Federal Trade Commission Shopping for a Mortgage FAQs
Url: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-mortgage-faqs
The following documents are essential when shopping for a mortgage:
- Bank statements from the last three months show your monthly income and ability to make a down payment and subsequent mortgage payments.
- Pay stubs from your employer demonstrate consistent income sufficient to pay a mortgage.
- Personal identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Your two most recent W-2 forms or tax returns demonstrate financial stability.
- Investment account statements give a fuller picture of your financial strength.
- Documents showing your monthly debt payments, such as statements about your auto loan or student loan payments. These are essential for determining your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), a metric lenders use to determine your capacity to take on additional debt.
- A gift letter if a friend or family member is helping you with the mortgage or down payment.
