What Information is Needed for a Mortgage?

Different lenders have different mortgage application requirements.
The following information is generally required:

Social Security Number
Employment History (for 2 years)
Paystubs and W-2
Checking, Savings Accounts and CDs
Retirement Plan
Liabilities (creditors names, monthly payments, and balances)

If you have had past credit problems, some lenders will require letters of explanation of the credit problems.

If you have had prior bankruptcies, the lender will require all of your bankruptcy paperwork.

If you have had a divorce, the lender will most likely require your divorce decree.

At settlement, you will be required to present a photo identification. To avoid complications at closing, it is a good idea to give to your mortgage broker a copy of the identification at application to ensure that the loan docs have the correct spelling of your name.

If you are paying off credit cards or other consumer debts through the proceeds of your mortgage loan you will need to provide escrow or the settlement agent recent copies of the statements from these accounts. This is so the correct amount will be payed and mailed to the correct address.

The main thing your broker will need this: What is your reason for getting a mortgage? Once you have answered that question the rest is pretty easy. You will need different documentation if you need a mortgage for a construction loan vs a refinance.

The amount of paperwork required mays seem overwhelming. Your loan officer or the processor will let you know exactly what they need. After you give them those documents, they may ask for more. It is very important to provide everything as quickly as possible. Often your application does not get submitted to underwriting until everything is received from you.

It is better to provide the broker with more information and have it be not needed. If you undersupply the broker with whats been requested then your holding up your own loan.

You will need to document assets if you list them on your application. Generally you will need your last 2 months statements to document the assets. Documenting assets can be the difference to qualifying for the loan desired or qualifying for a little bit better interest rate.

If you are going through a divorce be sure to tell your mortgage professional. They will need the full divorce decree from you.

Whatever nformation you submit you want to be sure that it is truthful. If you submit false information your loan could be denied in underwriting or worse you could be charged with fraud!

» DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article on 'What Information is Needed for a Mortgage?' is a collection of contributions by licensed mortgage professionals and is not the opinion of Broker Outpost LLC. Always consult a licensed professional before applying for a mortgage.