Be Prepared. Be Confident. Be Ready to Apply.
One of the most practical things you can do to speed up your mortgage process is to have your documents organized and ready before you apply. When everything is in order from the start the process moves faster, with fewer delays and far less stress.
Kim Mitchell provides every client with a clear document checklist tailored to their specific loan program so there are no guessing games and no last-minute scrambles. The items below represent the most commonly required documents for a standard mortgage application. Your specific situation may require additional items and Kim will let you know exactly what applies to you.
Income Documentation
For Salaried or Hourly Employees
Most recent pay stubs covering the past 30 days. W-2 forms for the past two years. Federal tax returns for the past two years including all schedules. Contact information for your employer including name, address, and phone number.
For Self-Employed Borrowers
Federal personal tax returns for the past two years including all schedules and attachments. Federal business tax returns for the past two years if applicable. Year-to-date profit and loss statement. Business bank statements for the past 12 months may be required depending on the loan program.
For Retirement or Fixed Income
Most recent Social Security award letter or pension statement. Documentation of any other regular retirement income sources.
For Rental Income
Current signed lease agreements for any rental properties. Schedule E from your federal tax returns for the past two years.
Asset Documentation
Bank and Financial Account Statements
Most recent two months of statements for all checking accounts. Most recent two months of statements for all savings accounts. Most recent two months of statements for any money market or investment accounts. Most recent quarterly statement for any retirement accounts such as 401k or IRA.
Gift Funds
If any portion of your down payment or closing costs will come from a gift a signed gift letter from the donor will be required along with documentation of the transfer of funds.
Credit and Liability Documentation
Information on all current monthly debt obligations including auto loans, student loans, credit cards, and personal loans. If you have any prior bankruptcy a complete copy of the bankruptcy petition and discharge papers will be required. If you have been involved in a foreclosure documentation related to that proceeding may be required.
Property Documentation
If You Are Purchasing
Fully executed purchase contract signed by all parties. Contact information for your real estate agent. Homeowner’s association contact information and monthly dues amount if applicable.
If You Are Refinancing
Most recent mortgage statement for all loans currently secured by the property. Current homeowner’s insurance policy and declarations page. Most recent property tax statement. Homeowner’s association contact information and monthly dues amount if applicable.
Identification and Personal Documentation
Government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport. Social Security number for all borrowers. If applicable documentation of any divorce decree, child support, or alimony obligations or income. If you are not a U.S. citizen, documentation of your residency status may be required.
Additional Items That May Be Required
Depending on your specific loan program and situation Kim may also request letters of explanation for any gaps in employment, recent large deposits into bank accounts, credit inquiries, or other items that appear in your application. Providing clear and complete documentation upfront significantly reduces the likelihood of delays during underwriting.
A Few Important Reminders
Do not make any large purchases, open new credit accounts, or take on additional debt between your application and closing. These changes can affect your loan approval. If your employment situation, income, or financial position changes for any reason between application and closing notify Kim immediately. Keep copies of all documents you submit and make sure all pages of every document are included — incomplete documents are one of the most common causes of processing delays.
¿Necesita la Lista de Documentos en Español?
Kim Mitchell habla español con fluidez y puede proporcionarle esta lista de documentos y orientación completa sobre el proceso de solicitud de préstamo completamente en español. Comuníquese con Kim directamente y ella se asegurará de que esté completamente preparado antes de comenzar su solicitud.
Ready to Get Started?
Having your documents ready is the first step toward a smooth and efficient mortgage process. Once you have gathered everything on this list, reach out to Kim and let’s get your application moving. The sooner you are prepared the sooner you can be in the home you have been working toward.
Call Kim at 404.217.4814 or email kmitchell@cchl.com and she will walk you through exactly what you need for your specific loan program.
Document Checklist FAQs
Q: Do I need every item on this list before I can apply?
A: Not necessarily. The items listed represent the most commonly required documents for a standard mortgage application. Your specific situation may require more or fewer items depending on your loan program and financial profile. Kim will provide you with a personalized checklist based on your specific circumstances so you know exactly what to gather.
Q: Why do lenders need two years of tax returns?
A: Tax returns give lenders a comprehensive picture of your income history over time — particularly important for self-employed borrowers or those with variable income. They help verify that the income you report on your application is consistent and reliable.
Q: What if I cannot locate all of my documents right away?
A: Start with what you have and reach out to Kim. She will help you identify which documents are the highest priority and guide you on how to obtain any items you are missing. Many documents such as tax transcripts can be requested directly from the IRS through your lender.
Q: Why do bank statements need to show two months of history?
A: Lenders review two months of bank statements to verify that you have sufficient funds for your down payment and closing costs, to confirm that those funds have been in your account long enough to be considered your own, and to identify any large deposits that may require explanation.
Q: What is a gift letter and when do I need one?
A: If any portion of your down payment or closing costs is being provided by a family member or other eligible donor a signed gift letter is required. The letter confirms that the funds are a gift and not a loan that must be repaid. Kim will provide you with a template and walk you through the requirements.
Q: How should I organize and submit my documents to Kim?
A: Kim will guide you through her preferred document submission process which is designed to be as simple and secure as possible. Having clean legible copies of all required documents with every page included will help keep your application moving efficiently from the very start.
Kim Mitchell, Senior Mortgage Consultant, NMLS #148923, originates loans through Capital City Home Loans, LLC, NMLS #75615. Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and programs are subject to change without notice. Not all programs are available in all states.
