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Getting your mortgage documents organized before you apply can cut weeks off your timeline — and reduce the back-and-forth with your lender.
I put together a complete checklist covering the three most common borrower types:
✅ W-2 / traditionally employed — paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, asset statements
✅ Self-employed — everything above, plus 2 years of business + personal returns, YTD P&L, and business bank statements. (The income calculation piece trips people up — your net taxable income after write-offs is what the underwriter uses.)
✅ VA loan borrowers — standard docs plus Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214
This checklist lives on my site year-round. Bookmark it, send it to clients, use it at your first buyer meeting.
👉 Full checklist: https://styermortgage.com/blog/2026-04-06-mortgage-document-checklist-austin-tx.html
Adam Styer | Mortgage Solutions LP | NMLS #513013
Most Austin homebuyers start their search on Zillow or Redfin. That makes sense. But the smartest move you can make this spring has nothing to do with browsing listings.
It starts with your pre-approval.
A strong pre-approval letter does more than tell you what you can afford. In a competitive market like Austin right now, it tells sellers you are serious, qualified, and ready to close. Listing agents notice the difference between a generic online pre-qualification and a thorough pre-approval from a local lender who has actually reviewed your income, assets, and credit.
Here is what I recommend before you start touring homes this spring. First, gather your two most recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and your most recent tax return. Having these ready means your pre-approval can often be completed in less than 24 hours instead of dragging out for a week.
Second, talk to a broker instead of just your bank. As an independent mortgage broker here in Texas, I shop over 40 wholesale lenders to find the best rate and program for your specific situation. That includes conventional, FHA, VA, and even specialized options for self-employed borrowers.
Third, get your pre-approval done before you fall in love with a house. Nothing stalls a deal faster than scrambling to get financing together after you have already found the one.
Spring inventory in Austin is picking up. Get your financing locked in first so you can move fast when the right home hits the market.
https://www.styermortgage.com
Ever wonder what happens between getting pre-approved and actually closing on your new home in Austin? Most buyers assume the hard part is over once they have that pre-approval letter in hand. But here is the truth: the real work is just getting started.
As a mortgage broker who has helped over a thousand Texas families navigate this process, I can tell you that the stretch between pre-approval and closing is where preparation matters most. Your lender will verify everything again. Employment, bank statements, credit activity. Even a small change, like opening a new credit card or financing furniture, can derail your loan right before the finish line.
Here is my advice: once you are pre-approved, treat your finances like a museum exhibit. Look, but do not touch. Keep the same job, the same accounts, and the same spending habits. If something changes, like a bonus deposit or a gift from family, document it immediately and let your loan officer know.
I have seen buyers lose their dream home in Round Rock over a surprise credit inquiry that dropped their score two points below the threshold. It is avoidable with a little discipline.
The goal is a smooth path from pre-approval to clear to close. That is what I work toward with every client.
https://www.styermortgage.com
If you bought a home in 2025, quick reminder: file your Texas Homestead Exemption (it can lower your property taxes and it’s free to apply). ✅🏡
Here are the official county appraisal district links to file:
Travis County (TCAD): https://traviscad.org/homesteadexemptions
Williamson County (WCAD): https://www.wcad.org/online-exemption-information/
Hays County (Hays CAD): https://hayscad.com/residence-homestead-exemptions/
#styerteam #styermortgage #HomesteadExemption #TexasRealEstate #CentralTexasRealEstate #AustinRealEstate #ATXRealEstate #TravisCounty #WilliamsonCounty #HaysCounty #HomeownerTips #PropertyTaxes #HomeBuying2025 #NewHomeowner #MortgageTips #RealEstateTips
You’re Invited – UT vs. Ohio State Watch Party at Rancho Moonrise 🌅🏈
I’m helping organize a special #1 Texas vs. #2 Ohio State “Kegs & Eggs” Watch Party out at Rancho Moonrise – my family’s event venue in Manor, TX (just 25 minutes from downtown Austin).
What is Rancho Moonrise?
Rancho Moonrise is a unique glamping and event property my family is building – wide open spaces, poolside hangouts, rustic Texas charm, and plenty of places to grab those Instagram-worthy shots. It’s where we host weddings, retreats, and community gatherings – and for this game, we’re opening it up for an unforgettable watch party.
What to Expect at the Watch Party:
*Huge projection screen & sound system for the game
*Pool party vibes – bring your suit if you want to take a dip
*Food, drinks & “Kegs & Eggs”
*Games & activities
*Longhorn & horseback riding
*Plenty of space to relax, connect, and cheer on your team
The best part? It’s free to attend.
We just need a headcount, so grab your free ticket here:
👉 Register Free on Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ut-texas-vs-ohio-state-watch-party-kegs-eggs-tickets-1497726372899?aff=oddtdtcreator
This game is being hyped as one of the biggest season openers in college football history – and there’s no better place to watch it than Rancho Moonrise.
Hope to see you there!
#ranchomoonrise #styerteam #atxevents #longhorns #utvsohiostate
💰 Mortgage Term Spotlight: Minimum Borrower Contribution
When buying a home, lenders often require the borrower to contribute a certain amount of their own funds toward the purchase.
This Minimum Borrower Contribution helps cover part of the down payment, closing costs, or reserves—and shows the lender you’re financially invested in the transaction. The amount required can vary based on loan type and other factors.
💡 Planning ahead for this contribution is key to a smooth loan approval process.
Not sure what your loan will require? I can help you break it down.
📲 https://calendly.com/adamstyer/15minutes
#MortgageTips #styerteam styermortgage #HomeBuying101 #MinimumContribution #LoanApproval #DownPaymentHelp #StyerMortgageTeam
📄 Real Estate Term Spotlight: Leasehold Estate
Did you know not all property ownership includes the land beneath it?
A leasehold estate gives a tenant the right to use a property for a set period of time—typically through a long-term lease—with regular rent payments to the landowner. The land is still owned by the landlord, while the tenant has rights to occupy and use the property.
💡 Common in certain markets, especially with condos or commercial spaces, leaseholds can offer unique opportunities—but it’s important to understand the terms.
Questions about how this could impact your purchase or financing?
Let’s chat!
📲 https://calendly.com/adamstyer/15minutes
#styerteam #styermortgage #RealEstateTips #LeaseholdEstate #HomebuyerEducation #PropertyOwnership #MortgageInsights #StyerMortgageTeam
Adobe Creek Ranch