Once you've found the perfect home, you certainly don't want to get bogged down in the mortgage application process. Be prepared ahead of time by getting the paperwork started.

Missing documents will delay the approval process, so here's a list of some of the most asked for information:

Tax information from at least the last 3 years

Copies of pay stubs for each co-borrower from at least 1 month

Copies of your most recent statements for each and every bank account, stock account, or savings account for each co-borrower

Copies of any other assets you may currently hold

Information on any new accounts (usually 6 months) opened and the source of income

Copy of the canceled check for earnest money - front and back

If someone is helping you with the down payment (gift funds), you'll need a paper trail including the deposit slip, a gift letter affidavit and the gift giver's most recent bank statement. Gift money is not expected to be repaid.

If monies are being reinvested from a previous home, you will need to bring a copy of the listing agreement and sales contract, plus names and contact information of the brokers and/or attorneys involved.

If you've opened a new bank or savings account within the last 6 months, bring proof of the source of money.

Account numbers and addresses on all creditors

Documentation for employment and additional sources of income such as alimony, second jobs, child support

If you've ever had a bankruptcy or judgement against you, provide copies of all proceedings, schedules and letters that explain the circumstances and recorded satisfaction of judgments.

If you are self-employed, you must usually provide at least 2 years of your business tax returns, profit and loss statements, balance sheets and documentation on business partners.

It's a lot of work, so you don't want to be caught by surprise. Call ahead and ask your loan officer for a full list of what you will need to speed things along.