Mortgage Resource Guide
Applications
154 articles10 sections
Steps and documents
- What Does the Mortgage Approval Process Look Like?Start here Mortgage approval moves from preapproval to application, appraisal, underwriting, and closing. Purchase loans averaged 36.8 days to close in March 2026.
- What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage? Most borrowers need pay stubs from the last 30 days, 1 to 2 years of W-2s, and 2 months of bank statements. Self-employment, gifts, or a bankruptcy add more.
Credit problems and denials
- Can I Qualify for a Mortgage with No Credit History? Yes. FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac let lenders use 12 months of on-time rent, utility, phone, and insurance payments in place of a credit score.
- What Can I Do If My Mortgage Application Is Denied? Read the lender's denial reasons, check any purchase-contract deadlines, and fix the cause before reapplying.
Preapproval and shopping around
- Does Applying with Multiple Mortgage Lenders Affect My Credit? Usually not much. Scoring models count mortgage credit checks within 14 to 45 days as one inquiry, based on credit-check dates, not application dates.
- How Do I Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage? Apply with a lender, allow a credit check, and send pay stubs, W-2s, and bank statements. The letter states a loan amount but is not a guaranteed offer.
Savings tools and property management powered by real estate.
There are no fees for opening or using Tellus. Available on iOS and Android.