Loan Application Check List | Buyer
Being prepared with the necessary documentation will expedite the mortgage loan process. Here’s a general checklist, so you don’t forget what you’ll need to efficiently move the loan process along:
Real Estate Contracts
____ Purchase Agreement (for the purchase of your new home).
____ Sales contract (if you are selling a home).
Residence History
____ Past 24 months of residence with complete addresses.
____ Length of time you lived at each address.
____ Name of landlord and his/her address (if currently renting).
Employment History
____ All original pay stubs for past 30 day period.
____ Employers for the past two years with complete addresses.
____ Dates of employment for each job.
____ W2s for most recent two years.
____ Most recent tax returns (with all schedules) for past two years.
____ If there have been any gaps in employment, prepared explanations.
Financial History
____ Copies of most recent monthly statements for all loans and credit card balances.
____ Copies of most recent three months’ bank statements for all accounts, stock brokerages, mutual funds, IRAs, Pensions, etc.
____ If you are self employed or received a 1099, your most recent tax returns for the past two years with all schedules and a year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet.
____ If you own 25% or more of a corporation, the most recent corporate tax returns for the past two years with all the schedules and a year-to-date profit and loss statement and a balance sheet.
Current Real Estate
____ Property addresses.
____ Estimated market values of property.
____ Amount of monthly payment and outstanding loan balances (bring copy of most recent loan statement).
____ If you own rental property, your most recent tax returns for the past two years with all schedules and a current agreement.
Personal Property
____ Net cash value of your life insurance.
____ Year, make and value of all vehicles.
____ Value of your furniture and personal property.
Special Situations
Self-employed
Bring your federal tax forms for the past two years, along with a profit and loss statement.
Separated or divorced
Bring a copy of your divorce decree and separation agreement, plus documentation of any alimony or child support payments you are required to make. If you are receiving alimony or child support and want it to be considered as income, you’ll need proof of this income such as the court clerk’s history of payments or cancelled checks for the past 12 months.
Public Assistance
Including pension, disability, Social Security or any other form of public assistance with your income. Bring a copy of an award certificate or a check from the issuing agency.
Bankruptcy
If you have had a bankruptcy, a foreclosure or judgments against you over the past seven years, bring information on the proceedings. Information on bankruptcies should include a copy of the bankruptcy discharge and schedule of both debts and assets. Judgments against you should include an attorney’s letter that discusses the outcome of the proceedings.
Applying for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan
Bring your DD214 form (discharge) papers or your certificate of eligibility.
This check list will help you get organized.
Each Lender will have their own check list and will want specific information to complete your loan application, but this list will give you a good idea of what to expect.
As the financial market conditions and government regulations continue to change, the mortgage lending market will also continue to change their documentation needs, so be prepared to be flexible and meet your lenders’ needs.
