Then, follow up with credit bureaus to make sure information has been added to your file. What type of information are you looking for: social security numbers, addresses, dates on accounts, opened accounts, closed accounts, outstanding debts, negative information that is incomplete or inaccurate.

List of assets Frankly, how much are you worth? Do you have any stocks, bonds, savings accounts, retirement plans or own another home? Again, create a master list with items, account numbers, worth or potential worth if liquidated and addresses or contact information.

If you are planning to sell any type of asset to use money as down payment, try to complete sale at least six months prior to filing out your mortgage application. Mortgage lenders always want to see that you have money on hand for all of costs associated with getting a mortgage. They generally look down on last minute buying and selling to come up with your cash. They want a snapshot of your current financial situation going back at least six months.

Supplemental paperwork If you are getting alimony or child support payments and want this to be included in calculations prepare documentation to show how much money are you receiving and projections for how much you think you’ll receive in future.

Bankruptcies and foreclosures Your lender will be able to find out just about everything they want about your financial history so don’t’ try to hide foreclosures and bankruptcies. Just make sure information is accurate. Gather all of your paperwork including dates, settlements or outstanding balances at time debt was discharged and keep it handy.

Employment History Collect W-2 forms for last 2 to 3 years that show your employment history and income. As with your payment habits, try not to make any sudden job changes within 6 months to 1 year period prior to applying for loan. Income changes are especially suspect. If you experience a sudden dramatic increase or decrease in income be prepared to provide a full verbal or written explanation along with your paperwork.

Remember that purpose of all this data collection is make sure that you have most accurate and update picture of your financial history to make mortgage application process smooth and easy.

Use deductions to build up wealth Don’t get too concerned with your annual mortgage payments because your house will automatically increase in value every year.

You can use extra cash to invest in a tax deferred retirement account and secure a better financial future for your family. If you think about it, owning a home is like setting up an automatic savings plan. Use that to your advantage instead of pushing yourself to financial brink to pay off your mortgage.

Take advantage of tax benefits of financing your home and make your money work for you.