Article ยท October 20, 2026
What to gather before you apply for a mortgage
A short, practical list that saves days later. Plus a free checklist builder that makes a list for your situation.
The basics
Never send a Social Security number by regular email. Ask your loan originator for a secure way to share it.
- Photo ID for each borrower.
- Two months of bank statements, every page, for any account you plan to use.
- Your employment history and addresses for the last two years.
- Recent pay stubs and the last two years of W-2s if you are an employee.
If your situation is different
- Self-employed: tax returns and a year-to-date profit and loss statement, and sometimes bank statements.
- Buying: the signed purchase contract and proof of your earnest money.
- Refinancing: a recent mortgage statement, your insurance declarations page and your property tax bill.
- Gift funds: a signed gift letter and proof of the transfer.
Use the free checklist builder
Our document checklist builder turns a few answers into a personal list you can print or send to a buyer. Nothing you select is sent to us.
Not sure what applies to you?
A licensed originator can tell you exactly which items your situation needs. There is no obligation to ask.
Questions about your situation?
Tell us about your loan and a licensed originator will follow up. There is no obligation to ask.