What do I have to do to apply for a mortgage loan? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

The first step of applying for a mortgage is to request a Loan Estimate from three or more lenders.

To receive a Loan Estimate, you need to submit only six key pieces of information:

  • Your name
  • Your income
  • Your Social Security number (so the lender can check your credit)
  • The address of the home you plan to purchase or refinance
  • An estimate of the home's value
  • The loan amount you want to borrow

Although you're not required to provide documents in order to get a Loan Estimate, it's a good idea to share what you have with the lender(s). The more information the lender has, the more accurate your Loan Estimate will be.

Tip: It's a good idea to request Loan Estimates from several lenders. That way, you can compare your options and choose the best loan for you. Each lender is required to send you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your six key pieces of information.

Once you're ready to choose a loan offer, you need to notify the lender that you are ready to proceed with the loan application. If you don't notify a lender that you'd like to proceed within 10 business days, the lender may revise the Loan Estimate or close your application as incomplete and you may need to start over. The 10 business days are calculated from when the lender delivers the Loan Estimate to you or places it in the mail, whichever is earlier.

Once you've notified the lender that you would like to proceed with an application, the lender may ask you to provide additional information and documents to verify the information you have already submitted. The lender processes this information and may follow up with you to request additional information or clarification. Once the lender has received all the necessary information, the lender approves or denies your loan application.

What do I have to do to apply for a mortgage loan? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

What is CFPB mortgage? ›

We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

What information must be provided on a consumer loan application? ›

your income, your Social Security number (so the lender can pull a credit report), the property address, an estimate of the value of the property, and.

What information do you need for a mortgage loan application? ›

Documents Needed When Applying For a Mortgage Loan
  • A clear copy of your driver's license – This is used for general identification purposes.
  • The last two years of your tax returns and your W2 form. ...
  • The last two pay stubs from your work.
  • Two months' worth of bank statements (include all pages, even blank ones).

What does the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau do in real estate? ›

Finally, the CFPB can help private individuals with homeownership. The CFPB website provides consumers with interest rate information, monthly payment worksheets, and a loan comparison tool. For those consumers who need mortgage help, the CFPB provides advice on financial hardship.

Why would I get a letter from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

We sometimes send warning letters to advise recipients that certain actions may have violated federal law and to help those entities review certain practices to ensure that they comply with federal law.

What are the positive effects of the CFPB on the mortgage industry? ›

Established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the CFPB has created stronger consumer financial markets, increased transparency in the marketplace, and has established necessary safeguards against predatory lending practices.

Which three documents may be needed to complete a loan application? ›

Final answer: For a loan application, documents like a government-issued photo ID, pay stubs, and bank statements are typically required. They help in verifying one's identity, income, and financial stability. A government-issued photo ID could be a driver's license or a U.S. passport.

How do you verify income for mortgage? ›

Mortgage lenders verify employment by contacting employers directly and requesting income information and related documentation. Most lenders only require verbal confirmation, but some will seek email or fax verification. Lenders can verify self-employment income by obtaining tax return transcripts from the IRS.

What does the Consumer Credit Protection Act require that lenders? ›

The Truth in Lending Act requires lenders and creditors to disclose to consumers the financial terms of any loans or lines of credit they provide. These can include the annual percentage rate (APR), interest rate and any potential fees.

What is a good credit score to buy a house? ›

You'll typically need a credit score of 620 to finance a home purchase. However, some lenders may offer mortgage loans to borrowers with scores as low as 500. Whether you qualify for a specific loan type also depends on personal factors like your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and income.

What credit score is needed to buy a house? ›

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

How long does it take to fill out a mortgage application? ›

With many mortgage lenders, you can apply for a mortgage online and complete the process in 45 minutes or less — if you have all of your information ready beforehand. That's a big if, of course. But you might well be able to, if you know what the form's going to ask.

What are the three federal agencies that provide protection to consumers? ›

Types of Consumer Protection Agencies
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ensures vehicle safety standards.
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) addresses product safety hazards and recalls.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors and regulates food and drug safety.

Who funds the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

We receive funding from the Federal Reserve Board.

Who runs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

Rohit Chopra - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | LinkedIn.

Does the CFPB regulate mortgage companies? ›

The CFPB also has the authority to oversee nonbank compliance, regardless of size, in certain specific markets: mortgage companies (originators, brokers, and servicers, as well as providers of loan modification or foreclosure relief services); payday lenders; and private education lenders.

What federal agency regulates mortgages? ›

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

What is the difference between NCUA and CFPB? ›

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is empowered to examine all federally insured credit unions, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is empowered to examine federally insured credit unions with assets greaterthan $10 billion and their affiliates (Covered Institutions) 1 to assess compliance ...

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