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Most lenders ask for
- Photo IDFront and back, all four corners visible.
- Social Security numberThe lender needs it to check credit. You usually type it into the application rather than upload a card.
- Pay stubs, last 30 daysEvery page.
- W-2s, last 2 yearsOne for every job, each year.
- Bank statements, last 2 monthsAll pages, every account.
- 2-year job historyEmployer names, addresses and dates. Gaps may need a short explanation.
Often needed for FHA
- Gift letterFHA allows gifts toward the down payment. The giver signs a letter and may need to show where the money came from.
- Rent historyLandlord contact info or 12 months of rent payments, especially if your credit history is thin.
- Letter explaining credit issuesPast late payments, collections or a bankruptcy. Short and factual is best.
- Bankruptcy or foreclosure papersDischarge documents, if it applies to you.
- Tax returns, last 2 yearsIf you're self-employed or earn commission.
What usually holds things up
- Gift money deposited without a paper trail. Keep the giver's bank statement or the transfer receipt.
- Cash deposits. Lenders can't use money they can't source.
- Job gaps with no explanation.
- Missing pages on bank statements.
Questions
What's the minimum down payment on an FHA loan?
3.5% for many borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. Check current rules with your lender.
Can a family member pay my down payment?
Yes, FHA allows gifts from family and some others, with a signed gift letter and a paper trail.
Does the home have to pass an inspection?
The FHA appraisal checks that the home meets basic safety standards. That's separate from your own home inspection.
Updated November 2026. Every lender, landlord and preparer is a little different, so treat this as a starting list, not legal or tax advice.