What to have ready.

Full documentation loans

You may need some or all of the following:

• W-2s from the past two years
• Pay stubs covering the last 30 days
• Your two most recent monthly bank statements
• Your most recent 401(k), IRA or mutual fund statement
• A copy of the purchase contract
• If you're divorced, a fully executed divorce decree

If you're self-employed, in sales, paid by commission, or own rental property

In addition to the items that apply from the first list:

• Signed personal tax returns from the past two years, with all schedules
• If you're self-employed through a corporation: corporate tax returns from the past two years, plus a year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet

Self-employed? Start early. Your income usually needs extra review, and an early start gives us time to get it right. You may also qualify with a bank statement loan.

Other items we may ask for

• A short letter explaining any late payments, collections or judgments on your credit
• For a cash-out refinance, a letter explaining how you'll use the funds
• Anything else the underwriter requests during approval

Make it fast and easy

• Send every page of each statement, even the blank ones
• Make sure scans and photos are complete and easy to read
• Answer follow-up requests from underwriting right away
• Use our secure portal instead of regular email for anything with account numbers