Mortgage Documents Checklist
Most delays are document delays. Gather these items before you apply and the rest of the process is quieter. Your loan officer will tell you if a program needs more or less.
Income
- •Last 30 days of pay stubs
- •W-2s for the past two years
- •Tax returns if you are self-employed, have commissions, or file rents
- •Social Security, pension, or award letters for other income you want to use
Assets and down payment
- •Two months of bank and investment statements, all pages
- •Gift letter and donor statements if someone is helping
- •Explanation of large deposits that are not payroll
Identity and property
- •Government ID and Social Security number
- •Purchase contract once you are under agreement
- •Homeowners insurance quote
- •HOA or condo documents if the property has a community association
Frequently asked questions
Do I need tax returns if I am W-2 only?
Often pay stubs and W-2s are enough. Returns are more common with self-employment, rental income, or complicated compensation.
Can I cover up account numbers?
You can usually redact full account numbers, but do not hide balances, names, or transaction history. Lenders need complete statements.
What if my down payment is a gift?
Gifts are allowed on many programs with a gift letter and a paper trail from the donor’s account to yours. Ask before the money moves.
Should I wait to apply until I have every paper?
You can start a conversation with basics. A full application goes faster when the packet is already in a folder.