot

EmploymentNot required
Primary income sourceLiquid assets
Optional add-onsSS / pension / annuity
CreditMid-600s+ typical
Down payment20–30%+ common
ReservesOften 6–12 mo PITIA

Common Retiree Scenarios

Asset depletion covers more than one retirement chapter.

Downsizing

Sell a larger home and buy a smaller primary with asset-based qualifying when pension or SS alone does not clear conventional DTI.

Second home / vacation

Use portfolio liquidity for a lake or seasonal home — occupancy and LTV rules vary by investor.

Rate or cash-out refinance

Refinance an existing mortgage on depletion income when traditional retirement cash flow understates capacity.

Semi-retired transition

One spouse retired, the other still working — blend employment income with asset depletion when it strengthens the file.

Documents Retirees Should Gather

Expect asset statements for every account used in the calc, plus award letters or 1099-R / SSA statements if you are stacking Social Security or pension income.

Photo ID, credit authorization, and a clear trail for down payment and reserves round out the file. We provide a retiree-specific checklist so nothing stalls underwriting.

Retiree checklist

  • — 2–3 months of brokerage and retirement statements
  • — Social Security / pension award letters (if stacking)
  • — Cash accounts for down payment and reserves
  • — Government ID and signed application

Sep 2, 2026 • 2MG Daily

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I qualify for a mortgage if I'm retired?

Yes — retirees are a primary fit for Non-QM asset depletion. Liquid retirement, brokerage, and cash balances can create monthly qualifying income even when W-2 employment has ended.

Do I need Social Security or a pension too?

Not required for many programs. Documented Social Security, pension, or annuity income can be stacked with depletion income, which may reduce how large a portfolio you need — but assets alone can be enough.

What credit score do retired buyers need?

Many asset depletion programs start in the mid-600s, with stronger scores unlocking better pricing and higher LTVs. Exact overlays vary by investor and loan size.

Can I buy a second home or downsize while retired?

Often yes. Primary, second home, and sometimes investment occupancy are available depending on LTV, reserves, and credit. We match the occupancy goal to the right Non-QM investor.

Retired and Ready to Buy or Refinance?

Ryan & Steve will map your retirement accounts, Social Security, and reserves against current asset depletion guidelines.