7 Documents You Need When Applying for a Home Loan [2024]

Jul 15, 2024

Are you gearing up to take that exciting leap into homeownership? At Rob’s Mortgage Loans, we totally get how exhilarating it can be. One of the first things on your checklist? Checking up all the necessary documents for your mortgage application. But don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through it step by step. Let’s look into 7 documents you need when applying for a home loan to ensure your mortgage process is as smooth as possible.

Table Of Contents

7 Documents You Need When Applying for a Home Loan

  1. Proof of income
  2. Tax returns
  3. Employment verification
  4. Bank statements
  5. Credit history – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
  6. Asset statements
  7. Identification – Who Are You, Really?
  8. Conclusion
  9. FAQs

 

1. Proof of Income

Proof of income is your golden ticket to show lenders that you’re financially stable and capable of shouldering the responsibility of a mortgage. Your proof of income can come in the form of recent pay stubs, typically covering the last 30 days. 

It’s a snapshot of your earning power and helps lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio and, basically, how much money you make versus how much you owe.

2. Tax Returns

Taxes are the one thing we can’t escape. When it comes to applying for a mortgage, lenders want to see your tax returns from the past two years. Why? Well, it’s like a financial check-up that shows your income history and how responsible you’ve been with reporting your earnings to the IRS. It’s all about transparency and building trust.

There are people who are a bit anxious about their tax returns, worried that a missed form or two might sink their chances. If that is the case, sit down, comb through everything, and ensure all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed. It will make a world of difference in the application process!

3. Employment Verification

Now, this one’s straightforward but significant. Lenders need to verify your employment status to ensure you have a stable source of income. Typically, this involves providing recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer stating your job title, how long you’ve been with the company, and your salary. It’s like a character reference for your financial reliability!

We promise we’re not conducting a full-blown background check, just a friendly peek into your work life to make sure you’re on steady ground!

4. Bank Statements

Bank statements are documents that reveal your financial footprint. Lenders will want to see your bank statements from the past few months to track your savings and spending habits. This helps them verify your down payment and closing costs, essentially, ensuring you have the funds to seal the deal.

People tend to get a bit surprised by how closely we scrutinize their bank statements. It’s not about judging your avocado toast habit but about making sure your financial ducks are in a row!

5. Credit History – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Your credit score, the ultimate report card in the world of finance. Lenders will pull your credit report to dissect your borrowing history and overall creditworthiness. 

A higher credit score generally means more favorable loan terms, so it’s worth checking your report beforehand for any inaccuracies or surprises. If your score needs a boost, don’t worry, we can discuss strategies to help you improve it.

Friendly advice, remember, your credit report isn’t a scarlet letter but a roadmap that shows where you’ve been financially and where you’re headed. 

6. Asset Statements

Assets aren’t just for superheroes, they’re also a key part of your financial profile. This includes any investments, retirement accounts, or other properties you own. Lenders want to see your asset statements to get a complete picture of your financial health. 

I’ve had clients who were surprised by how much their investments and retirement accounts boosted their overall financial picture. Your assets can be a game-changer when it comes to securing that dream home.

7 documents you need when applying for a home loan

7. Identification – Who Are You, Really?

Last but certainly not least, we need to verify your identity. This usually means providing a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. It’s a simple step to confirm that you are who you say you are.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your roadmap to mastering the art of mortgage documentation! 

By gathering these seven essential documents ahead of time, you’ll breeze through the application process and be one step closer to unlocking the door to your dream home. 

Remember, at Rob’s Mortgage, we’re more than just number crunchers, we’re your partners in homeownership. 

FAQs

  • Do I need all these documents if I’m applying for a mortgage with my spouse?

Yes, each borrower will typically need to provide these documents to complete the application process.

  • How can I speed up the mortgage approval process?

Gathering all required documents early and responding promptly to any requests from your lender can help expedite approval.

  • What happens if I can’t provide one of the required documents?

Don’t panic! Speak with your lender as soon as possible to discuss alternative options or solutions.

  • Are there any additional documents I might need based on my specific financial situation?

Yes, depending on factors like self-employment or rental income, your lender may request additional documents to assess your financial stability.

  • Can the chosen company assist with reviewing my credit report?

Absolutely! We offer guidance on understanding your credit report and improving your credit score if needed.

 

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About Rob Sturms

With over three decades of experience, Rob Sturms is a trusted name in Colorado’s mortgage industry. Since 1993, he has been guiding clients with honesty and expertise through various loan options, ensuring personalized solutions for each homeowner’s journey. As the founder of Rob’s Mortgage Loans, Rob’s commitment to transparency and tailored service makes him the go-to choice for reliable lending assistance.

 

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