A little preparation goes a long way.

Start with the basics

The exact records depend on the program and your circumstances. A salaried employee, business owner, retiree and investor can have different documentation needs. This checklist is a conversation starter, not a universal approval list.

• Identification and current contact information.
• Employment and income history; recent pay records when applicable.
• Tax records, W-2s or other income documentation when requested.
• Statements for accounts used for closing funds or reserves.
• Details of debts, existing mortgages and real estate owned.

If your situation is more complex

Tell Harman about self-employment, variable pay, rental income, gift funds, recent large deposits or a recent change in employment. The earlier these are discussed, the easier it is to understand what needs verification.

For a refinance, a recent mortgage statement and insurance information can be useful. For a purchase, the contract and property details will become part of the file.

Share documents securely

Use the approved secure application or a verified document delivery process provided by your lender. Do not put Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, tax returns or financial documents into a general website inquiry.

Keep records complete

Provide all requested pages, including blank statement pages when needed. Avoid cropped screenshots if the lender needs full statements. If a document is unavailable, explain that promptly so alternatives can be discussed.