Documents to prepare for a mortgage

Start with your situation

The documents needed depend on your employment, income, assets and loan program. Sam will tailor a list to your circumstances and explain how to submit it securely. You do not need every item below simply to have an initial conversation.

Common items to have ready

• Identification and employment: identification and your recent employment history, as requested.
• Income: recent pay statements, W-2s or other applicable income records. Retirement, benefits, rental and other income may need different documentation.
• Assets: complete statements for accounts used for your down payment, closing costs or required reserves. Include all pages when requested.
• Other obligations: information about mortgages, debts and any support obligations that affect qualification.
• Your purchase: the signed purchase agreement and documentation of earnest money once you are under contract.

Some situations need a different approach

Self-employed buyers may need tax returns, business records or other financial statements. Alternative programs may use eligible bank statements or other documentation instead, with different qualification requirements. Gift funds also need a documented source and transfer.

For a VA loan, Sam can help with the Certificate of Eligibility. Depending on your service status, records such as a DD214 or statement of service may be needed.

Protect your information

Use the secure application or the secure document process Sam provides. Do not send Social Security numbers, account statements or identification through ordinary email or text. Ask before making large deposits or moving closing funds.

Supporting documents are not required just to receive a Loan Estimate after a lender has the six application details required for that estimate. Documentation is needed as the loan review proceeds.