Mortgage Application Checklist
Everything you need to gather for a smooth, fast mortgage approval process.
GET PERSONALIZED CHECKLISTRequired Documents Overview
Gathering these documents upfront speeds up your approval and helps avoid delays.
Personal Identification
Valid government-issued identification to verify your identity.
- Driver's license or state-issued ID (front and back)
- Passport (if using instead of driver's license)
- Social Security card or verification letter
Income Verification (W-2 Employees)
Documentation proving your employment and income stability.
- Last 2 years W-2 forms from all employers
- Last 30 days of pay stubs (most recent 2 pay periods)
- Year-to-date pay stub showing total earnings
- Employment verification letter (if recently started new job)
Income Verification (Self-Employed)
Additional documentation required for business owners and self-employed borrowers.
- Last 2 years personal federal tax returns (all schedules)
- Last 2 years business tax returns (if applicable)
- Year-to-date profit & loss statement (CPA-prepared preferred)
- Business license or registration
- 1099 forms (if applicable)
Asset Documentation
Proof of funds for down payment, closing costs, and reserves.
- Last 2 months bank statements (all pages, all accounts)
- Investment account statements (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, etc.)
- Gift letter (if using gift funds for down payment)
- Explanation for large deposits (over $1,000)
Property Information
Documents related to the property you're purchasing or refinancing.
- Purchase agreement (signed contract)
- Homeowners insurance quote or policy
- HOA documents (if applicable)
- Property tax bill (for refinances)
Additional Documentation
Other documents that may be required based on your situation.
- Divorce decree or separation agreement (if applicable)
- Bankruptcy discharge papers (if applicable)
- Child support or alimony documentation
- Rental property leases (if you own investment properties)
- VA Certificate of Eligibility (for VA loans)
Document Preparation Tips
Do's
- Provide complete documents (all pages)
- Ensure documents are recent (within 60-90 days)
- Scan in color at 300 DPI for clarity
- Label files clearly (e.g., "2024_W2_JohnDoe.pdf")
- Keep originals for your records
Don'ts
- ✗Don't submit partial documents (missing pages)
- ✗Don't use outdated statements (over 90 days old)
- ✗Don't password-protect PDFs
- ✗Don't submit blurry or illegible scans
- ✗Don't make large deposits without documentation
Common Questions
How far back do I need to provide bank statements?
Typically 2 months, but we may request more if there are large deposits or unusual activity that needs explanation.
What if I don't have 2 years at my current job?
That's okay! We'll look at your overall employment history. Provide documentation from previous employers to show 2 years of continuous employment.
Can I use digital bank statements?
Yes, digital statements from your bank's website are acceptable as long as they show all required information and are complete.
What if I'm using gift funds for my down payment?
You'll need a signed gift letter from the donor stating the amount, that it's a gift (not a loan), and doesn't require repayment. We'll also need to verify the donor's ability to give the gift.
Ready to Apply?
Use our interactive document checklist generator to get a personalized list based on your loan type.