WVOE Loans | Written Verification of Employment

What Is a WVOE Loan?

The Written Verification of Employment (WVOE) program is a Non-QM path for eligible borrowers to document employment income without leaning on traditional income paperwork. Qualifying borrowers may use a completed Written Verification of Employment from their employer.

This is a strong option for W-2 employees with stable, long-term employment and straightforward salary or base-pay income — especially when a conventional tax-return file is heavier than it needs to be.

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

How income is documented

Employer completes

Fannie Mae Form 1005

sent directly to / received from employer

+

VVOE within 10 days of closing

HR, Payroll, or a company officer must complete the form. Equifax / The Work Number may also be acceptable.

How the WVOE Program Works

A Written Verification of Employment is completed by the borrower's employer and verifies employment and income. To qualify:

01

Two-year employment history

Borrower must have a 2-year employment history with the same employer.

02

Fannie Mae Form 1005

The WVOE must be completed on Fannie Mae Form 1005 — not a generic employer letter.

03

Direct from the employer

The form must be sent directly to and received directly from the employer. HR, Payroll, or an officer of the company completes it.

04

Work Number option

An approved online verification provider, such as Equifax / The Work Number, may also be acceptable.

05

No related-party employment

Employment with family members or related individuals is not eligible.

06

Verbal VOE at the finish line

A Verbal Verification of Employment (VVOE) is required within 10 days of closing.

What Income Can Be Used?

The program is designed for borrowers with straightforward employment income. If additional income is needed to qualify, this program may not be the right fit.

Eligible income

Salary and base pay

Qualifying income is salary and base pay from employment — the amount the employer verifies on Form 1005.

Cannot be used

No supplemental income

Supplemental income sources are not permitted on this program.

Additional Documentation

If the Written Verification of Employment is completed by hand, one additional supporting document is required. An internet search of the employer is also required to document and support the existence of the business.

{[ { title: 'Paystub', detail: 'A recent paystub showing salary or base pay that supports the WVOE figures.' }, { title: 'W-2', detail: 'A W-2 that aligns with the employer named on Form 1005.' }, { title: 'Tax returns', detail: 'Returns may be used as the one supporting document when the WVOE is handwritten — they are not the primary income calc.' }, { title: 'Bank statement with direct deposit', detail: 'A statement showing payroll direct deposit from the same employer.' }, ].map((item, i) => (

{item.title}

{item.detail}

))}

WVOE Program Requirements

Stricter credit, housing-history, LTV, employment-history, and income-type rules than many traditional mortgage programs. Confirm exact numbers before you write an offer.

WVOE loan program guidelines
Requirement	Guideline
Minimum credit score	680 FICO
Occupancy	Primary residence only
Purchase	Maximum 80% LTV
Rate/term refinance	Maximum 80% LTV
Cash-out refinance	Maximum 70% LTV
Housing history	0x30 for previous 24 months
First-time homebuyer	Maximum 70% LTV and 45% DTI
Gift funds	Not allowed
Employment history	2 years with the same employer
Eligible income	Salary / base pay only

All loans subject to credit and property approval. Program guidelines vary by investor and change without notice.

Housing History Requirement

Borrowers must have a 0x30 housing payment history for the most recent 24 months — no 30-day late housing payments.

Rent-free borrowers or borrowers who cannot document a full 24-month housing history are not eligible.

Who might benefit

Important Limitations

This is not a "no income verification" mortgage. Employment and income are still verified. The difference is how the income is documented.

The program also has stricter credit, housing-history, LTV, employment-history, and income-type requirements than many traditional mortgage programs.

Exploring other Non-QM options?

All Non-QM Programs Bank Statement Loans 1099 Income Loans

WVOE Questions

Is a WVOE loan a no-income-verification mortgage?

No. Employment and income are still verified. The difference is how income is documented — through a Written Verification of Employment (Fannie Mae Form 1005) sent directly to and received from the employer, not a stack of traditional tax-return income calcs.

Who can complete the WVOE?

Human Resources, Payroll, or an officer of the company. Employment with family members or related individuals is not eligible. An approved online verification provider such as Equifax / The Work Number may also be acceptable.

What income can be used?

Salary and base pay from employment only. Commission, rental income, and other supplemental sources cannot be used. If you need those dollars to qualify, another program is likely a better fit.

What extra documents are needed if the WVOE is handwritten?

One supporting document: a paystub, W-2, tax returns, or a bank statement showing direct deposit. An internet search of the employer is also required to document that the business exists.

Can first-time homebuyers use WVOE?

Yes, with tighter caps: maximum 70% LTV and 45% DTI. Gift funds are not allowed. Housing history must still be 0x30 for the most recent 24 months — rent-free borrowers who cannot document that history are not eligible.

Could a WVOE Loan Be Right for You?

If you have stable employment, consistent salary or base-pay income, good credit, and a strong housing payment history, a Written Verification of Employment loan could be another path to qualification. The 2 Mortgage Guys will review your situation and match WVOE — or another program — to your file.

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