✅ Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist: What Michigan Homebuyers Need to Get Started
Ready to buy a home in Michigan? Your first step is getting pre-approved — and that means getting your paperwork in order.
A pre-approval letter tells sellers and agents you’re a serious buyer with verified income, assets, and credit. At the Kirby and Angie Mortgage Team, we’ve helped hundreds of Michigan buyers get pre-approved quickly and confidently.
Here’s exactly what you need to gather to make it happen:
📄 1. Proof of Income
Lenders want to see a consistent income history so they can determine how much you can afford.
Pay Stubs: Provide your most recent 30 days of pay stubs.
W-2s: Submit W-2 forms from the past two years.
Tax Returns: If you’re self-employed or receive 1099 income, provide full tax returns from the last two years.
Employment History: If you’ve had more than one job in the past two years, create a timeline with employer names, job titles, start/end dates.
💰 2. Proof of Assets
Your assets confirm that you have the funds for a down payment, closing costs, and reserves.
Bank Statements: Most recent 2 months for all checking and savings accounts.
Retirement Accounts: Include 2 months of statements for any 401(k), IRA, or other accounts.
Cash in the Bank: Avoid depositing large amounts of cash. All deposits must be documented and sourced.
🔍 3. Credit Report & Credit Behavior
Your credit score plays a major role in loan approval and interest rates.
Soft or Hard Pull: We’ll review your credit during the pre-approval process.
Letter of Explanation (LOX): Be ready to explain any credit inquiries, name variations, or past-due accounts.
Keep Things Stable: Don’t apply for new credit, close accounts, or make late payments during the loan process.
🗂 4. Other Commonly Required Documents
Depending on your situation, we may also need:
Government ID: Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Rental History: Copy of your current lease if renting.
Other Properties: If you own real estate, list each property with mortgage, tax, and insurance info.
Business Docs (if self-employed): Recent business returns + year-to-date Profit & Loss statement.
🏠 Why This Matters
Being organized helps you move fast in a competitive real estate market — and helps us give you the strongest pre-approval possible.
With the Kirby and Angie Mortgage Team, you’ll never feel overwhelmed. We walk you through every step, help you gather exactly what you need, and explain everything in real-world language. No surprises. No pressure. Just homebuying clarity.
📍 Serving all of Michigan
💬 Schedule a Free Pre-Approval Consultation
