Documents checklist

Exactly what your lender will ask for when you apply for pre-approval.

Having these ready before you start the application turns a multi-week back-and-forth into a same-week approval. Most of this overlaps with what you started gathering in Phase 1. Now it's time to actually hand it over.

Checklist

  • Two years of tax returns and W-2s
  • 30 days of recent pay stubs
  • Two months of bank and asset statements
  • Photo ID, Social Security number, and two-year address history
  • Explanation letters for any large or unusual deposits
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This step is general educational guidance, not legal, financial, or real estate advice — your contract terms, deadlines, and local requirements always take precedence, so confirm specifics with your licensed professionals. Read our full disclaimer.