28 May

5 Documents You Need for a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Kim Banting

Start Your Home Buying Journey with Confidence!
If you’re planning to buy a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the smartest moves you can make. It not only shows sellers you’re serious, but it also gives you a clear picture of what you can afford.

But before you sit down with a lender, it’s important to have your paperwork in order.
Here are the 5 key documents you’ll need for a mortgage pre-approval:

Click here to download this checklist to your device!

1. ✅ Proof of Income
Your lender wants to verify that you’re earning a steady and reliable income. Be ready to provide:
• Recent pay stubs (usually from the past 2–3 pay periods)
• T4s or Notices of Assessment from the past two years

For those who are self-employed, you may also need tax returns, business financial statements, or additional supporting documents.


2. 🏢 Employment Verification
This document comes directly from your employer and confirms:
• Your job title
• Your salary
• Your length of employment

It helps lenders understand your stability and likelihood of continued income. Some may request a letter of employment, while others may follow up with your HR department.


3. 💳 Credit Report & Financial Obligations
While your lender can pull your credit report, it’s still helpful to have a list of your monthly financial obligations, including:
• Credit card balances
• Car or personal loans
• Any recurring monthly debt payments

This helps calculate your debt-to-income ratio, a critical factor in determining how much you can borrow.


4. 🏦 Bank Statements & Down Payment Verification
To verify that you have the funds for your down payment and closing costs, be ready to share:
• Bank statements from the last 90 days
• Investment account statements, if applicable
• A gift letter, if part of your down payment, is a gift from a family member

Be prepared to explain any large deposits or unusual transactions.


5. 🪪 Government-Issued ID
Lastly, you’ll need to confirm your identity. Acceptable forms of ID typically include:
•A valid driver’s license or passport
•Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)


Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Having these documents ready will speed up the process and show sellers you’re a qualified buyer. If you’re unsure where to start or need help collecting the right paperwork, I’m here to guide you through every step.

📩 Get in touch today and let’s take the stress out of your mortgage process.
🔗Connect with me on Instagram

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First Time Home Buyers Guide