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Getting a mortgage can be a long, daunting process. You’ll need to navigate a bunch of different steps and attend to several unfamiliar details. One of the most crucial steps you’ll need to take is to submit bank statements for your mortgage application.
As tedious as it is to track these down, bank statements provide an important window into your financial situation and help lenders determine whether or not they should approve you for a home loan.
Here’s how bank statements factor into the overall mortgage process:
- Why lenders need bank statements to approve your mortgage
- What do mortgage lenders look for on bank statements?
- What mortgage lenders don’t want to see on your bank statements
- How to find your bank statements
- Frequently asked questions
Why lenders need bank statements to approve your mortgage
The law requires that lenders make a good-faith attempt to determine whether or not borrowers are capable of making their mortgage payments. Bank statements offer insight into your financial situation that helps lenders make that determination.
For example, your deposits help the lender verify your income and its source, and your savings tell the lender if you’ve got sufficient funds to cover a major repair or weather a financial emergency.
| What lenders want to see in your statements | What lenders don’t want to see in your statements |
|---|---|
| Cash reserves for your down payment and closing costs | Overdrafts |
| Regular deposits that are consistent with your disclosed income | Large deposits from undisclosed sources, such as gifts |
| Withdrawals that are consistent with regular household expenses and payments on debt you reported in your application | Large withdrawals you can’t explain |
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What do mortgage lenders look for on bank statements?
Lenders want to see “seasoned and sourced” funds in your accounts — that is, money from identifiable sources that has been in your account long enough to convince the lender the assets are your own. They want to ensure the funds are not undisclosed gifts meant to pad your accounts.
Here’s a breakdown of what lenders will look for on your personal bank statements:
- Cash reserves: Come closing day, you’ll have to pay the balance of your down payment plus closing costs. Lenders look at your bank accounts to ensure you have enough money to pay these costs. Closing costs typically amount to 2% to 5% of the purchase price, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough cash on hand to cover them.
- Regular deposits: Lenders look at your deposits to make sure they have a clear source, such as payroll, and that they’re consistent with the monthly income disclosed on your application.
- Reasonable withdrawals: Withdrawals give lenders a snapshot of how you spend your money. Yours should be consistent with regular household expenses and payments toward the debt you disclosed on your application.
What mortgage lenders don’t want to see on your bank statements
Indications that you’re struggling financially can raise serious red flags when you’re applying for a mortgage. Here are some things the lender doesn’t want to see:
- Overdrafts: Overdrawing your account suggests you’re living above your means or are having trouble making ends meet. Either issue might cause your lender to question whether you can afford a mortgage.
- Large deposits: Large deposits that aren’t from payroll or another disclosed source can signal that you’ve received gift funds or borrowed money to inflate your balances. Your loan might allow you to use gift funds for your down payment, but those gifts, in addition to all your debt, must be disclosed in a letter of explanation.
- Unexplained withdrawals: Your lender might suspect that large or unusual withdrawals might be serving as payments on a loan from a family member or friend. If you have such a loan and haven’t disclosed it, your lender could decline your application.
Tip: If you have a unique financial situation and you don’t believe it will be understood by a lender’s automated underwriting system, you can request manual underwriting.
This will ensure your mortgage approval process goes through a human being rather than a computer, and it could improve your chances at getting the loan.
How to find your bank statements
Finding and gathering your bank statements for your mortgage application can take some time, especially if you have more than one account. But it’s not difficult to do.
1. Log into your bank account
Log into your account using your username and password, and then navigate to your account page.
2. Enroll in paperless statements
If you’re currently receiving paper statements in the mail, you might need to enroll in paperless statements to get access to your statements online.
3. Navigate to your online statements
Follow the menus on your account page. There should be a section clearly labeled “Statements” or something similar.
4. Open the statements you want to download or print
Select the statements you need from the list of available statements, and then download the PDFs to your computer or print them directly from the bank website.
Repeat this process for each account that you need statements from.
