Pre-Qualification
Before you apply for a mortgage, you need to know your:
Whether you are seeking pre-approval or have agreed on a purchase price for your new home, you need to "prove" your eligibility for a mortgage. Mortgage lenders typically consider the following factors in determining your borrowing eligibility:
You typically need to prove both your monthly income and income-earning history.
Both your current and projected monthly obligations are compared to your monthly income. As a general rule, your monthly housing expenses should not exceed 28% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income. Overall, your total monthly expenses (e.g. housing, auto, student loans, credit card, etc.) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. It is important to note that these are general guidelines and can vary depending on the loan program you select.
A demonstrated track record of handling financial obligations in a timely manner is a characteristic lenders actively seek. Lenders use your credit report to assess and qualify this track record. By clearly understanding your financial history, lenders can judge the likelihood that you will also handle your mortgage obligation responsibly.
Although some loan programs only require a small or no down payment, a larger down payment can be considered favorable. Often, the size of your down payment can be increased through a gift from an immediate family member or by borrowing against another asset (such as a 401k plan). The following income and employment information is generally required as part of the loan process:
Current pay stub showing year-to-date income Current W-2 Form
Current, signed business and personal income tax returns covering a two-year period Current balance sheet Year-to-date profit and loss statement
Social Security Award Letter Either a 1099 Form or bank statement spanning a two-month time period (all pages) Copy of your pension check and all supporting documentation