What to prepare before you apply for a loan

Loan applications go faster when you have your numbers ready. Not perfectly organized — just within reach. Here's what most providers will eventually ask for, regardless of the loan category.

Income, in plain numbers

You'll need to articulate your income clearly. For W-2 employees, that's typically the last two pay stubs plus the most recent W-2. For self-employed applicants, expect to share two years of tax returns and possibly profit-and-loss statements for the current year.

A rough debt picture

Providers will eventually see your full credit report, but a self-summary helps the early conversation. Know your monthly obligations: credit card minimums, car payments, student loans, mortgage or rent. The ratio of debt to income is one of the first things underwriters look at.

Identity and address

A government ID and proof of address — a recent utility bill or lease — cover most provider requirements. You won't typically need these to get a pre-qualified quote, but you will to fund.

What you do not need yet

You do not need to share your Social Security number to get an initial quote from Funding Pros. You do not need a perfect credit score. You do not need to have already decided which loan category you fit into — that's part of what a good provider helps you sort out.