Applying for Your Loan
The first item you’ll need to take care of is the selection of a lender and completion of a mortgage application. Plan to accomplish this within 5 business days of signing your purchase agreement. Take the completed purchase agreement with you when you first visit your lender.

Your lender’s job is to understand your particular financial circumstances completely. You will review all information on the application at your meeting with the loan officer. A situation rarely arises that your loan officer has not encountered in the past. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions you have regarding your assets, income, or credit. By providing complete information, you prevent delays or extra tips to deliver documents.

Loan Application Checklist
The amount of documentation and information required for a mortgage can seem overwhelming. You can facilitate the application process by collecting as much of the needed information as you can before your appointment. The checklist that follows is a general guide to assist you with the loan application. Some of the items listed may not apply to you and your lender
will probably request some items that we have not mentioned, but this list will get you off to a good start.

Property Information

• The purchase agreement will include the legal description of the property and the price.

Confirmation of Income

• Employment letter stating date of hire, position and gross annual income.
• Most recent pay stubs.
• Documentation on any supplemental income such as bonuses or commissions.
• If you are self-employed or earn income from commissioned sales, copies of last two years of tax return with all schedules and year-to-date profit and loss for current year, signed by an accountant.
• Documentation of alimony or child support, if this income is considered for the loan.

Liquid Assets

• Complete names, addresses, phone numbers, and account numbers for all bank, credit union, and investment accounts.
• Copies of the last three months statements for all bank accounts.
• Copies of any GIC /CSB / term deposit statements.
• Value of other assets such as auto, household goods, and collectibles.
• Cash value of life insurance policies.
• Unconditional sale of existing residence. (A copy of the offer to purchase on existing residence, with waivers for applicable conditions, as well as a mortgage statement indicating current balance owing).

Liabilities

• Names, account numbers, balances, and current monthly payment amounts for all revolving charge cards.
• Names, addresses, phone numbers, and account numbers for all installment debt and approximate balances and monthly payments for such items as auto loans and mortgages.
• Alimony or child support payments.
• Names, addresses, phone numbers, and account numbers of accounts recently paid off, if used to establish credit.

Loan Approval
During your first meeting, you and your lender determine the timing to obtain pre qualification. This allows us to start the home even though final approval is still pending. You will discuss additional items that you may need to obtain final loan approval. A few weeks after your first meeting with the lender, you should receive loan approval. If any of the documents requested have not been returned to the lender in a timely manner, approval will take longer.

Contingencies
Loan approvals often carry conditions of approval. The sale of a previous home or proof of funds are two examples. Discuss any concern you may have about such conditions with your loan officer and obtain any requested documentation as soon as possible. Once all contingencies are met, the final loan can be approved.