Are you ready to fill out your mortgage application? When you are beginning your home search it makes sense to contact a mortgage professional to prequalify for a loan. With limited information about your income and assets, a mortgage professional can help you determine how much house you can afford.
Once you find a property that meets your needs, you can submit a mortgage application with a professional. When you have an accepted offer and are ready to finalize your loan, spending a little time to prepare in advance will help the process run smoothly.
The following checklist includes information and preparations you should make before you meet with your mortgage professional. With the right information in hand, the mortgage application process should be quick and easy.
Residence History
You will need to provide the street address for every residence you have lived in during the past two years.
If you are currently renting, please bring:
- Landlord’s name
- Landlord’s address
- Landlord’s phone number
If you own your current residence, please bring:
- Mortgage lender’s name
- Mortgage account number
Employment History
You will need to provide the following information for every employer you have worked for during the past two years:
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s address
- Employer’s phone number
Income Information
You will need to provide the following information about your income to complete your application:
- Gross monthly salary or other income
- Year-to-date pay stub
- W2s for the past two years
- Signed tax returns if you worked on commission
- Signed tax returns if you wish to use interest, dividend or bonus income to qualify for your loan
If you’re self-employed, you will need to provide:
- Signed tax returns for the past two years
- Current profit and loss statement
- Current balance sheet
If you are not currently employed, please bring:
- Proof of other sources of income
Deposit, Retirement and Equities Account Information
For all checking, savings, IRA, 401(k) or other retirement program, stock and mutual fund accounts, you will need to provide:
- Name and address of the financial institution holding the account
- Account number
- Account balance
- Statements for the past two months
Debt Information
You will need to provide the following information on all of your outstanding loans and credit cards:
- Name and address of lender
- Account number
- Balance
- Monthly payment
Real Estate Information
You will need to provide the following information about any real estate you own:
- Address of property
- Market value
- Loan information
- Copies of leases on rental property
Personal Property Information
You will need to provide the estimated value of personal property on your application including:
- Furniture
- Vehicles (include make and model numbers)
- Boats
- Campers
Sales Contract
You will need to provide the completed and signed sales contract for the property you are purchasing when you finalize your loan.
Identification
You will need to provide information from your government-issued photo ID when you apply. When you attend your loan closing, you will also need to present this identification to the closing agent:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued non-drivers ID
- U.S. military ID
Veteran’s Administration Loan Applicants
If you are applying for a Veteran’s Administration Loan, you will need to supply the following information when you finalize your loan:
- Military discharge papers (Form DD214)
- Certificate of Eligibility
Fees
Be prepared to make the following payments when you finalize your loan:
- Property appraisal
- Credit report
- Flood certification
*Alimony, child support or separate maintenance income need not be revealed if you do not choose to have it considered for repaying the loan.