Essential Checklist: What to Prepare When Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

So, you have made the epic decision to embark on the journey of buying a home. Congratulations! You are here – getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This step not only gives you a clearer picture of your budget but also demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer ready to make a move. To ensure a smooth pre-approval process, here’s a comprehensive checklist of items to prepare before meeting with a lender:

1. One Month of Most Recent Paystubs
2. Two Months of Most Recent Bank Statements from all accounts
3. W-2’s or 1099 Statements for the past Two Years
4. Two Years of Most Recent Tax Returns
5. Any other income, such as Child Support Payments, Social Security, etc.)
6. Retirement and Investment Statements
7. If Self Employed
   1. Two Years of Most Recent Business Tax Returns
   2. Most Recent Profit and Loss Statements
8. Debt Information, such as Student Loans, Car Loans, and Credit Card Balances

I know this seems like a lot of information to gather and process, but remember: once you get it together, it sets you off on the epic journey of homeownership on the right foot. By taking the time to prepare for the pre-approval process, you demonstrate your readiness and commitment to becoming a homeowner.

Check out the CENTURY 21 Lending Mortgage Calculator to get an idea of your buying power.  Your dream home awaits!  Need help finding a lender, give me a call today!