Use this home buying checklist as a cheat sheet for your entire home buying process: from gathering your documents to applying for a mortgage and finding your dream home.

1. EMPLOYMENT/INCOME

• Name, address, phone number, and dates of employment for all employers over the last 2 years
• 30 days’ worth of paystubs or most recent LES
• Last 2 years’ W2s
• If self employed or receive commission or rental income:
• Last 2 years’ personal tax returns
• If you own a business: Last 2 years’ business tax returns
• Copies of social security, pension, and/or retirement award letters and corresponding 1099s
• Divorce decree and settlement paperwork for separate maintenance (if applicable)
• Explanation letter for employment gaps

2. ASSETS

• 60 days’ bank statements for checking and savings accounts
• 60 days’ statements for investment and retirement accounts
• Documentation for real estate currently owned, if any

3. PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Government-issued ID
• Your basic information like name, address, and phone number
• Previous addresses for the past 2 years
• Dates of birth and years of school completed
• Social Security numbers for all applicants for credit check
• Race and Ethnicity information (for government monitoring – requested on all mortgage loans)
• Copy of valid ID such as a driver’s license or government ID
• State where you plan to purchase
• Number and age of dependents

4. PROPERTY YOU ARE BUYING

• Purchase contract accepted and signed by you and the seller
• Appraisal showing a value of at least the purchase price (your lender will order)
• Name and contact information for the homeowner’s insurance agent you will use
• Name and phone number for the homeowner’s association, if applicable
• A home inspection report is typically not required by your lender, but it’s a good idea to get an inspection

5. CREDIT/LIABILITIES

• General knowledge of your current credit card, student loan, auto loan, and other credit accounts. Your loan officer will pull a credit report that shows your accounts, but on occasion, the information may be outdated, missing, or erroneous.
• Explanation for credit mishaps
• Bankruptcy and discharge paperwork (if applicable)
• Documentation disproving any erroneous items on your credit report