Kempt
In short
The CFPB’s loan application packet lists pay stubs for the last 30 days, W-2s for the last two years, signed federal tax returns for two years, other income records, your two most recent bank statements, statements showing two months of ownership of your down payment (plus a gift letter if part is a gift), photo ID and your Social Security number.A lender can’t require documents before giving you a Loan Estimate.
Without any app
Income
Pay stubs covering the last 30 days, W-2s for the last two years, and signed federal tax returns for two years. Add other income: alimony, Social Security, bonuses, 1099s if you’re self-employed.
Assets
Your two most recent statements for each bank account, and statements showing the down-payment money has been yours for two months. If part of it is a gift, a signed gift letter.
Identity
Photo ID and your Social Security number; name-change documents if your name differs across papers; a housing counseling certificate if you have one.
Make one packet
One folder with the papers named the way the lender lists them, in their order. Export as one PDF if they accept it.
| Document | How much |
|---|---|
| Pay stubs | Last 30 days |
| W-2s | Last 2 years |
| Federal tax returns, signed | Last 2 years |
| Bank statements | 2 most recent, each account |
| Down-payment source | 2 months of ownership; gift letter if a gift |
| Photo ID and Social Security number | — |
With Kempt
- 1
The lender’s list, matched
Drop the lender’s email or checklist on the notch (Prepare the papers): Kempt lists what they asked in their words and marks each line found, outdated or missing, with the dates of the papers it found.
- 2
Copies that share less
Share less cuts a US Social Security number on pay stub copies to its last 4 digits, and every copy is read back before it’s attached. Originals stay untouched.
- 3
A draft, not a send
“Reply in Mail” opens a draft with the copies attached in their order and anything missing named. Kempt never sends; you check and press Send.
$27 once, 14 days freeRuns on every Apple silicon MacA question? Ask a person
Questions people ask
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
Recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s and tax returns, recent bank statements, proof of your down payment, photo ID and your Social Security number.
Can a lender ask for documents before the Loan Estimate?
No. The CFPB says a lender can’t require documents before giving you a Loan Estimate.
What is a gift letter?
A signed letter from the person giving you down-payment money, saying it’s a gift and doesn’t have to be repaid.
How recent should bank statements be?
The two most recent statements for each account.
How many pay stubs do I need for a mortgage?
The CFPB’s packet asks for pay stubs covering the last 30 days.
What do self-employed borrowers need?
Lenders usually ask for two years of personal (and business) tax returns and other proof of income; ask yours for its list before you start.
Should I gather documents before choosing a lender?
Yes, it saves time, but a lender can’t require them before giving you a Loan Estimate, so you can compare offers first.