One of the biggest stress points for homebuyers—especially first-timers—is figuring out what paperwork they actually need to apply for a mortgage. We hear it all the time: “Do I need to dig up everything from the last ten years?” or “What if I don’t have a W-2 job?”
The truth is, it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. And if you’re working with a good lender (hey—that’s us), we’ll walk you through what’s needed based on your specific situation.
Let’s break it down so you know what to expect—and how to get ahead of the game.
The Basic Mortgage Paperwork Everyone Needs
No matter your situation, most borrowers will need to provide some version of the following documents:
- Recent Pay Stubs (usually from the last 30 days)
- W-2 Forms from the last two years
- Tax Returns (sometimes required, especially if you’re self-employed)
- Bank Statements (typically two months’ worth)
- Government-Issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Proof of any additional income (child support, bonuses, etc.)
This is the starting point. Think of it as your mortgage “starter pack.” If you’re a standard salaried employee with a traditional job and no side income, this might be all we need.
When Your Income Isn’t So Standard
Now, let’s say you’re not in a 9-to-5 situation. Maybe you’re retired, self-employed, or receiving Social Security income. That doesn’t make you any less eligible—it just means the documentation will look a little different.
If you’re on Social Security or receiving pension income, here’s what we might ask for:
- Social Security award letter (your yearly benefits statement)
- Pension verification or retirement account distributions
- 1099 forms for the last two years
- Bank statements showing regular deposits
That said—here’s something most lenders won’t tell you: technically if we can clearly see consistent Social Security deposits on your bank statements, that might be all we need. We always go by guidelines, but we also go the extra mile to explore every angle to help you qualify with less hassle.
Why Lenders Ask for This Stuff
It’s not about snooping into your finances—it’s about making sure you can comfortably afford your new home. We’re looking to verify:
- Your income stability
- Your ability to repay the loan
- Any debt obligations that might affect your qualification
- The source of your down payment (especially if it’s gifted or from assistance)
In other words, we want to make sure you’re set up to succeed, not stretch yourself too thin. This protects both you and your future investment.
Pro Tip: Get Ahead of the Paperwork Game
If you’re thinking about buying soon, here are a few things you can do now to make the process smoother later:
- Gather your last two years of W-2s or 1099s
- Save electronic copies of your last two months of bank statements
- Keep records of any large deposits or transfers
- Don’t move money between accounts without a paper trail
- Be upfront with us—if something’s missing, we’ll help you figure it out
Every File Is Different—That’s Why We Guide You
Here’s the thing: every buyer is unique. We’ve worked with self-employed folks, veterans, retirees, gig workers, and first-time buyers with nothing but a dream and a determination to make it work. That’s why we don’t do cookie-cutter support.
What we do offer is experience, patience, and the kind of personal attention that helps you navigate the mortgage application process without second-guessing yourself.
So if you’re wondering what you need to get started—don’t stress. Just reach out and we’ll tell you exactly what you need, based on your goals.
We don’t say “no”; we say “how.”
Have questions or ready to get pre-approved? Let’s talk about your next steps.
– REHL Team Clemente at: clemente@ramonespinozahomeloans.com or Ramon at ramon@ramonespinozahomeloans.com
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