Underwriting prep
The full document checklist.
Pulled together before you apply, this list keeps your file moving from conditional approval to clear-to-close without delays.
Identification
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) for each borrower
- Social Security card or ITIN documentation
- Permanent resident card if applicable
Income — W-2 employees
- Most recent 30 days of pay stubs
- W-2 forms for the past 2 years
- Employer name, address, and HR contact for verification
- Documentation of bonuses, commissions, or overtime (24-month history)
Income — Self-employed
- Personal tax returns (2 years, all schedules)
- Business tax returns (2 years) if entity is taxed separately
- Year-to-date profit & loss statement
- Business license or operating agreement
- 1099 forms for the past 2 years
Other income
- Social Security or pension award letter
- Child support or alimony court order + 6 months proof of receipt
- Rental income: leases + Schedule E from tax returns
- Disability income award letter
Assets
- 2 most recent statements (all pages) for checking, savings, money market accounts
- Most recent quarterly statement for 401(k), IRA, brokerage accounts
- Gift letter + donor's proof of funds + transfer evidence for any gift funds
- Documentation of large deposits not tied to payroll
Credit & liabilities
- Authorization for tri-merge credit pull (signed at application)
- Written explanation for any late payments, collections, or derogatory items
- Bankruptcy or foreclosure discharge papers if applicable (timing affects program eligibility)
- Divorce decree showing assigned debts and support obligations
Property (purchase)
- Fully executed purchase contract with all addenda
- Earnest money deposit receipt
- Homeowner's insurance quote (binder required before closing)
- Condo/HOA questionnaire if applicable
Property (refinance)
- Current mortgage statement(s)
- Most recent property tax bill
- Homeowner's insurance declarations page
- Survey or title commitment if available
VA borrowers
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — we can pull this for you
- DD-214 for separated service members
- Statement of Service for active duty
FHA / USDA borrowers
- Documentation of any HUD-approved homebuyer education completion (DPA programs)
- Income verification for all household members (USDA only)
Preliminary
All scenarios are preliminary and subject to borrower qualification, credit review, income verification, property approval, program guidelines, lender overlays, and licensed loan officer review.