Before applying for your loan.

Documentation Needed to Buy a Home

• Current Pay Stubs.

  Your last two pay stubs will suffice. Make copies and don't hand out your originals.

• W2s.

  This is your wage and tax statement, issued by your employer for a calendar year. It is what you attach to your tax returns. Lenders generally want the last two year's of W2s from both of you.

• Federal Tax Returns.

  If you haven't yet filed your tax return for last year, then find the two previous year's of tax returns. Make copies. Include all schedules. Tip: Make sure the tax returns are signed by you.

• Bank Statements.

  Some lenders want two months, while others will demand the last three months of bank statements. Make a copy from each lending institution. Include every page of each bank statement.

• Asset Statements.

  If you own stocks, bonds, mutual funds or retirement accounts, make a copy of each statement. Lenders prefer hard copies over those printed online but will accept online statements if that's how you receive your statements. Make copies.