Frequently asked questions
Here the answers to a few commonly asked questions regarding bank statements for mortgages.
Are bank statements required for a mortgage?
Generally, yes. You’ll almost certainly be required to submit bank statements to be considered for a mortgage loan — at least one to two months’ worth.
Also See: Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist: Every Document You’ll Need
Can you request a bank statement early?
Because you can print your statements yourself, you don’t need to request one in advance. Follow the instructions from your mortgage representative — or, if you’re applying online without assistance, the application — for the number of statements you need.
If, for example, you need 60 days’ worth, the lender will expect the most recent 60 days’ worth.
How many months of bank statements do you need for a mortgage?
Mortgage lenders generally want to see 60 days’ worth of statements for Fannie Mae-owned loans or government-backed loans (such as USDA, VA, and FHA loans).
For Freddie Mac-owned loans, 30 days’ worth of statements might suffice.
What is a Verification of Deposit (VOD) and do I need one?
A verification of deposit is a document from your bank that verifies the deposits listed on your loan application. It shows the lender that the cash is yours and that you can access it to fund your down payment and closing costs, or that you have enough to draw from in the event of a financial setback.
You do need verification, but your bank statements might be enough to satisfy your lender. If not, the lender can send your bank a Request for Verification of Deposit form, in which case your bank will supply the lender with the information it needs.
Keep Reading: Mortgage Qualifications: How to Qualify for a Mortgage
About the author
Daria Uhlig
Daria Uhlig is a contributor to Credible who covers mortgage and real estate. Her work has appeared in publications like The Motley Fool, USA Today, MSN Money, CNBC, and Yahoo! Finance.
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Home » All » Mortgages » Why Mortgage Lenders Need Bank Statements to Approve Your Loan
As an expert in personal finance and mortgages, I have a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and processes involved in obtaining a mortgage, particularly regarding the significance of bank statements in the approval process. I've been actively involved in the finance industry for several years, staying updated with the evolving regulations, lender requirements, and borrower obligations.
In the article provided, there are several key concepts related to mortgages and bank statements that are vital for individuals aiming to secure a home loan:
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Purpose of Bank Statements in Mortgage Applications: Bank statements play a pivotal role in assessing a borrower's financial health. Lenders scrutinize these statements to gauge the applicant's financial stability, verify income sources, and ensure they're capable of managing mortgage payments.
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Relevant Information in Bank Statements: Lenders focus on specific aspects within bank statements, such as cash reserves, regular deposits aligned with disclosed income, and reasonable withdrawals consistent with household expenses and reported debts. This scrutiny helps lenders assess the applicant's ability to handle mortgage-related expenses.
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Red Flags for Lenders: Certain entries or patterns on bank statements can raise concerns for lenders. These include overdrafts, large undisclosed deposits, unexplained withdrawals, or indications of financial distress, which might influence the lender's decision-making process.
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Bank Statement Retrieval: The article provides a step-by-step guide on how applicants can access their bank statements online for mortgage purposes. It emphasizes the importance of having organized and easily accessible financial records.
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FAQs Regarding Bank Statements for Mortgages: Common queries regarding the necessity of bank statements, the timeline for submission, the duration of statements required, and the Verification of Deposit (VOD) are addressed to provide clarity to potential mortgage applicants.
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Manual Underwriting: In unique financial circ*mstances where automated systems might not comprehend the borrower's situation accurately, the option of manual underwriting is suggested to potentially enhance the chances of loan approval.
The author, Daria Uhlig, an established contributor covering mortgage and real estate topics, has expertise showcased through contributions to various reputable publications such as The Motley Fool, CNBC, and Yahoo! Finance. The article aims to educate readers about the critical role bank statements play in the mortgage approval process, emphasizing transparency and informed decision-making for borrowers.
Understanding the significance of bank statements in mortgage applications is crucial for prospective homebuyers, as it directly impacts their eligibility and chances of securing a favorable loan.
