Buying a home should feel exciting, not stressful. One of the first things buyers ask me is, “What do I actually need to get preapproved?”
Preapproval is just a way for us to tell your financial story clearly. When the right documents are in place upfront, everything moves faster, smoother, and with way fewer surprises. Here’s a simple way to get ready.
Why this matters
Your paperwork helps us show lenders your real financial picture. That means better loan options, stronger offers, and fewer delays once you’re under contract. Being organized now saves you time and stress later.
What to gather for preapproval
Proof of income
This shows what you earn and how stable it is.
• Last 30 days of pay stubs
• W-2s from the past two years or 1099s if you’re self-employed
• If self-employed, two years of tax returns and possibly a year-to-date profit and loss statement
Every page matters. Even one missing pay stub can slow things down.
Proof of assets
This shows you have funds for your down payment and closing costs.
• One to two months of bank statements
• Investment or retirement account statements
• Documentation for any large deposits
Credit information
With your permission, I’ll review your credit and go over:
• Your credit history
• Any new or recent accounts
• Monthly payments like student loans, credit cards, or car loans
This helps us find the best loan options for you.
Identification
• A valid government ID
• Your Social Security number
Simple, but required.
Employment verification
Your employer may be contacted to confirm your job and how long you’ve been there. Changing jobs isn’t a deal-breaker, it just needs a quick explanation.
Housing history
If you rent, we’ll need:
• Your landlord’s contact info
• Proof of on-time rent payments
This shows a strong payment track record.
If it applies to you
Some situations need a little extra paperwork, like:
• Divorce or child support documents
• Gift letters for down payment help
• Short explanations for credit or job gaps
I’ll walk you through anything specific to your situation.
Uploading your documents
Almost everything is digital now. Clear photos or scans work great, just make sure every page is included, even the blank ones. Missing pages cause most delays.
Why getting this done early helps
When documents are ready upfront, preapproval can often happen in a day or two. When things come in slowly or incomplete, it drags out and creates stress that’s totally avoidable.
Final thought
Preapproval is like a warm-up before the big game. The better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make an offer.