Name: Mortgage Mark
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Getting a mortgage comes with paperwork. We know—it’s not the fun part. But we’re here to make it as smooth as possible. Below is a general checklist of what you’ll need when applying for a home loan. We’ll walk you through the documents, why they matter, and when they come into play.

Whether you’re in Dallas, across Texas, or somewhere else in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, this guide will help you stay organized and get through the mortgage process with confidence.

Getting Pre-Approved

First things first: to get pre-approved, you’ll need to fill out an online application and send in your initial documents. This gives us a chance to verify your income, assets, and credit so we can get a real sense of your homebuying power.

Here’s what we typically ask for upfront:

Generic Pre-Approval Checklist

Driver’s License
We’ll need a government-issued ID to confirm who you are.
Paystubs for the past 30 days
This shows us your current income.
W-2s from the past 2 years
Helps us verify your employment history and earnings.
Tax Returns for the past 2 years (all pages)
Required especially if you’re self-employed or have other income sources.
Bank Statements from the past 2 months (all pages, even blank ones)
We check to make sure you’ve got enough for your down payment and closing costs—and look for any large deposits that may need explanation.

Mortgage Document Checklist

Note to the Self-Employed

If you own 25% or more of a business, you’re considered self-employed. That means we’ll also need:

Business tax returns for the past 2 years (all pages)
K-1s, if applicable
Profit & Loss statement, especially if your income fluctuates or your most recent tax return isn’t filed yet

For more details, check out our page on Schedule C Income and Mortgages if you’re a sole proprietor.

Additional Documents That Might Come Up

Once you’re under contract and moving through the loan process, more paperwork will likely be needed. Don’t worry—we’ll guide you every step of the way and send over a personalized checklist once we review your file.

But to help you get ahead, here’s a breakdown of what might be requested depending on your situation.

If You Already Own Real Estate

Whether you’re refinancing your current home or buying a new one while keeping your existing property, we may need some additional documents related to the homes you already own.

If Refinancing Your Current Home:

Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
Survey, if applicable
Most recent mortgage statement

If You Own Additional Real Estate (rental, vacation, etc.):

Mortgage statement for each property
This helps us verify what you owe and what the payments look like.
Homeowner’s insurance contact info
Sometimes underwriters need to verify your coverage is current.
Lease agreements (if it’s a rental property)
Needed if we’re using rental income to help you qualify.
Tax returns
To verify any reported rental income if it’s not reflected elsewhere.
Deed or title (especially for vacant land or paid-off properties)
Lenders may request proof that you fully own the property and it’s free and clear.

Pro Tip for Real Estate Investors

If you’ve got multiple rental properties, it’s super helpful to put together a quick spreadsheet with:

Property address
Who services the loan
Current balance
Monthly payment
Rental income (if any)

This keeps things organized and helps us move through your approval faster. And if you own a bunch of properties and don’t want to deal with all the traditional paperwork, let’s talk about DSCR loans—they can simplify the process big time.

Final Thoughts

We know mortgage paperwork isn’t anyone’s favorite part of the homebuying process. But having the right docs upfront can speed everything up and help us avoid delays later.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, real estate investor, or refinancing in Dallas, Texas, or beyond, our team is here to help you stay organized and confident from start to finish.

If you ever have a question about what to send, reach out and ask. No dumb questions here. And when you think mortgage, think Mark.

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