Mortgage Pro/Investor/Lifestyle Curator
A Free Document Checklist

First-Time Homebuyer
Mortgage Checklist

Every document your lender will ask for — gathered in one place. Pull these together before you apply and your pre-approval will move faster, smoother, and stronger.

Christina Cutolo
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer  ·  NMLS #180729
christinacutolo.com
01

Income — If You Earn a W-2

Most recent 30 days of pay stubs from ALL jobs
→If you receive a new offer letter or raise, include the documentation so it can be reflected
W-2 forms from the past 2 years from every employer
Federal tax returns for the past 2 years — all pages, all schedules, signed
Employment verification letter if you recently started a new job (within the past 2 years)
If you receive bonuses, overtime, or commission: 2 years of documentation showing consistent receipt
02

If You're Self-Employed or 1099

Personal tax returns for the last 2 years with all pages
Business tax returns for the last 2 years with all pages
Year-to-date Profit & Loss statement (YTD P&L)
1099 forms and K-1s
Business license
Pro Tip

Gather these BEFORE you apply. Having everything organized speeds up your pre-approval and shows your lender you're a serious, prepared buyer.

03

Other Income Sources

Social Security letter for the current year
Most recent pension statement
Divorce decree for child support and alimony
Rental income: last 2 years of tax returns with all pages and copies of lease agreements
04

Assets & Bank Statements

Most recent 2 months of bank statements from ALL accounts (checking, savings, money market — ALL pages, including blank pages)
Pro Tip

Every page matters — even pages that say "this page intentionally left blank." Missing pages will delay your file.

Most recent quarterly statement or last 2 months for retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth IRA, pension)
Investment and brokerage account statements — most recent 2 months
Proof of where your earnest money deposit is coming from
Gift letter if any portion of your down payment is a gift from a family member
→A gift letter must state the amount, the relationship, the source account, and that no repayment is expected
Source documentation for any large deposits in the past 2 months that are NOT regular paychecks
Large Deposit Alert

Any deposit that isn't a regular paycheck WILL be questioned. Your lender needs a paper trail. Avoid moving large sums between accounts during the mortgage process.

05

Property Documents — Once Under Contract

Fully signed purchase agreement / sales contract (all pages, all addenda)
Earnest money deposit receipt showing amount and where it was deposited
Homeowner's insurance quote or binder (declarations page with coverage amounts and effective date)
HOA documents if applicable (monthly dues, bylaws, budget, insurance)
Condo questionnaire if purchasing a condo (your lender or title company provides this form)
Flood zone determination (your lender typically orders this)
Pro Tip

Get insurance quotes early — your lender needs proof before closing, and comparing carriers takes time. Ask for a "binder" or "declarations page" to send to your lender.

06

Until You Close — Don't Do This

From the day you apply until the day you close, follow these without exception.

✕Open any new credit cards or lines of credit
✕Make any large purchases on credit (car, furniture, appliances)
✕Change jobs without telling your lender first
✕Move large sums between accounts without documentation
✕Co-sign on anyone else's loan
✕Close any existing credit card accounts
✕Deposit cash directly into your bank account
✕Finance new furniture before you close (wait until AFTER closing day)
✕Let anyone run your credit without your lender's knowledge
The Golden Rule

From application to closing: DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING. Your lender approved you based on a financial snapshot — any changes can delay or kill your loan.

Your Next Step

Ready to get pre-approved?

Gather your documents, then let's talk. I'll review everything, get you a real pre-approval — not a guess — and make sure your offer stands out when you find the one.

Start your pre-approval →christinacutolo.com/work-with-me
Christina Cutolo
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer  ·  NMLS #180729
christinacutolo.com

Christina Cutolo is a licensed mortgage loan officer (NMLS #180729) at CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, lending, or legal advice. Loan programs, rates, fees, and terms are subject to change and to lender and borrower qualification. Always consult a licensed professional regarding your specific situation. Equal Housing Opportunity.  ·  christinacutolo.com

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage ChecklistChristina Cutolo · NMLS #180729
christinacutolo.comA Free Guide