What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage

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What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage

1. Proof of Income Shows You Can Afford the Loan

Lenders want to be sure you can comfortably make your monthly payments. To do that, you’ll need to provide:

  • Recent pay stubs (typically last 30 days)
  • W-2 forms (for the last 2 years)
  • Tax returns (especially if you’re self-employed or have side income)

These documents help confirm your earnings are consistent and reliable—a key part of mortgage approval.

2. Bank Statements Confirm Your Assets and Savings

You’ll also need to show where your down payment and closing costs are coming from. That means sharing recent bank statements—usually the last 2–3 months—for your checking, savings, or investment accounts. These prove that you have the funds ready and available to close the deal.

3. Your Credit Report Tells the Full Financial Story

Your lender will pull your credit report to evaluate your credit score, payment history, and existing debts. You don’t need to bring it yourself, but be ready to discuss anything that might show up—like late payments or large balances. A solid credit profile tells lenders: “This buyer is responsible and ready.”

Want a Complete Mortgage Document Checklist?

📘 Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes a printable list of everything you’ll need
💬 Chat live now to get a personalized document list based on your income and loan type
📞 Schedule a quick call and we’ll help you gather, organize, and submit everything with ease

At Stairway Mortgage, we make paperwork painless—
so you can focus on moving forward, not stressing over forms.

Ready to Take Your First Step?

Skip the guesswork. Take our quick Discovery Quiz to uncover your top financial priorities, so we can guide you toward the wealth-building strategies that fit your life.

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