Your Step-by-Step Home Loan Checklist for a Smooth Approval

Complete Home Loan Check List for Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina Borrowers

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones—and one of its most detailed processes. Between gathering paperwork, comparing loan options, and scheduling inspections, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why AgSouth Mortgages is here to make things easier.

“The home loan process can be overwhelming,” says Taylor Jones, Mortgage Loan Originator at AgSouth Mortgages. “A quick conversation with one of our expert Mortgage Loan Originators can help clear up many questions and give you a peace of mind.”

Below is a Home Loan Checklist to help you feel prepared and confident from day one. Whether you’re purchasing a home, refinancing, or building something brand new, having your documentation in order can keep things moving smoothly and help you avoid last-minute delays.

What You’ll Need for Any Loan Application

No matter what your loan type, these core documents are required for all applicants:

• A signed purchase contract (if you’re buying a home).
• Your most recent 30 days of pay stubs with year-to-date pay details. Continue saving these until your loan closes.
• W-2 forms from the past two years.
• Complete tax returns (all pages) for the last two years. These are usually only required if self-employed income is being used.
• Bank statements for the last two months for all checking and savings accounts—be sure to include all pages, even the blank ones. You’ll also need to explain and document any large deposits not from your paycheck.

Having these documents ready from the beginning helps your loan officer move swiftly through the application process.

Additional Documents (If They Apply to You)

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• The name and contact information for your landlord(s) over the past 12 months.
• Copy of canceled earnest money deposit and corresponding bank statement.
• A copy of your homeowners insurance policy, if you already own property, and tax bill
• Your most recent mortgage statement(s) (if applicable).
• 401(k) and IRA statements if those are being used as assets for qualification.

These documents give your lender a clearer view of your full financial picture and creditworthiness.

For VA Loan Applications

Veterans and active-duty service members should also provide:

• Your VA Certificate of Eligibility
• Form DD-214 (if discharged) or a Statement of Service (if active-duty within the last two years)
• A recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)

If You’re Self-Employed or Earn Commission-Based Income

Self-employed applicants or those with commission-based income will need:

• Your personal and business federal tax returns from the last two years, including all K1-forms.
• A year-to-date Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet, if requested.

These documents help show income consistency and your business’s financial health.

If You’re Divorced

It’s important to disclose any court-ordered financial responsibilities tied to a divorce. Please be prepared to submit:

• A signed copy of your divorce decree and any separation agreements.
• Proof of child support payments received or paid in the last 12 months—especially if this income (or expense) impacts your ability to qualify for the loan.

Additional Situational Documents

Depending on your personal history, you may also be asked to provide:

• A letter explaining any employment gaps of 30 days or more over the last two years.
• If you’ve sold a home recently, a HUD-1 Settlement Statement showing proceeds from the sale. If the sale hasn’t closed yet, provide a copy of the Purchase Offer.
• Relocation policy documentation, if your move is employer-sponsored.
• Three years of tax returns if you’re a first-time homebuyer applying for local housing assistance programs.
• If you’ve filed for bankruptcy in the past seven years, include the petition, discharge documents, creditor schedule, and a brief letter explaining the situation.
• For rental property owners, provide copies of current leases and your last two years of tax returns.

Ready to Apply for a Home Loan?

At AgSouth Mortgages, our team walks you through every step of the process, making sure you understand what’s needed and why. Once you’re pre-qualified, we’ll guide you through your next steps, from shopping for a home to finalizing your loan. Reach out to an AgSouth Mortgage Loan Originator today to explore your options and start your application.