EN
ESHomebuyer resources and documents.
Useful starting points for planning your purchase, comparing options and understanding the paperwork.
Mortgage articles
Plain-English advice on closing costs, loan comparisons and self-employed buying.
Read articlesBefore the home search
Build your budget, understand cash to close and prepare for pre-approval.
Start hereRead your Loan Estimate
The CFPB’s guide to understanding and comparing loan terms, payments and closing costs.
CFPB guideExplore your payment
See how price, down payment and recurring property costs affect a monthly budget.
Try the calculatorGet the essentials together.
Each applicant gathers their own documents. Mark what you have, then check the situations that apply to you.
Start here.
Your loan may need a little more.
Open the topics that sound like your situation.
Tax returns
The past 2 years of federal returns if your loan program or circumstances call for them.
Self-employed
Personal and business tax returns, bank statements and business records as requested.
Variable, retirement or rental income
Records showing amount and continuity. For rentals, have leases and property statements ready.
Gift funds or large deposits
A gift letter and proof of the source or transfer, depending on the loan program.
VA loan
Certificate of Eligibility or service details so it can be obtained.
Under contract or refinancing
For a purchase, the signed contract when you have it. For a refinance, your current mortgage statement and tax and insurance details.
We can talk first. This is a preparation guide; actual requirements depend on the program and each applicant.
You do not need every document to request a Loan Estimate. Share sensitive documents only through the secure application, never through the contact form or ordinary email. CFPB application checklist
Plan your cash to close
Understand the down payment, closing costs, deposits and credits in one place.
Read the guideCompare a loan offer
Already have a Loan Estimate? See which numbers to compare before you decide.
Get a second lookFrequently asked questions.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan, occupancy and borrower. Some eligible programs offer low or no down payment options. Closing costs and reserves are separate considerations, so we will look at total cash needed.
What credit score do I need?
Requirements vary by program and lender. Credit score is only one factor; income, debts, assets and your credit history also affect the available options.
Can I qualify if I’m self-employed?
Potentially. Traditional income documentation may work, while some specialty programs consider bank statements or alternative documentation. We can review which approach fits your business.
Can I use rental income?
Some programs allow documented rental income, with adjustments and documentation requirements. The property, lease, rental history and type of financing affect how much may count.
What’s the difference between FHA and conventional?
FHA loans are government-insured and have their own mortgage insurance structure. Conventional loans follow different eligibility and mortgage insurance rules. Compare the full cost for your circumstances.
How do VA loans work?
VA-backed loans are available to eligible borrowers subject to entitlement and lender review. A down payment may not be required, while a funding fee may apply unless exempt.
What is a DSCR loan?
An investor loan that considers the property’s qualifying rental income relative to its debt payment. Credit, down payment, reserves and property requirements still apply.
Can I buy an investment property?
Financing may be available through conventional or specialty programs. The property type, expected rent, credit and assets help determine the options.
How long does mortgage pre-approval take?
Timing depends on how complete your application and documents are and the complexity of your finances. We will identify what is needed and discuss your timeline.
Does getting pre-approved affect my credit?
It may involve a hard credit inquiry, which can affect your score. Ask about the credit review process before authorizing it; an initial conversation does not itself run your credit.
What documents will I need?
Each applicant should gather a photo ID, recent income records and bank statements. Other items depend on your loan and income. See the document checklist below, and use the secure application for sensitive files.
Should I get pre-approved before contacting a Realtor?
It is often helpful to understand your budget early. Your loan originator and Realtor can coordinate the financing and home search. Pre-approval is conditional and is not a guarantee of final approval.
Let’s run the numbers.
Buying, refinancing or investing? Tell me your goal and we’ll go through your options.