Mortgage Ready Checklist

Every document your lender will ask for, gathered before you need it.

Joey Milam

Alpha Mortgage Advantage · NMLS# 117399 · Firm License# 1860353

📞 910-250-8888✉️ joey@alphamortgageadvantage.com

📅 Date Completed: ___________________🏠 Property Address: ___________________

💰 PROOF OF INCOME
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Gather 30 days of Pay Stubs Must be the most recent consecutive stubs showing Year-to-Date earnings.
☐	Collect last 2 years of W-2s Pull these for every employer you've had in last 24 months.
☐	Full Tax Returns (2 Years) Include all pages and schedules; lenders look for unreimbursed expenses.
☐	Self-Employed / 1099 Docs Provide a Year-to-Date Profit & Loss (P&L) and any 1099s received.
☐	Proof of "Other" Income Documentation for Social Security, Pensions, or Alimony.

🏦 ASSET VERIFICATION
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	2 Months of Bank Statements Crucial: Include every page (e.g., "1 of 6"), even if the last page is blank.
☐	Investment & Retirement Accounts Most recent quarterly statement for 401(k), IRA, or Brokerage accounts.
☐	Identify "Large Deposits" Be ready to source any deposit that isn't payroll. Thresholds vary by program — roughly half your monthly income is a common trigger. When in doubt, document it.
☐	Gift Letter Documentation Signed letter naming the donor, the relationship, the amount, and that it's a gift rather than a loan — plus a paper trail on both ends. Who may gift varies by program, so ask your lender first.
☐	Verify Earnest Money Source Keep a copy of the check or wire used for your initial deposit.

🆔 IDENTITY & HISTORY
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Current Government ID Clear, color copy of Driver's License or Passport (must not be expired).
☐	2-Year Residential History Every physical address for the last 24 months, with move-in and move-out dates. Gaps need a written explanation.
☐	Landlord Contact Info If renting, have landlord's email/phone ready for Verification of Rent (VOR).
☐	Social Security Card Some lenders require a copy or an SSA-89 form to verify identity.

📁 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Divorce or Separation Decree Required to verify alimony/child support obligations or incoming income.
☐	Bankruptcy or Foreclosure Have official Discharge Papers ready if this occurred in the last 7 years.
☐	Existing Real Estate Owned Most recent mortgage statement, insurance, and tax bills for other property.
☐	Business Tax Returns (K-1s) Required if you own 25% or more of a business entity.

🚀 PRO-TIPS FOR APPROVAL
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Do NOT open new credit lines Avoid new car loans, furniture financing, or credit cards until you have keys.
☐	Document all money movement Keep all transfer confirmations; lenders must "source" every dollar.
☐	Mind the "Large Deposits" Avoid depositing large amounts of cash that cannot be documented.
☐	Stay at your current job Career changes during the loan process can trigger a denial.
☐	Check 2026 Conforming Limits Above your county's limit you're in jumbo territory, with different rules. FHFA publishes county-by-county limits each year — look yours up rather than assuming the national baseline.

Equal Housing Opportunity.