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.
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.
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.
Asset depletion covers more than one retirement chapter.
Sell a larger home and buy a smaller primary with asset-based qualifying when pension or SS alone does not clear conventional DTI.
Use portfolio liquidity for a lake or seasonal home — occupancy and LTV rules vary by investor.
Refinance an existing mortgage on depletion income when traditional retirement cash flow understates capacity.
One spouse retired, the other still working — blend employment income with asset depletion when it strengthens the file.
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
Related asset depletion guides and Non-QM resources from Ryan & Steve.
How asset depletion works when there is no paycheck.
401(k), IRA, and Roth haircuts for retiree files.
Credit, equity, reserves, and liquid asset size.
Full program hub and application steps.
2MG Daily
Recent articles on asset depletion financing, Non-QM options, and retiree qualifying.
Sep 10, 2026 • 2MG Daily
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Sep 2, 2026 • 2MG Daily
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Ryan & Steve will map your retirement accounts, Social Security, and reserves against current asset depletion guidelines.