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What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
When applying for a mortgage, you'll typically need the following documents:
1. Proof of Identity
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)
2. Proof of Income
- Employed Individuals:
- Recent pay stubs (usually the last 2-3)
- Letter of employment (confirming position, salary, and length of employment)
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA (last 2 years)
- T4 slips (last 2 years)
- Self-Employed Individuals:
- Notice of Assessment (last 2 years)
- T1 General tax returns (last 2 years)
- Business financial statements (if applicable)
- Proof of business registration (if applicable)
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
3. Proof of Down Payment
- Bank statements (last 3 months) showing funds
- Gift letter (if receiving a down payment as a gift)
- Sale agreement of an existing property (if using proceeds for the down payment)
4. Credit & Debt Information
- Credit report (lenders may pull this directly)
- List of current debts (credit cards, loans, lines of credit)
- Proof of rental income (if applicable)
5. Property Details (Once Chosen)
- Purchase and Sale Agreement
- MLS listing details
- Property tax statements (for existing homeowners)
- Condo documents (if applicable)
6. Additional Documents (If Required)
- Divorce or separation agreement (if applicable)
- Bankruptcy or consumer proposal documents (if applicable)
Can a mortgage broker help me if I have a low credit score?
Yes! A mortgage broker can help even if you have a low credit score. They can find lenders who specialize in bad credit mortgages, offer flexible approval options, suggest ways to improve your credit score, help you make a larger down payment, and explore debt consolidation as an option. What are the benefits of getting a pre-approved mortgage?
Getting a pre-approved mortgage has several benefits:
- Know Your Budget: Understand how much you can afford before you start looking for a home.
- Lock in an Interest Rate: Protect yourself from rising interest rates; most lenders will guarantee your rate for 90-120 days.
- Strengthen Your Offer: Sellers are more likely to accept an offer from a pre-approved buyer.
- Speed Up the Approval Process: Get your mortgage faster once you find a home.
- Identify Issues Early: Spot any potential problems with your credit or income before you apply for your final mortgage.