When you’re applying for a home loan, your mortgage lender will want to know A LOT about you. You have to submit documentation that proves you’re really you (and not a robot), that you really have a job and that you’re capable of repaying your home loan. It’s never comfortable delivering this type of personal information, which is why it’s so important to have a reliable loan officer by your side to tell you exactly what’s needed and why.
We’re going to list what documents are typically requested during the mortgage process so that you can be prepared and know what to discuss with your loan officer asks for them:
Key Point 1
All Borrowers
- Copies of W-2’s for the last two years
- Copies of paycheck stubs for the last 30 days (most current)
- Copies of checking and saving account statements for last 3 months (all pages)
- Copies of quarterly or semi-annual statements for checking, savings, IRA’s, CD’s money market fund, stock, 401k, profit sharing, etc.
- Income tax forms
- Copy of sales contract once ratified
- Employment history for the last two years (address any gaps in employment)
- Residency history for the last two years, with name, phone number, address and account number of landlord or mortgage company
- Rental property copies of leases plus mortgage information
- Canceled earnest money check when it clears or corresponding bank statement, if applicable
- Commission or bonus income – if 25% or more of base, must have 2 years of tax returns
- Check for the expense of appraisal and credit report
- Refinance copy of note, deed of trust, settlement statement, survey and insurance information
- Any assets used for down payment, closing cost, and cash reserves must be documented by a paper trail
- If paid off mortgage in last 2 years, need copies of HUD1
- Copy of driver’s license for applicant and co-applicants
Key Point 2
Self-Employed Borrowers
- Copies of most recent 2 years tax returns (with all schedules including K-1’s, if applicable)
- Copy of current profit & loss statement and balance sheet
- Copy of corporate/partnership tax returns for most recent 2-year period if owning 25% or more of company – copies of W-2’s and /or 1099 forms
Key Point 3
Documents Which May Be Required
- Relocation agreement if move is financed by employer (i.e. buyout agreement plus documentation outlining company paid closing cost benefits)
- Previous bankruptcy, need copies of petition for bankruptcy and discharge, including supporting schedules
- Divorce decree if applicable
- Documentation supporting moneys received from social security/retirement trust income, i.e. copies of direct deposit bank statements, award letter, evidence income will continue for at least 3 years
Documents Needed For FHA/VA Loans
- FHA: Copy of social security card, driver’s license for each applicant and co-applicants
- VA: Original Certificate of Eligibility and copy of DD214 Discharge Paper; name and address of nearest relative; and, childcare information
