The Document Checklist

Being ready is the difference between a calm closing and a stressful one. Gather what applies to you before you need it.

Everyone

• Government-issued photo ID
• Recent bank statements, all pages, including the blank ones
• Documentation of any large or unusual deposits
• Current housing information, whether you rent or own
• Details of any other properties you own

If you earn a W-2

• Recent pay stubs
• W-2s for the past couple of years
• Federal tax returns, depending on the program

If you are self-employed

• Business and personal bank statements
• 1099s, if that is how you are paid
• Profit and loss statement, often CPA-prepared
• Business licence or similar proof of the business existing
• Federal tax returns, if you are going a documented-income route

Note that several programs exist specifically so you do not need to qualify on tax returns. See self-employed mortgages.

If you are buying investment property

• Leases on properties you already own
• Rent roll, if applicable
• Entity documents if you are closing in an LLC
• Insurance information on existing properties

If someone is gifting funds

• A signed gift letter
• Documentation of the transfer, both leaving their account and arriving in yours

Read the gift funds guide before anyone moves money.

One habit that helps

Send full documents rather than screenshots or partial pages. A statement missing page 4 of 5 comes straight back, and that round trip is a day you do not get back.