What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage?
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- 100 first time home buyer FAQs
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.
Once you gather your income documents, see what you can actually afford. Calculate your Conventional Purchase Loan Payment now to understand how your verified income translates to buying power and monthly payment amounts.
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.
If you have limited savings for down payment, explore low down payment options. Calculate your FHA Purchase Loan Payment now to see how 3.5% down makes homeownership accessible while preserving funds for closing costs and reserves.
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.”
Ready to start the approval process with your documents in hand? Visit our Buy a House page for comprehensive resources about the mortgage application process, credit requirements, and what to expect from pre-approval to closing.
Want a Complete Mortgage Document Checklist?
At Stairway Mortgage, we make paperwork painless—so you can focus on moving forward, not stressing over forms.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides with document checklists.
🧮 See what you can afford with our Conventional Purchase Calculator.
🏠 Learn more on our Buy a House page.
📊 Check Current Rates for your loan.
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