Before you start looking for a home to buy, it’s a good idea to meet with your loan originator to get pre-approved for a loan amount. At this stage, the lender gathers information about income, assets, and debts of the borrower (you) to determine how much house you may be able to afford. This includes a credit report, W-2 forms, pay stubs, Federal Tax Returns, and recent bank statements. There are a variety of different loan programs, so make sure to get pre-qualification for the specific programs that best suit your needs.