The number one reason a self-employed mortgage stalls is not income or credit — it is missing paperwork. Lenders can only underwrite what they can see, and a single missing document can push a closing date. This checklist is what I send my clients so we move fast and do not lose a deal to disorganization.
Income Documentation
- 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank statements (PDF exports from your bank, not screenshots)
- A CPA-prepared profit and loss statement if your program requires one
- Proof your business is registered and operating: business license, EIN letter, or a CPA letter
Personal and Credit
- Government-issued photo ID for every borrower
- A completed application (I will send you the link)
- Authorization for a credit pull — but only when you are ready; an initial strategy conversation does not require a hard pull
Assets and Down Payment
- Two months of asset statements (checking, savings, investment, retirement) showing the funds for down payment and reserves
- Documentation of any gift funds, including a gift letter and the donor's source of funds
- Explanation for any large, unusual deposits that are not business income
Property (Once Under Contract)
- The executed purchase contract
- Property address and details for the appraisal order
- HOA documents if the property is in an association
Pro tip
Gather the income and asset items before you start house hunting. A self-employed borrower who walks in with statements and a P&L already in hand gets a pre-approval letter sellers respect — and closes faster.
If you are not sure which program you need, send me what you have. I will tell you which checklist applies to your situation and exactly what is missing — no obligation, no hard credit pull until you are ready to move.