Required Document Categories
Complete checklist organized by document type
Income Documentation
Proof of income and employment history
Last 2 Years Tax Returns
Complete tax returns including all schedules and W-2s
Tips:
- •Include all pages
- •Both federal and state returns
- •K-1s if applicable
Last 30 Days Pay Stubs
Recent pay stubs showing year-to-date earnings
Tips:
- •Must be recent (within 30 days)
- •Include all pages
- •Both borrowers if married
Employment Verification Letter
Letter from employer confirming employment and salary
Tips:
- •On company letterhead
- •Include hire date and salary
- •HR contact information
Profit & Loss Statement
For self-employed borrowers (YTD and prior year)
Tips:
- •Prepared by CPA preferred
- •Must be signed and dated
- •Include business license
Social Security Award Letters
If receiving Social Security or disability income
Tips:
- •Current award letter
- •Show continuing benefits
- •Include Medicare deductions
Asset Documentation
Bank accounts, investments, and other assets
Bank Statements (2 Months)
Complete statements for all accounts
Tips:
- •All pages required
- •No missing transactions
- •Include savings and checking
Investment Account Statements
401k, IRA, stocks, bonds statements
Tips:
- •Most recent quarterly statement
- •Include all investment accounts
- •Vesting schedules if applicable
Gift Letter & Documentation
If using gift funds for down payment
Tips:
- •Signed gift letter form
- •Donor's bank statement
- •Wire transfer receipt
Real Estate Owned
Documentation for properties you own
Tips:
- •Rental agreements
- •Property tax statements
- •Mortgage statements
Credit & Identity
Personal identification and credit information
Photo Identification
Driver's license or passport
Tips:
- •Current and unexpired
- •Clear, readable copy
- •Both sides of license
Social Security Card
Original Social Security card or W-2
Tips:
- •Clear copy of actual card
- •W-2 acceptable alternative
- •All borrowers
Credit Report
Recent credit report (lender will pull)
Tips:
- •Check for errors beforehand
- •Gather explanations for issues
- •Monitor during process
Letter of Explanation
Explanations for credit issues or unusual circumstances
Tips:
- •Be honest and detailed
- •Include supporting documentation
- •Address all credit inquiries
Property Documentation
Documents related to the property being purchased
Purchase Contract
Signed purchase agreement
Tips:
- •Include all addendums
- •Signed by all parties
- •Clear terms and conditions
Property Appraisal
Professional property appraisal (ordered by lender)
Tips:
- •Lender will order
- •Borrower typically pays
- •Review for accuracy
Homeowners Insurance
Insurance policy and paid receipt
Tips:
- •Adequate coverage amount
- •Lender named as mortgagee
- •Policy effective at closing
HOA Documentation
If property is in HOA community
Tips:
- •HOA bylaws and budget
- •Fee schedules
- •Special assessments
Additional Documents
Other documents that may be required
Divorce Decree
If divorced and paying/receiving alimony or child support
Tips:
- •Complete decree
- •Show payment history
- •Include any modifications
Bankruptcy Papers
If filed bankruptcy in past 7 years
Tips:
- •Discharge papers
- •Schedule of creditors
- •Explanation letter
Military Records
For VA loan eligibility
Tips:
- •DD-214 form
- •Certificate of Eligibility
- •Service records
Previous Home Sale
If selling current home
Tips:
- •Listing agreement
- •Sales contract if pending
- •Proceeds estimate
Document Organization Tips
Pro tips to keep your documents organized and speed up approval
Create Digital Copies
Scan all documents and organize in labeled folders
Use a Checklist
Check off documents as you gather them to stay organized
Keep Originals Safe
Store original documents in a secure location
Get Recent Statements
Ensure all financial documents are current and complete
Prepare Explanations
Write explanations for any unusual financial circumstances
Stay Responsive
Respond quickly to requests for additional documentation
Document Timeline
When to prepare and submit your documents
Pre-Application
Application
Processing
Final Approval
Common Document Mistakes to Avoid
Don't:
- • Submit incomplete bank statements
- • Provide blurry or unreadable documents
- • Wait until the last minute to gather docs
- • Make large deposits without explanation
- • Open new credit accounts during process
Do:
- • Submit all pages of every document
- • Provide clear, high-quality scans
- • Gather documents early in the process
- • Explain any unusual financial activity
- • Keep your finances stable during approval
Downloadable Templates & Forms
Ready-to-use templates to streamline your application