Mortgage Application Checklist

What Most Lenders Will Request

When preparing to apply for a mortgage in Oakland or the East Bay, lenders will verify income, assets, liabilities, and overall credit profile.

In competitive seller markets, a well-prepared file doesn’t just support approval — it supports offer strength.

Being organized reduces delays, prevents underwriting surprises, and improves financing clarity.

Property Information (If You Have a Contract)

• Fully executed purchase agreement
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• Listing details (if selling a home)
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• Most recent mortgage statement (if applicable)
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• Settlement statement (if recently sold property)

Income Documentation

If Employed (W-2):

• Most recent 30 days of pay stubs
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• W-2s from the past two years
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• Employer name and contact information

If Self-Employed:

• Personal tax returns (2 years)
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• Business tax returns (2 years, if applicable)
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• Year-to-date Profit & Loss statement
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• CPA-prepared documentation if available

If Receiving Additional Income:

• Pension or retirement award letters
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• Social Security documentation
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• Divorce decree (if applicable)
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• Child support documentation (if used to qualify)

Asset Documentation

• Most recent two months of bank statements
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• Statements for investment or retirement accounts
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• Documentation for large deposits (if applicable)

Lenders review source and seasoning of funds carefully.
Clear documentation protects your timeline.

Debt & Liability Information

• Current account statements
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• Explanation of recent credit inquiries (if requested)
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• Documentation of repayment plans or collections (if applicable)

Multi-Unit or 2–4 Unit Purchases (If Applicable)

Financing for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes often requires:

• Rental income documentation
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• Lease agreements
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• Appraiser rent schedules (Form 1007)
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• Reserve requirement verification
  
  

Underwriting can be more detailed for multi-unit properties.
Early preparation keeps leverage intact.

VA Loans (If Applicable)

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
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• DD Form 214

Identification & Miscellaneous

• Government-issued photo ID
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• Social Security number
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• Proof of residency status (if applicable)

Why Preparation Matters in Oakland

In strong seller markets:

• Clean underwriting reduces friction
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• Complete documentation builds lender confidence
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• Financing clarity strengthens negotiations

Preparation isn’t just administrative.
It supports competitiveness.

Once your documentation is organized, the next step is structuring it into a competitive buying strategy.

Get a Clear Buying Plan