The short answer
The ten documents
1. Two pieces of ID
A photo ID and a second piece. The lender verifies your identity before analyzing anything.
2. Proof of employment
A letter from the employer (position, seniority, salary) and recent pay stubs.
3. Notices of assessment
From the Canada Revenue Agency, for the years the lender asks for, often the last two. They confirm the income you reported.
4. Bank statements
Recent statements from the accounts holding the down payment.
5. The source of the down payment
Savings, RRSP (HBP), FHSA, or a gift from a relative with a letter. Every dollar needs a source, a date and proof. See HBP, FHSA, gift, savings.
6. The list of your debts
Credit cards, line of credit, car loan, student loan: balances and payments. They go into the debt ratios.
7. Documents tied to your family situation
After a separation, the judgment or agreement setting support and division. With a co-borrower, the same items for them.
8. The purchase contract
The accepted purchase offer, with the financing condition dates. See Financing condition.
9. The property documents
Municipal and school tax bills, location certificate, seller’s declaration, listing sheet.
10. Items specific to your profile
- Self-employed: T1 General with notice of assessment, statement of business activities (T2125), proof the business exists. See Self-employed: documents.
- Newcomer: status and permit, a foreign credit report or a reference letter from your home-country institution. See Newcomer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need everything before the first meeting?
No. I hand you the list for your profile and we go step by step.
Do documents expire?
Statements and pay stubs age. The lender asks for recent items at the time of analysis.