Mortgage application: The documents you'll need to apply
Paperwork is a huge part of the mortgage process, so the better prepared you are - the smoother applying for your mortgage loan can be.
There are three categories of documents your lender may request: income, expenses, and assets. Knowing what to expect can help you gather your paperwork and turn it in with ease.
Income verification
Mortgage lenders typically verify your income in two different ways. First, they’ll want to see your most recent Form W2 or Form 1099 (if you are self-employed), and they may also ask you to provide recent tax returns.
Some lenders may accept signed copies of your tax returns; however, many also use the IRS income tax verification process to ensure the forms you provide are the same as the forms filed with the IRS.
In addition to tax information, be prepared to send in at least a month’s worth of pay stubs to your potential mortgage lender.
Expenses verification
Along with income verification, your lender may request verification of your expenses to get a better idea of your debt-to-income ratio. Providing them a copy of your credit report is a great way to show previous debts and other financial responsibilities on your plate.
Along with debts, a lender will generally ask for proof of previous rent or mortgage payments. You can provide a copy of the checks used to pay your rent; however, some lenders may ask you to sign a form allowing them to verify your rent independently, without you having to send in documents.
Verification of Assets
Lenders also ask for borrowers to send verification of assets owned. This may include but is not limited to: stock portfolios, IRA accounts, or other liquid assets.
Although this list isn’t completely comprehensive of all documents needed, it’s a great place to start when preparing for mortgage loan approval.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
