What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage?
Applying for a mortgage doesn’t have to be complicated. Preparing a few key financial documents in advance helps streamline the approval process and allows our team to review your application quickly and efficiently.
Below is a helpful checklist of the most commonly requested documents during the mortgage application process.
Please note: depending on your situation, additional documentation may be required.
Need Help Gathering Your Documents?
If you have questions about any item on this checklist or need help preparing your application, our mortgage specialists are happy to assist.
Personal Identification
To verify your identity and comply with lending regulations, you may be asked to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security number or Social Security card
- Permanent resident card (if applicable)
Income Documentation
Lenders must verify stable and consistent income. Common documents include:
- Most recent 30 days of pay stubs
- W-2 forms from the past two years
- Federal tax returns from the past two years
- Documentation of bonuses, commissions, or overtime income if applicable
- Proof of additional income
Self-Employed Borrowers
If you are self-employed or own a business, additional documentation may be required, such as:
- Two years of personal tax returns
- Two years of business tax returns
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement
- Business bank statements
- Business license (if applicable)
Asset Documentation
Your lender will verify that you have sufficient funds for your down payment, closing costs, and financial reserves.
Typical documentation includes:
- Bank statements for the past two months
- Investment account statements (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pension accounts)
- Documentation for any gift funds used toward your down payment
- Evidence of proceeds from the sale of an existing property if applicable
Employment Verification
Lenders confirm employment to ensure stability of income.
You may be asked to provide:
- Employer contact information
- Length of employment
- Written verification of employment if needed
Current Housing Info
Depending on your current situation, you may need to provide:
If you currently own a home:
- Current mortgage statement
- Property tax information
- Homeowners insurance policy
If you currently rent:
- Landlord contact information
- Proof of rental payments (bank statements or rent ledger)
Debt & Liability Information
To accurately evaluate your financial obligations, lenders may review:
- Current loan statements for auto loans, student loans, or personal loans
- Credit card balances
- Documentation of any other outstanding debts
Property Information
If you are already under contract to purchase a home, please be prepared to provide:
- Executed purchase agreement
- Real estate agent contact information
- Listing details for the property