Mortgage Basics

MORTGAGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Everything You Need to Prepare for a Smooth Home Loan Process

Being prepared is the key to a fast and stress‑free mortgage approval. This checklist outlines the documents most borrowers need when applying for a home loan. Every situation is unique, so your lender may request additional information — providing documents quickly helps keep your loan moving forward.

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Property Documentation

  • Signed purchase contract with all addendums
  • Verification of earnest money deposit
  • Contact information for your realtor, builder, insurance agent, and attorney
  • MLS listing sheet and legal property description
  • For condos: declaration, bylaws, and most recent budget

  Income Documentation  
For Salaried or Hourly Borrowers

  • Most recent 30 days of pay stubs
  • W‑2s for the past two years
  • Employer names and addresses for the last two years
  • Letter of explanation for any employment gaps
  • Work visa or green card (front and back), if applicable

For Self‑Employed or Commission‑Based Borrowers

  • Full federal tax returns for the last two years (all schedules)
  • Year‑to‑date Profit & Loss statement
  • K‑1s for partnerships or S‑corps (last two years)
  • Business tax returns (1120 or 1065) if you own 25% or more of the business

For Alimony or Child Support Income

  • Divorce decree or court order
  • Proof of receipt for the past 12 months

For Social Security, Disability, or VA Benefits

  • Award letter from the agency or organization

Assets & Source of Funds

  • Bank statements (checking, savings, money market) — last 2–3 months
  • Brokerage statements for stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
  • Retirement account statements (401k, IRA), if using for funds
  • Gift funds: completed Gift Letter + proof of donor transfer
  • If selling a home: signed sales contract + closing statement at settlement

Debts & Obligations

  • List of all current debts: names, account numbers, balances, monthly payments
  • Last three statements for credit cards, loans, or lines of credit
  • Mortgage statements for any properties owned
  • Lease agreements for rental properties
  • Divorce decree if paying alimony or child support

Additional Items (If Applicable)

  • Explanation letters for credit inquiries
  • Bankruptcy or foreclosure documentation
  • Proof of large deposits
  • Copy of driver’s license or government ID
  • Application fee (if required)

Why Lenders Request These Documents

Lenders use this information to verify:

  • Your identity
  • Your income and employment stability
  • Your ability to repay the loan
  • Your available assets for down payment and closing costs
  • Your creditworthiness
  • The property’s eligibility

Providing complete and accurate documentation helps prevent delays and ensures a smooth approval process.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. Why do I need to provide so many documents?

    Mortgage lending is highly regulated, and lenders must verify your financial profile to approve your loan.

    2. What if I can’t find a document?

    Let your loan officer know — they may be able to use alternative documentation.

    3. Will I need to update documents later?

    Yes. Pay stubs, bank statements, and other time‑sensitive documents may need to be refreshed before closing.

    4. How long does the document review take?

    Most reviews take 24–72 hours once all documents are submitted.