Pre Approval Checklist
Home Buyer
🏠 Personal Identification
Government-issued ID (Driver’s License or Passport)
Social Security Number
💼 Employment & Income Documentation
Most recent 2 pay stubs (covering 30 days)
W-2 forms for the past 2 years
Tax returns (1040s) for the past 2 years
Year-to-date income if commission/bonus-based
Employment verification (HR contact or employer letter if newly employed)
💳 Credit & Debt Info
List of monthly debt obligations (student loans, auto loans, credit cards)
Explanation of any late payments, collections, or derogatory marks
🏦 Bank & Asset Documentation
Last 2 months of bank statements (all pages, all accounts)
Retirement or investment account statements (401k, IRA, brokerage)
Proof of gift funds (if applicable) + gift letter
🏡 Property Info (if already identified)
Copy of purchase agreement
Real estate agent’s contact info
📋 Additional Documents (if applicable)
Divorce decree or child support orders
Bankruptcy discharge documents (if within past 7 years)
Immigration/residency documentation if not a U.S. citizen
📝 Notes for Buyers:
Make sure all documents are legible and unaltered.
Avoid large, unexplained deposits or credit inquiries before closing.
Stay employed and avoid financing new debts/ opening new credit cards until you close.
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Investors
📇 Personal & Entity Identification
Government-issued ID
Entity docs (LLC/ Corp. operating agreement, EIN letter, Articles of Incorporation)
List of owned properties + rental income documentation
💰 Income & Tax Returns
Last 2 years of full tax returns (personal + business if applicable)
Schedule E showing real estate income/losses
K-1s, 1120s, or 1065s (if owning through partnerships/corps)
Year-to-date Profit &Loss (if self-employed)
🏦 Asset Documentation
2 months of bank statements (personal & business)
Proof of liquid reserves (often 6–12 months of PITI for each rental)
Retirement/investment statements for liquidity
📉 Credit & Liabilities
Existing mortgage statements for current properties
Lease agreements or rent roll
Property tax and insurance info on existing rentals
📑 Property Details (if applicable)
Purchase contract (if property already under contract)
Rehab budget or scope of work (if it's a fixer)
Appraisal (if already completed)
📋 Additional Documents
Exit strategy (flip, BRRRR, long-term rental)
Rental income worksheet (showing cash flow)
Business plan or portfolio overview (for larger projects)