When applying for a mortgage, lenders often require a 90-day history of your down payment savings to verify the source of funds and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Properly preparing and organizing these documents can make the mortgage approval process smoother and more efficient. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare your documents for a 90-day down payment history when purchasing a home.
- Understand Lender Requirements
Before gathering your documents, familiarize yourself with your lender’s specific requirements for the 90-day down payment history. Different lenders may have varying expectations and guidelines, so it’s important to understand what they are looking for in order to provide the necessary documentation.
- Identify and Gather Relevant Financial Documents
To provide a comprehensive 90-day history of your down payment savings, gather all relevant financial documents from the past three months. These may include:
- Bank statements for your savings and chequing accounts
- Pay stubs or direct deposit records
- Statements for investments, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
- Records of monetary gifts or inheritances received
- Documentation of the sale of assets, such as a vehicle or property
- Organize Your Documents Chronologically
Arrange your financial documents in chronological order, starting with the oldest and ending with the most recent. This will make it easier for both you and your lender to review the 90-day history and identify any significant transactions or patterns.
- Highlight and Explain Significant Transactions
Lenders may inquire about large deposits or withdrawals during the 90-day period, as they want to ensure that your down payment funds are legitimate and not borrowed. Highlight any significant transactions on your statements and be prepared to provide a written explanation or additional documentation if required. For example, if you received a large monetary gift from a family member, provide a signed gift letter that confirms the amount, the relationship between the giver and receiver, and a statement that the funds are not expected to be repaid.
- Create a Summary Sheet
To simplify the review process for your lender, create a summary sheet that outlines the key details of your 90-day down payment history. Include your total savings, the sources of the funds, and any significant transactions or events that took place during the three-month period. This summary will serve as a helpful reference point and can expedite the mortgage approval process.
- Digitize Your Documents
Scan your financial documents and save them as digital files. This not only ensures that you have a backup of your records but also allows for easier sharing with your lender or mortgage broker. Be sure to use clear file names and organize the digital files in a way that mirrors the physical organization of your documents.
Conclusion
Preparing and organizing your documents for a 90-day down payment history can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can make the process seamless and efficient. By understanding lender requirements, gathering relevant financial documents, and presenting the information in an organized manner, you’ll be well on your way to securing mortgage approval and achieving your homeownership goals.
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