LOAN PROCESS

Most lending institutions require some confidential information as a part of the mortgage loan application. To facilitate and speed the process of loan approval, you will want to gather the following documents:

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

• For both borrower and co-borrower.

ASSETS

• Name and address of banks and/or credit unions for checking and savings.

• Checking and savings account numbers and balance.

• If stocks and bonds are to be cashed and used for down payment or closing, verification of such will require (copy of stock certificates, bond serial numbers or copy of transfer).

• Value of household furnishings.

• Make and model of automobiles and their value.

• If you are using equity from sale of previous property, a copy of the settlement statement is required.

• Amount of life insurance, monthly premiums and cash value, if any.

• "Gift Letter" if relative is providing gift of funds.

EMPLOYMENT

• Names and address of employers for past two years.

• Amount of base pay, commissions (if on a commission basis, copies of W-2 forms or tax returns for past 3 years* is required), auto allowance, expenses and/or bonuses.

• If self-employed, tax returns for the past 2 years and/or current audited profit and loss financial statement.

*Some lenders may require 7 years verification of employment and mortgage/rental payments.

LIABILITIES

• If applicant presently owns property, name and address of present mortgage company, loan number, approximate balance of loan and amount of monthly payment.

• Name of any firm, credit cards, etc., with outstanding balances and the account number and/or credit references with account number.

• Estimated cost of cars owned, the year and model. Name and address of lending company, loan number and balance.

• If child support or alimony is applicable to the purchaser, it will be requested that separation papers or divorce decree be shown.

VA LOANS

• A copy of Veterans DD-214 or Certificate of Eligibility is required

ON FHA LOANS

• Documented cost of child care is required.

Of paramount importance are the contractual requirements that you obtain financing within a specific period of time. When making loan application, in addition to the items mentioned before, you will also need:

• A check for the credit report (approximately $50)

• A check for the appraisal of the property (approximately $350)

• A copy of the purchase contract

• Description of the house (number of rooms, number of baths, etc.), current real estate taxes for the property.

At the time of loan application or shortly thereafter, the lender will provide to you a "good faith" estimate of your closing costs. The lender will perform a credit check to verify all the statements on your loan application and order an appraisal on the property. While this is taking place, he will await prompt return of the employment and savings verification forms. When all of the above is complete, your application will go to the loan committee.

The length of time it takes to process your loan depends upon the type of financing you are seeking, therefore, prompt loan application and providing all information requested by lender in a timely fashion is essential. Additionally, you must make loan application within the time frame specified in the purchase contract.

(Information courtesy of Laura Stevens. Movement Mortgage)