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Sooner or later, if you’re buying a new home, you’re going to come face-to-face with the mortgage application checklist.

Sure, it’s a long list and a bit overwhelming when you first see it. Take heart, though. Like most things in life, it’s not nearly as bad as it first appears.

Tip #1 – Think of It as a Check-Up

Gathering all this information and documentation, it’s like a physical for your finances. You and your lender will both want to make sure you’re in good financial health before purchasing your first home.

Tip #2 – Don’t Hide Anything

Disclose everything and be perfectly open and transparent. There’s little if anything your lender hasn’t seen before. What’s more, trying to hide a black mark can actually do more damage to your application than the black mark itself.

Tip #3 – Update Old Information

If you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage loan, you may feel you’ve already provided a lot of the required documentation and information. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to provide updated information on a few items before closing on your new home.

Tip #4 – Cross Off Irrelevant Items

A lot of the items on the list just won’t pertain to you and your situation. Cross them off. Working from a shorter list will make things feel much more manageable.

Tip #5 – Ask Questions

Your lender will be happy to help you with the checklist, and a few questions here and there may save you hours of research and worry.


First-Time Home Buyer's Guide Icon

First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, a great place to start is with our First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide, which provides all sorts of advice, tools and tips for the home buying journey. It will give you a clear picture of what to expect all along the way. View or download the guide today for the information you need to make a sound financial decision.

View the Guide

Fili Sanchez

Fili Sanchez (NMLS #528671) is the Vice President and Mortgage Relationship Manager for our Kearney, Riverdale, Burwell and Ord markets. He has been with Heartland Bank for 10 years and has 15 years of mortgage lending experience. He is also a recent graduate of the Advanced School of Banking. Fili enjoys participating in the community with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Kearney, Nebraska Banker's Association, and serves on the board for the Yanney Heritage Park Foundation. Outside of the bank, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, traveling to kids' sports activities and family vacations.

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