Pay stubs and W-2s
Recent pay stubs and your W-2 forms. If much of your pay is commission, overtime or bonus, your tax returns may also be asked for.
Paperwork
Mortgage document checklist
What to gather before you apply. Getting these ready early makes the process smoother. Your loan officer tells you exactly what your loan needs; some programs ask for more.
Prefer to talk? Call 732-686-9999
- Direct, licensed mortgage lender
- NMLS #103098
- Equal Housing Lender
On this page
Jump to a section.
Get a quoteReady for the full application? Apply online
Fidelity Residential · NMLS #103098 · Equal Housing Lender
- Direct, licensed lenderNMLS #103098. Check our licences on NMLS Consumer Access.
- A licensed loan officerA real person reviews your file and answers your questions.
- Plain-English guidesShort answers to the questions borrowers ask most.
- Apply online or by phoneStart a quote, apply online or call 732-686-9999.
Start here
For everyone
Lenders use automated underwriting systems that often need fewer documents than in the past, but they still verify what you tell them.
- Photo identification for every borrower
- Your Social Security number and, if you are not a U.S. citizen, proof of your residency status or visa
- Your addresses and employers for the last couple of years
- Copies, not originals. Keep your originals safe and send clear copies of every page
Income
Income documents
Tax returns
Personal and, where you own a business, business tax returns, and often a year-to-date profit and loss statement. Other programs can look at bank statements or assets instead: see alternative documentation loans.
Award letters
Social Security, pension or disability award letters and proof of receipt, such as bank statements. Some income must be shown to continue for a set time.
Leases and tax returns
Your leases and the tax returns that show the rent. Lenders usually work from the rental income on your return and add back paper expenses such as depreciation.
Interest, dividends, support
Statements and tax returns for interest and dividends. Alimony or child support only needs to be shown if you want it counted, with the court order and proof of receipt.
Income must be documented
Lenders count income that can be documented, usually as reported on your tax returns. Income that is legally tax-free can be counted with that in mind.
Savings and debts
Savings and debts
- Bank and investment statements for checking, savings, brokerage and retirement accounts, every page, to show the money for the down payment, closing costs and savings after closing
- A gift letter if a relative is giving you money, plus proof of the transfer
- Large deposits explained and traced to their source
- Your debts the lender sees most on your credit report; have details of any debt not on it, such as child support
- Money borrowed for closing must usually be secured by something you own and documented; the payment counts as a debt
- Divorce decree or bankruptcy papers if they apply to you
The property
The property
When you buy
The signed purchase contract, the earnest money receipt, and proof of homeowners insurance before closing.
When you refinance
Your current mortgage statement, your homeowners insurance declaration page, and your property tax bill.
If you own other homes
Mortgage statements, insurance and property tax bills for each, and leases if they are rented.
Have a question we did not answer?
Talk it through with a licensed loan officer, get a quote, or apply online.
This page is general information, not a commitment to lend. Programs, terms and eligibility depend on credit, income, property and underwriting review and are subject to change without notice.