Must Have Mortgage Checklist For First Time Homeowners Preparation

If you are applying for a mortgage, or will be in the near future, it should come as no surprise that the process calls for a mountain of paperwork. That is why it is of utmost importance for you to create (or find on the internet) a mortgage checklist. This will help you to ensure that you are totally prepared for your next meeting at the bank. If you are looking for a mortgage checklist to save you the time and effort of creating your own or taking a financial management course, you have come to the right place. This mortgage checklist will contain the most important, absolute must-have items you will need to bring with you when it comes time to fill out all the paperwork.

Personal

The items in this section are probably things you already keep on your person, or in a safe, accessible place. But, sometimes the items that are easiest to forget are the most obvious ones! So, just as a reminder, you want to be sure to bring these items with you when you apply for a mortgage. In addition to your driver’s license (or government ID card if you do not drive,) make sure you have your social security card. These two items are absolute musts for your mortgage checklist. Additionally, if you are divorced you will need to bring along the divorce decree. Likewise, if you are a veteran, make sure you have proof with you. This will help you to secure better rates when possible. If you are making your own mortgage checklist, make sure to include these items. If you do not, you may regret it.

Income

Next up on the mortgage checklist, income information. Of course lenders are going to want to see some sort of proof that you can actually afford the mortgage you are applying for, just as they would at a place like Ace Cash Advance. That is where your employment history and income information come in. It is best practice to bring your two most recent W-2 forms, if you are employed. If you own a business, you will need two 1099 forms in place of the W-2s. You must also bring along at least a month’s worth of your most recent pay stubs, or a yearly profit and loss statement for the self-employed. If you have any additional income, your mortgage checklist should include proof of that, as well. This includes, but is not limited to, child support, alimony and social security payments. One last item that should be brought along if you own your own business is your two most recent tax returns from the business.

Assets/Liabilities

The final section, or sections if you so choose, on your mortgage checklist should include forms related to your assets and liabilities. You must have the last three months worth of bank statements for both savings and checking accounts. You will also need the three most recent monthly statements for retirement funds or any other investments you have. If you own a car or multiple properties, make sure you bring titles for these things, as well. If you are making your down payment with funds that were given as a gift, make sure to have the individuals that gave you the money write a letter stating as such. It will not hurt to get that letter notarized, as well.  If you have credit cards, rent an apartment or own a home, make sure to have proof of those monthly payments for the last year. This is perhaps, the most lengthy section of your mortgage checklist, so double check to be sure you include everything mentioned above.

Written Confirmation

If you plan to borrow money to for a down payment, you are going to need written confirmation of that. Whether you are borrowing the money from friends or family or you are borrowing from an institutionalized lender, this needs to be done. You do not need to have an additional financial plan for repayment prepared, however, so do not worry about that. Just make sure you have it in writing and ready to go for your mortgage application. This is a must for those borrowing for a down payment.

Additional Documents

In addition to the mountain of documents you will need to prove identity, employment, income, assets and liabilities, you will need documents for the new property you will be acquiring. Make sure to include in your mortgage checklist your sales contract, proof of earnest deposit and proof of homeowner’s insurance, if applicable. Once you have all these items listed, your mortgage checklist is complete.

Creating a mortgage checklist is time consuming, but it really does help to keep you, and your paperwork, organized during the trying application process. Make sure to include all the items listed above and you are sure to be one hundred percent prepared for your meeting. Good luck! If you notice anything we missed, let us know in the comments below.

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