If you have been considering buying a home and are serious then you should start gathering some important documents. Getting pre approved and know what you can buy is extremely important before you even start your search. Most lenders will require the same documentation from you to start your loan approval process. You will need your photo ID to start and most if not all of the following sets of documents.
The first set of documents you will be asked for are to verify your income.
- Earnings statements such as W-2 forms, recent pay stubs and tax returns for the past two years.
- If you are self-employed, P and L statements and tax returns for current year and previous two years.
- Verifying any additional income: proof of overtime income, bonuses, social security, additional commissions, rental income, interest income, child support, veteran’s benefits, etc.
The next set of documentation that you will need is used to verify your assets.
- Checking and savings account statements for the previous 2-3 months.
- List of stocks, savings bonds, or investments and their approximate value.
- Copies of any titles to any properties and or vehicles that are paid off.
The lender will be able to verify your debts by reviewing your credit report. However they may require additional documentation from you if there are any discrepancies. For example credit card statements to prove you have paid off a balance if your credit report is still showing a balance. Maybe your report is still showing an outstanding balance on a vehicle, as mentioned in the assets section you will need proof this is paid such as a copy of the title.
If you have no credit history maybe due to your age or being new to the United States you may be asked to bring additional items so that credit can be established on your behalf. Some of these items could include being canceled checks for rent, utility bills and other recurring items you may be paying each month to show good payment history and amount of revolving debt.
If you are going to be making a down payment on your home the lender will also require you to show the source of your down payment. Some loans allow for gift funds from relatives and if you are doing this then a gift letter from your relative will be required also a copy of the check you were given. The lender will also want your relative to state within the letter that the funds are a true gift, not a loan and will not be required to be repaid.
With all of the recent reformation in the mortgage industry most of the lenders now will have the same requirements. What is mentioned above will be pretty standard for most if not all lenders.



