Home financing in Dodge County.

Dodge County is anchored by Fremont, a working city of roughly 27,000 people. The local economy runs on food processing (including major employers like Costco Wholesale and Fremont Beef), agriculture, healthcare, and small trade businesses. Many residents work hourly or seasonal jobs, run small contracting businesses, or are self-employed — income profiles that do not always fit neatly into standard mortgage boxes.

**General qualification factors lenders look at:**

• Steady income for at least 2 years (W-2 employment, self-employment, or a combination)

• Debt-to-income ratio typically below 43–50%

• Credit score (conventional: 620+; FHA: 580+ with 3.5% down; ITIN loans: varies by lender)

• Down payment funds that can be documented

• No recent foreclosures or bankruptcies (waiting periods apply)

**Self-employed and contract workers:** If you are a solo contractor or run your own business, lenders will typically average your last two years of federal tax returns. Keep your returns filed and accurate.

**ITIN borrowers:** If you file taxes with an ITIN rather than a Social Security number, you are not disqualified from homeownership. Several lenders in Nebraska work specifically with ITIN borrowers. A strong 12–24 month rental payment history and consistent tax filings go a long way.

**Rural buyers:** If you are looking at property outside Fremont city limits — in towns like North Bend, Scribner, Dodge, or Nickerson — you may qualify for a USDA Rural Development loan, which requires no down payment for eligible households. Income limits apply, but they are generous enough to cover most working families in Dodge County.

Getting your paperwork together before you sit down with a lender saves time and reduces stress. Here is what most lenders in Dodge County will ask for:

**Identity & residency**

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, consular ID/matrícula consular)

• ITIN letter or Social Security card

• For non-citizens: visa, green card, or other immigration documents

**Income**

• Last 2 years of federal tax returns (all pages, all schedules)

• Last 2 years of W-2s or 1099s

• Last 30–60 days of pay stubs (if employed)

• Profit and loss statement (if self-employed)

• Award letters for Social Security, disability, or pension income

**Assets & down payment**

• Last 2–3 months of bank statements (all pages)

• Documentation of any gift funds (gift letter required)

• 401(k) or investment account statements

**Property**

• Signed purchase agreement (once you have one)

• Homeowners insurance quote

**Credit**

• Lenders pull your credit report — you do not need to bring it

• If you have no credit score, ask about alternative credit documentation: rent receipts, utility bills, insurance payment records

Tip: Do not close any credit accounts or take out new loans while your mortgage application is in process. Even small changes can affect your approval.