Getting a mortgage doesn’t have to be stressful.
This checklist is designed to help you get approved faster, avoid delays, and close with confidence.

💡 Pro Tip: The more complete your documents upfront, the smoother your loan process.

Your credit score directly impacts your approval, rate, and loan options.

• Pay all bills on time 
• Keep credit card balances low 
• Avoid opening new accounts 

• New loans or credit cards 
• Large purchases 
• Missed payments 

👉 Want to see where you stand?
Get your FICO® Score - 90% of top lenders use FICO® Scores. Although they may look the same, other credit scores can vary as much as 100 points from your FICO Score.

These are required for almost every loan program (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional):

• Government-issued ID (Driver’s License or Passport)
• Social Security Number verification
• Signed Borrower Authorization (loan application)

• Most recent 30 days of pay stubs (YTD included)
• Last 2 years of W-2s or 1099s
• Federal tax returns (if applicable)

• 1–2 months of bank statements (all pages)
• Retirement or investment account statements (if used)

• Last 2 years personal tax returns (all schedules)
• Business tax returns (if applicable)
• Year-to-date Profit & Loss statement
• Business license (if applicable)

• Social Security Award Letter
• Pension or retirement income documentation

Using a gift? Here’s what you need:

• Gift letter (required for all loan types)
• Proof of transfer (from donor to borrower or closing agent)

✅ FHA Update: Donor bank statements are no longer required

• Divorce decree (complete and signed)
• Child support / alimony documentation
• Proof of receipt (if using as income)

• Non-borrowing spouse credit report may be required
• Debts may be included in qualifying (FHA, VA, USDA)

• 2-year employment history
• Employer names, dates, and contact info
• Explanation for employment gaps (if any)
• 2-year address history
• Current rent or mortgage payment

• Most recent mortgage statement(s)
• Homeowners insurance declaration page
• HOA information (if applicable)
• Property tax information
• Trust documents (if property is in a trust)

• Mortgage statements for all properties
• Lease agreements (if renting out)
• Proof of rental income (if used to qualify)

• 12–24 months of bank statements (all pages)
• Business or personal statements (depending on program)
• CPA letter or P&L (if required)

✔ Submit documents upfront
✔ Avoid large deposits without documentation
✔ Respond quickly to lender requests
✔ Keep employment stable during the process

Most borrowers need ID, income docs, and asset statements. Additional documents depend on your situation.

Only in certain cases (like community property states or if they’re on the loan).

Yes! Just provide a gift letter and proof of transfer.

Not harder — just more documentation. We’ll guide you through it.

Schedule a quick consultation to review your scenario. We’ll tell you exactly what you need — no guesswork

Documentation requirements may vary based on automated underwriting findings (DU, LPA, GUS, TOTAL) and loan program guidelines.