Resource Library
Resources for Every Stage of Your Homeownership Journey
Whether you're buying, tapping equity, navigating a divorce, or exploring a reverse mortgage — here's what to have ready and what people ask us most.
Buying a Home
What You'll Need for Your Pre-Approval
Documents to Have Ready
- W-2s from the last two years
- 1040 federal tax returns from the last two years, all pages
- Business tax returns and K-1s if you're a business owner
- Two most recent paystubs
- Two months of statements for all asset accounts
- Driver's license or passport
- Employment offer letter, school transcripts, or award letters, if applicable
Common Questions
How long is a pre-approval good for?
Typically 90 days, and some lenders extend to 120. An update to your file can often extend it further.
How long does pre-approval take?
As little as one business day once your documents are in. A few days more if extra verification is needed.
What are closing costs?
Usually 2 to 3 percent of the purchase price, covering the loan, appraisal, title, insurance, and taxes.
Accessing Your Equity
What You'll Need to Explore Your Options
Documents to Have Ready
- Most recent mortgage statement
- Estimated home value or recent appraisal, if available
- Two years of tax returns, W-2s, or 1099s
- Two most recent paystubs
- Two months of asset statements
- Homeowners insurance declarations page
Common Questions
Cash-out refinance or HELOC, which is right for me?
A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a new, larger loan at a fixed rate. A HELOC is a separate line of credit on top of your existing mortgage. The right fit depends on your current rate, how much you need, and how you plan to use the funds.
Will tapping my equity affect my rate?
It can. We'll walk through the full picture together so you can weigh the tradeoff against your goals.
Is there a minimum equity requirement?
Most lenders want you to retain at least 15 to 20 percent equity after the transaction. We'll confirm your specific numbers.
Divorce and Your Home
What Courts and Lenders Typically Require
Documents to Have Ready
- Fully executed divorce decree or separation agreement
- QDRO documentation, if retirement assets are involved
- Two years of tax returns, filed individually where applicable
- Documentation showing alimony or child support received or paid
- Current mortgage statement and payoff information
- Quit claim deed, if a spouse is being removed from title
Common Questions
Can I refinance to buy out my spouse's equity?
Yes. This is one of the most common paths in a divorce, and it can often be structured so the buyout is part of the same transaction that removes your spouse from the mortgage and title.
Does child support or alimony count as income?
It can, once it meets the required documentation and continuance standards. We'll review your decree together to confirm what qualifies.
What happens to our joint mortgage during the divorce?
Both parties typically remain responsible until one is formally removed through a refinance or the home is sold. We can help you understand the timing that works best with your settlement.
62+ and Exploring a Reverse Mortgage
What You'll Need to Get Started
Documents to Have Ready
- Proof of age and occupancy for all borrowers on title
- Current mortgage statement, if applicable
- Two years of tax returns or proof of retirement income
- Homeowners insurance and property tax statements
- Trust documentation, if the home is held in a trust
- Counseling certificate from a HUD-approved HECM counselor
Common Questions
Do I give up ownership of my home?
No. You keep the title, and you remain responsible for taxes, insurance, and upkeep. The loan is repaid when the home is sold or no longer your primary residence.
Can my home be in a trust?
Often, yes. Certain trust structures qualify for HECM eligibility. We'll review your trust documents to confirm.
Is HUD counseling required?
Yes, independent counseling is a required step before your application can move forward. We'll help you schedule it.
Your Goals Are Our Starting Point
Every journey is unique. Let's connect and explore how we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
This is a loan production office of United Lending Team, Inc. United Lending Team DBA Clearview Equity Advisors | 1050 Wilshire Drive Suite 300, Troy, MI 48084 | NMLS #2273319 | (888) 650-3273. ULT, Inc. Licensed In: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY. Roland Scott licensed in: CO. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply.
We've been helping people like you achieve their dream of homeownership for over 10 years.
This is a loan production office of United Lending Team, Inc.
United Lending Team DBA Clearview Equity Advisors
1050 Wilshire Drive Suite 300
Troy, MI 48084
© United Lending Team, Inc. 2026 copyright. All Right Reserved.
Copyright © 2026 | Ease Mortgage | NMLS #2273319 | (888) 650-3273
ULT, Inc. Licensed In: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Roland Scott Licensed In: CO
All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply.