Ryan Childress – VP Regional Sales Manager – (614) 526-0860
Relocating for a new job is one of life’s most stressful transitions, often feeling overwhelming.
But do you know what’s even more chaotic than a cross-country move?
Having to move again, a few months later, because you started out in temporary housing and now need to relocate everything into the home you actually want to purchase and live in.
Many people assume that renting first is the “safe” option because buying a home seems too complicated or even impossible when switching jobs. The truth? It’s easier than you think to buy a home during a job relocation, and it can save you time, money, and stress.
A Real-Life Example
I was catching up recently with my friend Calvin, who runs an HVAC distribution company. We often discuss business, life, and the challenges we’re each facing.
Calvin shared that he’s trying to recruit a salesperson from Arizona to Columbus, Ohio.
Naturally, when mortgage talk pops up, I jump in.
I told him, “If your recruit relocates, they can actually buy a home and close before their start date.”
He paused.
“That reduces a lot of friction,” he said, clearly realizing he’d just gained a powerful tool for recruiting.
And he’s right. Most employers don’t realize how much smoother a relocation becomes when the employee can close on a home before their first day on the job.
Why This Matters: Eliminating the ‘Extra Move’
Most people don’t consider the logistics of relocating until they’re already in the middle of it. And, because many assume they can’t get a mortgage while switching jobs, or they’re overwhelmed by the idea of securing financing during a move, they default to temporary housing first.
The problem? That decision adds an unnecessary layer of stress. Relocating already stacks several major life challenges on top of each other:
- A job change
- A cross-country move
- Packing, storing, and transporting belongings
- Registering your children in their new school district (if applicable)
- Living out of boxes, paying for temporary housing <unnecessary layer of stress>
- Moving into the home you love in your new city
A relocation mortgage—one specifically designed for people starting a new job—lets you get approved and closed, up to 60 days before your new start date.
That means you arrive in your new city with:
✔ A permanent home
✔ No storage unit bills
✔ No temporary housing
✔ No second move
✔ No juggling life between two locations
It’s hard to overstate how much stress that removes, not just for the relocating employee but also for their entire family.
How It Works & Key Things to Know
1. Get Pre-Approved with a Knowledgeable Lender
Not every lender understands relocation guidelines, but a good one, like Homestead, does!
The biggest requirement for qualifying before your start date is a specific document called a non-contingent job offer letter.
What You’ll Need: A Non-Contingent Job Offer Letter
For a relocation mortgage, a non-contingent job offer letter serves as a substitute for pay stubs, W-2s, and other income documents.
Here’s how it works:
- You can begin your mortgage application with a contingent job offer letter, such as one that still requires a background check or drug screen.
- You will not be able to close on the loan until those contingencies are removed.
- Once your employer issues a fully non-contingent job offer letter, underwriting can use it in place of traditional income verification, allowing you to close before your start date.
Many buyers, employers, and even some lenders are unaware of this option, but it is the key that makes it possible to purchase a home before starting a new job.
2. Choose an Experienced Realtor
When you’re buying a home remotely, the realtor becomes your eyes and ears.A seasoned agent will:
- Do video walkthroughs
- Call out red flags that a camera won’t capture
- Help you understand neighborhoods, commute times, schools, and resale considerations
- Coordinate inspections, repairs, and local logistics
Buying from a distance requires trust and experience, so don’t skimp on the agent.
Why Buying During Your Relocation Is Often the Better Move
You avoid throwing money at temporary housing.
Corporate housing, Airbnb, short leases—these options add up fast.
You avoid moving twice.
Your wallet, your schedule, and your sanity will thank you.
You start your new job grounded.
There’s something stabilizing about coming home each day to a place that’s truly yours.
You secure your home before the market changes.
Rates and prices don’t wait for you to settle in.
Final Thoughts
Relocating for a new job is already a major life transition; you shouldn’t have to navigate multiple moves, temporary housing, or unnecessary logistics on top of it. With the right lender and realtor in your corner, you can secure a home before your first day on the job and step into your new life with confidence.
When you simplify the housing piece, the whole relocation becomes easier, smoother, and far less stressful. And with a relocation mortgage, that simplicity is absolutely within reach.