For many buyers, applying for the mortgage loan is one of the more stressful aspects of buying a home. Educating you about your credit score, reviewing your credit history, organizing a team of lenders who will offer you the best mortgage program for your needs, is my job. Understanding a few easy steps, will help you breeze through the loan application process.

  1. Make a list of any questions you have about the loan program.
    Be sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various mortgage programs for which you may qualify, including the advantages and disadvantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages versus Adjustable Rate Mortgages.
  2. Decide if you want to lock-in or float the loan's interest rate.
    Locking-in the rate means that the lender commits to the mortgage interest rate for the loan - typically at the time the loan application is submitted. By floating the rate, you can lock-in the interest rate anytime between the loan application day and closing. Buyers opt to "float the loan" when they believe interest rates will drop after their loan application date and prior to closing. The risk is that rather than dropping, interest rates may rise, increasing the mortgage payment.
  3. Decide if you want to pay additional points to lower your interest rate.
    Typically you can elect to pay additional points (each point is 1 percent of the mortgage loan payable in cash at closing) to lower the interest rate of your mortgage loan.
  4. Gather your paperwork. Click here to view a list of typical loan documentation.

Loan Application Checklist

In general, the documentation you will need includes:
  • Check for application fee
  • Property Information (if you already have a contract on a house)
  • Purchase Agreement
  • Copy of legal description and MLS sheet.
  • If you are selling your current home, copy of listing contract.
  • If you have sold your current home, copy of settlement statement (HUD-1)

Income & Assets

  • Pay stubs for the last 30 days
  • For the past two years:
    • Names and addresses of each employer
    • W-2s
    • Statements for each bank, mutual fund, and/or investment account for the last three months
    • Estimated value of personal property and furniture
  • If you have made any large deposits to your accounts:
    • Explanation and source for deposit
  • If large deposit was a gift:
    • Signed gift letter (lender can supply)
    • Copy of gift check
    • Copy of deposit receipt
  • If you own more than 25% of a business:
    • Corporate or partnership tax returns
  • If self-employed:
    • Tax returns for the last three years (with schedules)
    • Year-to-Date Profit and Loss Statement prepared by an accountant
  • If you own rental property:
    • Tax returns for the last two years and current rental agreements
  • If you are retired:
    • Pension Award Letter
  • If you receive Social Security:
    • Social Security Award Letter
  • If you are counting child support as income:
    • Copy of divorce settlement
    • Copy of twelve months of canceled child support checks

Debts

  • Names, addresses, account numbers, balances and monthly payments on all current loans
  • Explanation of credit report anomalies, including:
    • Late payments, credit inquiries in the last 90 days, charge-offs, collections, judgments and/or liens
    • Bankruptcy filed within last seven years (bring a copy of your bankruptcy papers)
    • VA Loans
    • Copy of DD Form 214, Report of Separation

  • Miscellaneous

  • Photo ID and proof of Social Security number
  • Residence addresses for the past two years
  • If applicable, a copy of your divorce decree
  • If you are not a citizen, a copy of the front and back of your green card