One of the biggest misconceptions about getting a mortgage is that you have to stay at the same job for two years before you can buy a home. That isn’t always true.

Lenders are usually more concerned with stable, dependable income than simply how long you’ve worked for one employer.

If you leave one salaried or hourly position and move into another job with similar or better pay, getting approved may still be possible. A promotion, moving to a different company in the same field, or accepting a better-paying position doesn’t necessarily create a problem.

Where things can become more complicated is when the way you earn money changes.

For example, moving from a regular salary to commission-based income, becoming self-employed, or taking a job where bonuses and overtime make up a large portion of your earnings can change how much of that income a lender is able to use. Certain types of variable income may require a longer history before they can be counted toward qualification.

Timing matters, too.

If you change jobs while you’re already under contract on a home, tell your loan officer before making the move whenever possible. Lenders typically verify employment during the mortgage process and may verify it again shortly before closing. A last-minute change could mean updated pay stubs, an offer letter, additional verification, or even recalculating your qualifying income.

Recent graduates and people starting careers shouldn’t automatically assume they have to wait two years either. Depending on the loan program and circumstances, education or training related to your new career may help establish your employment history.

The biggest takeaway is simple: a job change doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a mortgage.

Before turning down a better opportunity—or assuming you need to put your homebuying plans on hold—have someone look at the complete situation. Your employment history, new position, pay structure, and loan program all matter more than one blanket “two-year job” rule.