How do lenders treat RSU, bonus, and commission income when qualifying me for a mortgage?

Lenders want proof that variable income is stable and likely to continue, so they usually average it over the past two years. Bonus and commission income generally needs a two-year history documented on W-2s and tax returns, and they use the average, not your best year. RSU income is trickier: some lenders count vested RSUs if you have a consistent multi-year vesting history and a schedule showing future vests, but many exclude it entirely, which can hurt tech workers with equity-heavy pay. Ask lenders directly how they treat equity comp before applying, since policies vary widely. Gathering vesting schedules, grant letters, and two years of pay stubs upfront helps. This especially matters for immigrant tech professionals whose base salary alone may not qualify them.