Do your homework before you go to see a loan officer or mortgage broker. Be aware of the current rate environment and be prepared to share information about yourself with the loan officer to help him or her determine the best financing solution for your needs.

To prepare yourself for your first visit with a loan officer or mortgage broker, gather financial documents like pay stubs and savings account statements. At some point, you may need to provide these documents to your loan officer or mortgage broker so he or she can verify your income and assets. The more information you can provide, the more accurate picture he or she can provide you regarding your mortgage qualification. Here's a list of information you'll need to provide to your loan officer during the origination process, as applicable:

• Residential addresses from the past seven years;
• Names and addresses of employers for the past two years, including W-2s, 1099s, etc.;
• Last three pay stubs, showing gross monthly salary;
• Last three statements on all checking, savings, investments, IRAs, etc., as well as account names, addresses, account numbers, balances, and monthly payments on all open charge accounts and credit lines;
• Address, loan information, and lease agreements on all open charge accounts and credit lines;
• Estimated value of all personal property;
• Gift letter documentation;
• Condominium documentation;
• Copy of an accepted purchase agreement; and
• Estimated proceeds of sale of another property.