The three levers
Focus on three things: credit (pay on time, lower card balances), DTI (reduce monthly debt, avoid new loans), and documents (income, assets, ID). Then get pre-approved to confirm your real budget.
Small credit improvements can move your rate; lowering revolving balances helps both credit and DTI. Avoid opening new accounts or making big purchases before and during the process — it can change your qualification.
Documents to gather
Have ready: recent pay stubs or, if self-employed, bank statements; tax returns/W-2s where applicable; bank/asset statements; and ID. We’ll give you a tailored checklist and pre-check everything before you apply.
A 90-day mortgage-ready timeline
If you’re planning to buy in a few months, a simple runway makes a big difference. 90 days out: pull your credit, dispute any errors, and stop opening new accounts. 60 days out: pay down revolving balances to under about 30% of each limit — this lifts your score and lowers your debt-to-income ratio at the same time. 30 days out: gather documents, avoid large unexplained deposits or withdrawals (lenders scrutinize your bank statements), and get pre-approved. Small, deliberate moves in this window often translate into a better rate and a smoother approval.
The documents lenders will ask for
Being organized speeds everything up. Most borrowers need: recent pay stubs (or 12–24 months of bank statements if self-employed), the last two years of W-2s or tax returns where applicable, two months of bank and asset statements, and a government ID. If you’re using gift funds, we’ll prepare a gift letter and source the funds correctly. We send a tailored checklist up front so nothing stalls underwriting later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I lower my DTI quickly?
Pay down credit cards and avoid new debt. Even small reductions can improve qualification and rate.
How long does it take to improve my credit before buying?
Often 30–90 days for meaningful gains — paying down card balances and correcting errors can move your score quickly. We’ll flag the highest-impact steps for your situation.
Will checking my own credit hurt my score?
No — checking your own credit is a soft pull and doesn’t affect your score. It’s smart to review it before you apply.
What credit score do I need?
Often 620+ opens most programs; FHA can go lower. Better credit means a better rate.
What documents will I need?
Income (pay stubs or bank statements), assets, tax docs where applicable, and ID. We’ll send a checklist.
Save Financial, Inc. — NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766. Equal Housing Opportunity. Figures are illustrative for 2026 and not an offer of credit or a guarantee of rates or approval.