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Document checklist

Everything to gather before you apply — switch between W-2 and self-employed, and track your progress as you go.

Gathering the paperwork up front is the single biggest thing that makes an application go smoothly. Tick each item as you collect it — the count below tracks only what applies to you.

0 of 14 gathered

Identity & basics

Government photo ID (driver's license or passport) — plus visa, ITIN, or resident alien card as applicable.Two years of address history

Income — W-2 employee

Two most recent pay stubs (last 30 days)

If your income is largely variable (commission, bonus, etc.), you may be asked for year-end pay stubs from the last two years.

W-2s for the last two yearsTwo years of employment history (ready to explain any gaps)

Assets

Two months of bank statements — checking, savings, or any other asset account you'll be using for the transaction.All pages, even if blank.Recent retirement/investment statementsif used for down payment or reserves — most recent quarterly statement, or the last two monthly statements if issued monthly. Lenders may also ask for the plan's terms of withdrawal or a retirement plan summary to confirm if and when you can access the money — even if you don't plan to withdraw it.Gift letter + proof of transfer if using gift funds.Lenders may ask for a copy of the gift check and an updated bank statement showing the funds cleared into your account. Some loan programs, like FHA, may also ask for the donor's bank statements.

The property & the deal

Signed purchase agreement (for a purchase)Copy of the earnest money check (purchase only)Homeowners insurance — a quote for a purchase, or your current declarations page for a refinance.

Debts & other income

Mortgage statement — for a purchase or refinance, as applicable.Proof of any other income to be counted (Social Security, pension, alimony/child support)

Some loan programs require that income like child support has been received for at least six months — and inconsistent timing or amounts can make that income unusable for qualifying.

Proof of child support, alimony, or separate maintenance you pay

If any of these apply to you

Situational — not counted in the progress above. Tick the ones that apply.

VA loans: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and DD-214 or statement of service — if applicableDivorce decree, separation agreement, and any child-support or alimony orders — if applicableBankruptcy discharge papers (and the schedules), or foreclosure / short-sale documents — if applicable12-month rent history — canceled checks, bank statements, or a landlord verification — for first-time buyers, if applicableLetters of explanation for credit events, employment gaps, recent inquiries, or large deposits — if applicableCondos: HOA documents — budget, questionnaire contact, master insurance — if applicableRefinances: payoff statements for the current mortgage and any HELOC or second lien — if applicable

This is the common document set — not a guaranteed or complete list. It covers what the majority of lenders ask for, but every situation is different: depending on yours, a lender may ask for more documents, or fewer. For example, two lenders could ask the same borrower for different documents on the exact same loan product. Is that common? No — but it does happen. An underwriter asking for more is normal, not a red flag necessarily.

Terms on this page

Pre-approvalA lender's written, conditional statement that you qualify for a loan amount based on verified income, assets, and credit — not a commitment to lend; final approval depends on the property and underwriting.
UnderwritingThe lender's process of verifying your finances and the property to decide approval.
Gift fundsMoney from family or an allowed source toward your down payment; needs a gift letter and proof of transfer.
ReservesSavings the lender wants to see you'll have left after closing, often measured in months of payments.

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