You'll need: ID + SSN, ~30 days pay stubs, ~2 yrs W-2s & tax returns, ~2 months bank/asset statements, self-employment docs if applicable, a gift letter if using gift funds, and the purchase contract once under contract. Complete docs = fast timeline.
On this page
The 4 document groups
| Group | What to gather |
|---|---|
| 1. Identity | Government photo ID · Social Security number |
| 2. Income | ~30 days pay stubs · ~2 yrs W-2s · ~2 yrs tax returns |
| 3. Assets | ~2 months bank/asset statements · gift letter (if applicable) |
| 4. Property | Signed purchase contract · related property paperwork (once under contract) |
Self-employed? Your docs differ
If you're self-employed, the income group changes based on program: traditional loans use 2 years of personal & business tax returns; bank statement loans qualify you on deposits (often 12–24 months of statements); and P&L programs use a prepared profit & loss statement — no tax returns. We'll tell you exactly which path fits.
Documents FAQs
What do I need?
ID+SSN, pay stubs, W-2s/returns, bank statements, self-employ docs, gift letter, contract.
Self-employed docs?
Tax returns, or bank statements, or a P&L — depends on the program.
How many bank statements?
~2 months for most; bank statement loans want many more.
Why so many docs?
To verify income, assets, ID & property — complete docs = fast close.
What's a gift letter?
A signed note confirming gift funds aren't a loan; transfer usually documented.
Reviewed by the licensing team at Save Financial, a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) founded in 2009 and serving all 58 counties.