To get pre-approved for a mortgage in Kentucky or Southern Indiana, most lenders will ask for a recent pay stub, two years of W-2s and tax returns, your recent bank statements, a photo ID and your Social Security number, plus permission to pull your credit. Self-employed and gig workers should expect to provide more, so start gathering early.

Below is a checklist you can work through in one sitting. Print it, make a folder (paper or digital), and you'll save yourself a lot of back-and-forth with your lender.

The core pre-approval documents checklist

This list is based on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) loan application packet guide. Every lender is a little different, so ask yours what they need, but this covers the usual requests.

Income

• Pay stub from the last 30 days
• W-2 forms for the last two years
• Signed federal tax returns for the last two years
• Documentation of any other sources of income you want counted

Assets (down payment and closing costs)

• Your two most recent bank statements, every page
• Investment or savings account statements showing at least two months of ownership history for your down payment money
• If any of your down payment is a gift: a signed statement from the giver saying it's a gift

Identity

• Driver's license or other government photo ID
• Social Security number
• Documentation of a recent name change, if you have one

Other items, if they apply

• Certificate of housing counseling or homebuyer education, if you've completed one (some down payment assistance programs require it)
• For servicemembers and veterans: VA Certificate of Eligibility

Credit

You don't have to bring a credit report; the lender pulls it. But check yours first. The FTC says you can get free weekly credit reports from all three nationwide bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, and the CFPB says checking your own report does not hurt your score.

Notes for self-employed and gig workers

If you drive for an app, freelance, run a small business or get paid on 1099s, buying a home is still on the table. You'll just document your income differently. The CFPB says self-employed borrowers and people with irregular income may need additional documentation, and that requirements vary by lender. So call two or three lenders, describe your situation, and ask exactly what they want.

Ask each lender for its list in writing, so you can gather everything once instead of in pieces. Start with the core checklist above, then add whatever extra items your lender names for your type of income.

A word about write-offs

Self-employed folks often write off as much as they legally can. Smart at tax time. If you're planning to buy in the next year or two, have a conversation with your tax preparer and a lender together about how your returns will read when it's time to qualify. Start that conversation early; it's hard to change after the return is filed.

Keep the money trail clean

Mixing personal and business money, or depositing cash without a record, makes underwriting harder. Keep receipts and records for anything unusual so you can explain where it came from.

Tips that save time

• Send whole documents. The CFPB stresses including every page of multi-page statements.
• Expect to update. Lenders want the most recent pay stubs and statements, so you'll likely send fresh copies at least once before closing.
• Use one folder. Name files clearly, like "Bank statement Sept 2026." Your loan officer will thank you.
• Don't change things mid-stream. Before opening new credit, changing jobs or moving big sums of money, check with your loan officer first.

Kentucky and Southern Indiana extras

If you're using a state or local down payment assistance program, expect a few more forms and, often, a homebuyer education requirement. For example, Indiana's IHCDA program guide lists approved homebuyer education certificates as a required document, and Louisville Metro's program requires at least six hours of counseling from a HUD-approved agency. Details are in Down Payment Help in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Ready for the next step? Read How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Louisville, learn what sellers want to see on your letter, and if you rent, see when to start before your lease ends.

How Winner Realty helps

Paperwork is where a lot of buyers stall. We introduce you to lenders we trust so you can compare terms and get pre-approved, plus inspectors, insurance agents and movers down the road. You're always free to choose any lender — we'll introduce a few we trust so you can compare.

Our agents guide you from pre-approval to keys, and we'll keep the deadlines straight so the paperwork never sneaks up on you.

Get homes in your budget sent to you free: https://www.thewinnerrealty.com/buy-box-signup

Email Rob with any questions: Rob@thewinnerrealty.com

Frequently asked questions

How many months of bank statements do I need for pre-approval?

The CFPB's checklist lists your two most recent bank statements. Your lender may ask for more depending on your situation.

Can I get pre-approved if I'm self-employed?

Yes. Expect to provide more documentation than a W-2 employee. The CFPB notes requirements vary by lender, so ask each lender what they need.

Can a family member help with my down payment?

Gift money can be part of a down payment. The CFPB says you'll need a signed statement from the giver saying the money is a gift. Your loan program may have additional rules.

Do I need to pull my own credit report before applying?

You don't have to, but it's smart. Free weekly reports are available at AnnualCreditReport.com, and checking your own report doesn't hurt your score.

Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) loan application packet guide and credit report pages; FTC (consumer.ftc.gov) on free credit reports; IHCDA (in.gov/ihcda) Homeownership Program Guide; Louisville Metro (louisvilleky.gov) Down Payment Assistance Program page.

Equal Housing Opportunity.