What Documents Do You Need to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage?

Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. One of the first questions I hear from buyers is, “What documents do I actually need to get preapproved?”

Think of preapproval as giving your lender a clear picture of your financial story. When we have all the right documents upfront, your journey moves faster, smoother, and with fewer surprises. Below is a simple guide to help you get prepared with confidence.

Why These Documents Matter

Strong documentation helps us present the most accurate version of your financial profile. It positions you to explore the right loan programs, strengthens your offers in a competitive market, and reduces delays later in the process. Being organized now pays off later. I see it every week.

Your Mortgage Preapproval Document Checklist

Here is what most homebuyers should gather before starting the preapproval process.

1. Proof of Income

This verifies your earnings and stability.

• Most recent 30 days of pay stubs
• W-2s from the last 2 years, or 1099s for independent contractors
• For self-employed borrowers: 2 years of federal tax returns and possibly a year-to-date profit and loss statement

Even one missing pay stub can delay things, so everything counts.

2. Proof of Assets

These documents show you can cover your down payment and closing costs.

• Last 1 to 2 months of bank statements for all accounts
• Statements from retirement or investment accounts
• Documentation for any large deposits so we can verify the source

Small details make a big difference here.

3. Credit Information

With your permission, I will review your credit report. Be ready to discuss:

• Your credit history
• Any recent changes or new accounts
• Monthly payments for student loans, credit cards, or car loans

This helps us determine your qualifying options with accuracy.

4. Identification

You will need:

• A valid government ID
• Your Social Security number

Straightforward, but essential.

5. Employment Verification

Your employer may be contacted to confirm:

• Your current position
• How long you have been with the company

Frequent job changes are not a deal-breaker, but they usually require a brief explanation.

6. Housing History

If you currently rent:

• Your landlord’s contact information
• Proof of on-time rental payments

This helps confirm a consistent payment pattern.

7. Additional Documents When Applicable

Some situations call for extra paperwork, such as:

• Divorce decrees or child support documentation
• Gift letters if someone is helping with your down payment
• Explanation letters for credit questions or gaps in employment

If something applies to you, I will guide you through it step by step.

Submitting Documents Electronically

Almost everything can be uploaded digitally now. Clear scans or photos are perfect if all pages are included, even the ones that look blank. Missing pages slow the process more often than people expect.

Why Getting Organized Matters

Clients who gather documents early usually move through preapproval and underwriting with ease. When everything is ready from the start, preapproval often happens within a day or two. When documents come in slowly or with missing pages, the timeline stretches out and creates stress that can be avoided.

Final Thoughts

Think of preapproval as your financial warm-up. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel when it is time to make an offer.