Mortgage Pre-Approval Made Easy: Every Document You’ll Need

A rock-solid pre-approval letter can move your offer to the top of a seller’s stack—especially in competitive coastal markets like Wilmington, Hampstead, and Jacksonville. Pulling the right paperwork together before you tour homes saves days in underwriting and lets you write offers with confidence.

1. Income Verification

Lenders want to see stable earnings over the past two years. Gather:

• W-2s or 1099s for the last two tax years

• Your most recent 30 days of pay stubs

• Documentation for bonus, overtime, or BAH/other military allowances

If you’re self-employed, add a year-to-date profit-and-loss statement plus two years of business returns. For deeper tips, scan our post on 10 common mortgage mistakes so you avoid income-verification snags.

2. Asset & Down-Payment Proof

Expect lenders to request:

• Bank statements for the last 60 days (all pages)

• Investment or retirement account statements if funds will be liquidated

• Gift letters if family members are helping (rules explained in our full pre-approval checklist)

These documents confirm you can cover your down payment, closing costs, and reserves.

3. Credit & Identity Essentials

Have a clear scan or photo of:

• Driver’s license or military ID

• Social Security card (or alternative proof of SSN)

Lenders will also pull your credit report. If you’re planning to pay down a balance or dispute an error, act before applying so your score updates in time.

4. Special-Situation Paperwork

• Divorce decrees to document alimony or child support received/paid

• Bankruptcy discharge papers if applicable

• VA Certificate of Eligibility for buyers using VA financing (find step-by-step instructions in our buyer resource center)

• Lease agreements for any rental property you own (cash-flow counts toward approval—see our take in top investment strategies)

5. Organize Your Packet Like a Pro

Combine all PDFs in one folder named “Pre-Approval—[Your Last Name]” and label files clearly: “2024 W-2,” “May Bank Statement,” etc. Clean, complete submissions can shave two to three days off underwriting—a digital advantage we highlight in why an agent’s tech skills matter.

Get lender-ready fast: see every W-2, bank statement, ID, and special doc you need for a smooth mortgage pre-approval in North Carolina.

Mortgage Preapproval Checklist