Which of the following must be considered when establishing prequalification for a mortgage?

When establishing prequalification for a mortgage, current employment status is crucial because it helps lenders assess a borrower's income stability and job security. A borrower’s employment status indicates their ability to make consistent mortgage payments, which is a key factor in determining creditworthiness. Lenders typically require verification of employment and income to ensure that the borrower has sufficient and ongoing earnings to support the monthly mortgage payments.

While other factors, such as rental payment history and down payment source, can influence the overall consideration for a mortgage, the immediate emphasis during the prequalification stage primarily focuses on the borrower's current ability to repay, which is closely tied to their employment situation. Previous loan applications might be reviewed later in the process but do not directly impact the initial assessment of a borrower’s current financial readiness for a mortgage.