BUYER DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST

 Buyer Documentation Checklist

Your Path to a Smooth & Successful Loan Approval

️ Why This Matters

Getting pre-approved isn’t just a formality it’s your ticket to being taken seriously in today’s market. This checklist is your roadmap to organizing everything your lender will need for a streamlined mortgage process.

💼 Income Documentation

If You're a W-2 Employee:

● ✅ Full two-year employment history

● ✅ Signed letter explaining any job gaps over 30 days

● ✅ Recent paystubs (within the last 30 days)

● ✅ W-2s for the most recent 2 years

● ✅ School transcripts (if using recent graduation to support employment history)

If You're Self-Employed:

● ✅ Two-year self-employment history

● ✅ Signed personal & business tax returns for the last 2 years

● ✅ Business license OR contact info for your CPA

Social Security / Disability / Pension Income:

● ✅ Current Award Letter

● ✅ Most recent bank statement showing income deposited

● ✅ 1099 from most recent year

● ✅ Optional: Previous year’s tax return or W-2/1099 (for pensions)

Rental Income:

● ✅ Current lease agreement with at least a 1-year term (for departing residences)

● ✅ Tax return with Schedules 1 & E if you have rental history

Child Support / Alimony:

● ✅ Divorce decree or legal order for support

● ✅ Proof of child’s age (birth certificate or decree)

● ✅ 6–12 months of bank statements showing consistent deposits

● ✅ Continuance proof for at least 3 years

💰 Asset Documentation

Checking/Savings:

● ✅ Most recent 30–60 days of complete statements (no missing pages)

● ✅ Clear documentation of any large deposits (≥50% of monthly income)

● ✅ Verification of earnest money funds

Retirement Accounts (401K / IRA):

● ✅ Latest statement

● ✅ Withdrawal terms (if using toward purchase)

● ✅ Proof of liquidation if funds are used for down payment

Gift Funds:

● ✅ Completed and signed gift letter

● ✅ Donor’s statement showing transfer, and your statement showing receipt

Sale of Property or Personal Assets:

● ✅ Final signed settlement statement from sale

● ✅ Bank statement showing deposited proceeds

✨ Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a checklist. It’s your momentum-builder. The more prepared you are upfront, the faster and smoother your loan approval will be so you can focus on finding the right property and making the strongest possible offer. If you need help connecting with a lender, organizing your documents, or prepping for pre-approval, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. 

I have local lenders I am happy to connect you with.