The Player’s Mortgage Playbook
Home Loans for Pro Baseball Players, From a Lender Who Pitched in the Big Leagues
I'm closing loans for current and former pro baseball players.
I pitched in the majors, and I know how your contracts, seasons, and moves work.
For current, minor-league, and retired baseball players—and the agents and advisors helping them plan their next move.
A conversation first. No credit pull required to start.
Steve Kent NMLS #1621847 · All Western Mortgage, Inc. NMLS #14210
Licensed in 22 states
Why baseball income confuses most lenders
A contract’s total value is not the same as income available for mortgage qualification. Payment timing, bonuses, and changing assignments can require a closer look than a routine salary file.
Short seasons, offseason pay patterns, and relocation add another layer. The goal is to document your actual financial picture and the property’s intended use—not assume that a baseball contract settles every question.
Your career stage
Minor leagues
Build a picture of seasonal pay, other documented income, savings, and obligations. Start with your current finances rather than a projected call-up.
First MLB contract
Review the contract and how payments are scheduled. A new compensation structure calls for a fresh look at documentation and your homebuying budget.
Arbitration & free agency
Separate what is documented today from what remains uncertain. Consider your housing plans alongside contract negotiations and possible moves.
Long-term contract
Look beyond the headline value to payment schedules, deferred compensation, existing homes, and obligations. Match the property’s intended use to the financing discussion.
After baseball
Review retirement income, new work, and available assets. A different income mix may call for a different program, subject to the lender’s review.
Loan options
Jumbo
For financing above conforming limits, with program-specific income, asset, and credit requirements.
Conventional
A potential fit when the loan amount and documented financial profile meet conventional guidelines.
VA, if you served
For eligible borrowers with qualifying military service, subject to VA eligibility and lender review.
Other income approaches
Asset-based, bank-statement, and non-QM options may provide alternative documentation approaches, depending on the program and file.
Explore payment estimates with the mortgage calculator. Estimates are not a rate quote or an approval.
Where players buy
Your home state, team city, or a spring-training second home may each serve a different purpose. Occupancy, existing housing costs, and state licensing shape the financing discussion.
Steve is licensed in 22 states. Check the licensed-state list before planning a purchase.
Considering Dallas–Fort Worth?
For local housing and relocation considerations, visit the DFW athlete mortgage page. This playbook covers the broader baseball mortgage conversation.
How it works with Steve
- Step 1
Start with a conversation
Tell Steve about your career stage, home plans, and schedule. The initial consultation does not require a credit pull.
- Step 2
Gather the right documents
Review contracts, payment records, assets, and obligations to identify what a lender may need to evaluate.
- Step 3
Coordinate your team
With your permission, Steve coordinates with agents and advisors so the mortgage discussion fits your broader plans.
- Step 4
Review options and next steps
Discuss program requirements, property use, and closing logistics. Any application remains subject to underwriting and program guidelines.
Baseball player mortgage FAQ
How do mortgage lenders count an MLB contract?
Lenders review the income your contract documents support, not just its headline value. Guaranteed compensation, payment timing, remaining term, and income history may all matter. Treatment depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve helps identify which contract documents to gather and what needs review.
Is a signing bonus counted as income?
A signing bonus may be considered, but it is not automatically qualifying income. Lenders examine how it is paid, documented, and expected to continue; funds already received may instead be evaluated as assets. It depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. Start with a conversation with Steve.
Can I buy a home during arbitration or free agency?
Buying during arbitration or free agency may be possible, but uncertain future compensation can affect how a lender evaluates income. Existing documentation, assets, obligations, and the proposed property all matter. Eligibility depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve can help frame the timing questions.
Can a minor-league player qualify for a mortgage?
A minor-league player may qualify based on documented income, credit, assets, and debts, rather than career stage alone. Seasonal pay and other employment need careful review. The outcome depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve helps establish what documentation is relevant to your situation.
How does a split contract affect my mortgage?
A split contract can complicate income review because compensation may change with roster assignment. Lenders may examine payment history, contract terms, and the stability of the income being used. Treatment depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve helps clarify the documents needed before choosing a path.
Can I buy a home in the offseason?
You can explore a home purchase in the offseason, but a break in games does not remove income documentation requirements. Lenders still review your compensation, employment history, assets, debts, and intended occupancy. Qualification depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve can help plan around your schedule.
How do retired players qualify without salary?
Retired players may be evaluated using eligible retirement income, other documented income, or assets under an available asset-based program. Savings alone do not guarantee qualification, and access to funds matters. Options depend on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve helps connect your financial picture to potential approaches.
Can I buy a home for my parents?
A home for your parents may be possible, but the loan must reflect who will live there, who will borrow, and how the property will be used. Occupancy classification affects available options. It depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. Discuss the arrangement in a conversation with Steve before making assumptions.
Can I own homes in my home state and my team city?
Owning homes in both locations may be possible if the financing supports your debts, income, assets, and each property’s actual use. A second home is not automatically treated as another primary residence. It depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve can help review occupancy and licensing.
How much down payment and reserves does a jumbo loan need for an athlete?
Down payment and reserve requirements depend on the loan amount, program, occupancy, and credit profile. Reserves are often requested to demonstrate funds available after closing, and eligible assets vary. The lender’s underwriting and the file also matter. In a conversation with Steve, he walks through the requirements and documentation for the options under consideration.
Can I close remotely during the season?
Remote closing arrangements may be available, but signing requirements depend on the property’s state, title provider, lender, and documents involved. Travel and identity verification can also affect logistics. It depends on the program, the lender’s underwriting, and the file. A conversation with Steve helps coordinate with your advisors and the closing team without promising availability.
Is Steve Kent a former MLB player?
Yes. Steve Kent was drafted by Seattle in 1999, made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay in 2002, and played 12 professional seasons. Those are the career facts described on his About page. For questions about how your own career relates to a mortgage, start with a conversation with Steve.
About Steve Kent
Drafted by Seattle in 1999, Steve made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay in 2002 and played 12 professional seasons. Read Steve’s story.
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No credit pull required for the initial conversation.
Steve Kent NMLS #1621847 · All Western Mortgage, Inc. NMLS #14210 · Licensed in 22 states
Loan programs, rates, and approval are subject to credit qualification, property type, and underwriting guidelines.
Subject to credit, underwriting, property, and program guidelines. Not a commitment to lend.
Equal Housing Opportunity. No league or players’ union endorsement or partnership is implied.