First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Start with your budget, review your credit and cash position, understand down payment and closing costs, and consider preapproval before serious home shopping.
Start a preapproval conversation →Resource center
Mortgage information without the jargon.
Use these guides to understand the process, prepare for an application, and ask better questions as you compare financing.
The Mortgage Process
Application is followed by documentation, disclosures, underwriting, appraisal/title work as applicable, final approval, closing disclosure, and closing.
Ask us about the process →Refinance Checklist
Compare your current loan with the proposed loan, including payment, rate, remaining term, cash-to-close, total closing costs, and your likely time in the home.
Run an estimate →Home & Investment Property Insurance
Learn why homeowners, landlord and investment-property insurance costs matter to closing and monthly payment planning, then request a competitive quote from All Insure Agency.
Compare property insurance →Property insurance
Need homeowners or investment property coverage?
Property insurance affects both closing requirements and the monthly housing expense used in mortgage planning. Our property-insurance resource explains what to consider and provides a direct path to request a competitive quote from All Insure Agency.
Compare property insurance early.
Useful for primary residences, rental properties and real estate investment properties in New Jersey.
For real estate professionals
Resources for NJ Real Estate ProfessionalsBorrower resources you can share with clients.
Closing-cost planning, first-time-buyer guidance, payment tools and a clear path for difficult or previously denied mortgage files.
Prepare
What you may need for a mortgage application.
Documentation varies by loan type and borrower circumstances, but these categories are common.
Income
- Recent pay statements
- W-2s or other income records
- Tax returns when required
- Documentation for additional qualifying income
Assets
- Bank or investment statements
- Documentation for large deposits when required
- Gift documentation when applicable
- Evidence of funds needed for closing and reserves
Credit & liabilities
- Authorization for credit review
- Information on current debts
- Explanations or documentation for certain credit events when needed
Property
- Purchase contract for a purchase loan
- Homeowners insurance information
- Property and title information
- Additional property documents depending on the loan