There's no question that applying for a mortgage is an invasive process. You have to hand over all your financial information, cough up any past problems with credit and--ahem--any late rental payments you've made in the past few years. The good news, however, is that you can get a good idea of what you need to qualify for a loan before the process even begins--which buys you some time to prepare. Here's a checklist of what you may need when applying for a mortgage: Personal Information Social Security Number. Date of birth. Address history as well as rent verification; landlord's name, address and phone number. If divorced, you'll need a copy of complete divorce decree to verify child support and/or alimony and maintenance payments. If not a US citizen, you'll need your green card information. Work/Income/Financial Information Checking account number and balance. Savings account number and balance. Consecutive monthly bank statements for the past two or three months. The statements should show enough funds for the down payment as well as sufficient funds for closing costs. W-2 forms (two previous years). Name, address and phone number of employer. Two most recent pay stubs. If more than 25 percent of your income is based on commission, bonus or overtime, you'll need two years of tax return statements. If you're self-employed, you must provide two years federal income tax statements. Names and certificates of stocks and bonds. Year, model and estimated value of car. If using a gift to help make your down payment or closing costs, you must provide the donor's bank statement or a bank letter demonstrating the donor's ability to provide gift funds. Liabilities List of names, addresses, account numbers, balances and amount of monthly payments on all loans, credit cards and other debts.