🏡 Mortgage Document Checklist

Everything You Need to Apply for a Home Loan
(Includes requirements for divorcees, alimony, self-employment, non-U.S. citizens, and more)

📘 1. Personal Information

• Valid Government-Issued Photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport)

• Social Security Number (or ITIN if applicable)

• Residential History for the Past 2 Years (addresses, landlord info if renting)

• Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable)

💼 2. Income Verification

💵 Standard Employment

• Pay Stubs (most recent 30 days)

• W-2s (last 2 years)

• Employment Verification Letter (if requested)

• Offer Letter (if starting new job)

👨‍💼 Self-Employed or Freelance

• Full Personal & Business Tax Returns (last 2 years)

• Year-to-Date Profit & Loss Statement

• Year-to-Date Balance Sheet

• Business License (if applicable)

• CPA Letter (confirming self-employment status)

💰 Other Income Sources (if applicable)

• Social Security Award Letter

• Pension or Annuity Documentation

• Rental Income (lease agreements + Schedule E of tax return)

• Investment/Dividend Income

• Disability Income Letter

• Alimony or Child Support (received):

  • Final Divorce Decree or Court Order

  • Support Agreement

  • Proof of consistent receipt (6–12 months of bank deposits)

  • Must continue for at least 3 years

💳 3. Debts and Liabilities

• Current Loan Statements (auto, personal, student loans, etc.)

• Credit Card Statements

• Mortgage Statements (if you own other properties)

• Alimony or Child Support (paid):

  • Divorce decree or court-ordered documentation

  • 6–12 months of payment history

  • Payment must be factored into your debt-to-income ratio

• Explanation Letters for:

  • Late payments

  • Credit inquiries

  • Collections or charge-offs

💰 4. Assets & Down Payment Verification

• Checking & Savings Account Statements (last 2–3 months)

• Retirement Account Statements (401(k), IRA, etc.)

• Investment Account Statements (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)

• Proof of Down Payment Funds

• Large Deposit Explanation Letters (for any non-payroll deposits)

• Gift Funds (if using gift money):

  • Gift letter signed by donor

  • Donor’s bank statement showing available funds

  • Proof of transfer into borrower’s account

🏡 5. Property Information (If already under contract)

• Purchase Agreement / Sales Contract (signed by all parties)

• MLS Listing Sheet

• Earnest Money Deposit Receipt

• Homeowners Insurance Quote or Binder

• Contact Info for Buyer’s Real Estate Agent

• HOA Dues or Contact Info (if property is in a homeowners association)

⚖️ 6. Divorce-Specific Documentation (If applicable)

• Final Divorce Decree (with full terms)

• Marital Settlement Agreement (if separate)

• Alimony/Child Support Documentation (see above)

• Quitclaim Deed (if removed from prior property title)

• Mortgage Refinance or Release Docs (if removed from prior mortgage)

📄 7. Special Circumstances Documentation

🧾 Credit or Legal History

• Bankruptcy Documentation (all schedules + discharge papers)

• Foreclosure/Short Sale Documentation

• Judgment or Lien Release Documentation

• Letters of Explanation (for gaps in employment, late payments, unusual deposits, etc.)

🌍 Non–U.S. Citizens

• Green Card (front & back)

• Work Visa or Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

• Valid Passport with U.S. Visa

🏠 Renters

• Current Lease Agreement

• 12 Months of Canceled Rent Checks or Rent Payment History

• Landlord Verification Letter (if requested)

✅ 8. Final Pre-Submission Review

Make sure:

• All documents are clear, legible, and complete

• Dates on all documents are current (within 30–90 days as required)

• Your name and address are consistent across all documents

• You’ve explained all large/unusual deposits

• You’ve disclosed all liabilities and sources of income