Mortgage Underwriting: Preparing Documents and Answering Follow-Up Requests

This guide presents selected U.S. government consumer education from CFPB. References to “we” or “us” in the source material refer to the issuing agency. Source dates and links appear below.

Create a loan application packet

In the Explore loan choices phase, you talk with several lenders to get acquainted. You’ll need to give these lenders some information about your finances. It’s best to gather this information now, so you have it ready at your fingertips.

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What to do now

Gather your personal and financial information

• Pay stub for the last 30 days
• W-2 forms for the last two years
• Signed federal tax return for the last two years
• Documentation of other sources of income
• Bank statements, two most recent
• Documentation of the source of your down payment: investment or savings account statements showing at least two months’ history of ownership (if some of the money was a gift, get a signed statement from the giver stating that it was a gift)
• Documentation of name change, if recent
• Proof of your identity (typically a drivers’ license or non-driver ID)
• Social Security number
• Certificate of housing counseling or home buyer education, if you have one

One way to make sure you have collected the information lenders require is to start with the Fannie Mae Form 1003 and fill it out. It’s a commonly used form, and even if your loan or lender ultimately has different requirements, it can be a good starting point.

Servicemembers or veterans should obtain a certificate of eligibility from the VA

The VA’s Home Loan Guarantee Program is a good option for veterans and servicemembers to consider, and you need this certificate if you decide to go that route.

What to know

Some lenders have technology to automate document collection

Automated document collection could mean the lender requests account information directly from banks or businesses to check your income or employment. Automation can make the process smoother. Still, it is your choice whether and when to allow a lender to access your information. Here are tips to consider as you decide whether to share your financial data.

The more organized you are, the faster the loan approval process is likely to be

Make sure your documents are accurate and complete.

Your lenders use the information you provide to decide how much they are willing to lend you at what interest rate. If your information is inaccurate, you could encounter costly surprises down the road. If your documents are incomplete, lenders may reject them.

• Make sure to include every page of multi-page documents, even ones marked “intentionally left blank.”
• Make sure when printing online documents that the full URL is included on the bottom of each page.

Chances are, you'll need to update your loan application packet at least once during this process

Lenders like to see the most recent bank statements, pay stubs, etc. If you access these items online, write a reminder to yourself on how to find the information again so you can update your packet easily.

If you are self-employed or have irregular or nonwage income, you may need additional documentation

Requirements vary from lender to lender and depending on your specific situation. Share your situation when you meet with loan officers or a housing counselor and ask what kind of documentation you need.

Visit our sources page to learn more about the facts and numbers we reference.

The process and forms described on this page reflect mortgage regulations that apply to most mortgages.

Gather and update your paperwork

It is essential to keep your documents up to date during the homebuying process. If it’s been a while since you gathered your packet of information about your identity and income, update it now.

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What to do now

Update your application packet to make sure you have everything

• Gather the most recent copies of time-sensitive paperwork, such as pay stubs and bank statements.
• Ask the lenders you’ve been talking with what additional documents you might need based on your specific situation.

Servicemembers and veterans: apply to the VA for a "Certificate of Eligibility " if you haven’t already

If you’re a servicemember, veteran, or surviving spouse interested in considering a VA loan, you need the VA Certificate of Eligibility to qualify for the loan.

What to know

When in doubt, gather it anyway

Even if one of the lenders you are considering doesn’t need a particular document right now, they may want to see it once you get further into the application process. Having everything in the same place makes the rest of the process easier.

If you receive child support or alimony, you need proof of that income if you want it to be considered

For example, you likely need a court order stating the amount of child support or alimony you receive, and documentation showing the payments were received. If the payments are inconsistent or expected to end in the next three years, you might not be able to use this income to qualify for a mortgage.

If you are self-employed or have irregular or seasonal income, you need to provide more extensive documentation of your income

Requirements vary based on the lender and your specific situation. Ask the lenders you’re working with what you need.

Visit our sources page to learn more about the facts and numbers we reference.

The process and forms described on this page reflect mortgage regulations that apply to most mortgages.

Submit documents and answer requests from the lender

Once you’ve decided to proceed with a loan, the lender needs to review your financial information carefully.

You may be asked to provide additional financial information and to submit documents to verify the information you previously reported.

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What to do now

Gather your documents

• Use our application packet checklist as a guide for what to gather, if you haven’t already.
• Ask your loan officer what additional documents you may need based on your situation.

Submit your documents

• Ask your loan officer for precise instructions on how and where to submit the information.
• Submit copies. Keep your originals.
• Confirm that the right person has received your documents.

Be proactive and responsive to your lender

• Make sure your loan officer has your current contact information.
• Check your email, voicemail messages, and postal mail frequently to make sure you don't miss requests for more information.
• Respond quickly to requests for additional documents.

What to know

Expect to work with multiple people associated with your lender

Lenders have specialized staff that work on processing and underwriting (approving) your loan.

If you receive regular income from a non-employment source, be prepared to submit additional documentation

You may have regular income from sources other than employment, such as child support, alimony, or rental income. If you rely on this income, the lender needs proof that this income can reasonably be expected to continue in the future at the same level.

If you have made one or more large deposits into your bank account recently, be prepared to document the source of the money

It’s common for home buyers to have large deposits in their bank records, especially when transferring money between accounts in preparation for a home purchase. Lenders are generally required to verify the source of your income and down payment funds. Requirements vary, so ask your lender what documentation you need.

Some lenders have technology to automate document collection

This could involve them requesting certain banking account information and credentials in order to verify income or employment. Here is what should consider when deciding whether to share your financial data.

You can’t bring actual cash to closing

Your lender, real estate agent, and even your Loan Estimate form all talk about your “cash to close” or the amount of money you need to bring to closing. The money you bring to closing typically needs to be in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer from a bank. Confirm with your closing agent what form of payment you need.

How to avoid pitfalls

Don’t submit incomplete documents

• Include every page of multi-page documents, even ones marked “intentionally left blank.”
• Make sure that the full website address (URL) is included on the bottom of each page when printing online documents.

Some kinds of loans do not allow you to use gift funds for the down payment

If some of your down payment funds are a gift, ask your loan officer now whether the gift funds are allowed with the loan you’ve chosen.

Visit our sources page to learn more about the facts and numbers we reference.

The process and forms described on this page reflect mortgage regulations that apply to most mortgages.

Sources and publication details

• Create a loan application packet — CFPB; accessed October 28, 2026.
• Gather and update your paperwork — CFPB; accessed October 28, 2026.
• Submit documents and answer requests from the lender — CFPB; accessed October 28, 2026.

The federal agency source text is U.S. government work in the public domain. Fynoptic selected, adapted, and formatted it for this guide. No agency endorsement is implied. Follow the linked sources for current program details and the rules applicable to your circumstances.