How to Shop for a Mortgage?

Federal Trade Commission Shopping for a Mortgage FAQs 
Url:  https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-mortgage-faqs 

The following documents are essential when shopping for a mortgage:  

• Bank statements from the last three months show your monthly income and ability to make a down payment and subsequent mortgage payments. 
• Pay stubs from your employer demonstrate consistent income sufficient to pay a mortgage. 
• Personal identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. 
• Your two most recent W-2 forms or tax returns to demonstrate financial stability. 
• Investment account statements to give a fuller picture of your financial strength. 
• Documents showing your monthly debt payments, such as statements about your auto loan or student loan payments. These are essential for determining your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), a metric lenders use to determine your capacity to take on additional debt. 
• A gift letter if a friend or family member is helping you with the mortgage or down payment.