Buy
From a working budget to a clearer way forward.
A calculator helps you explore what feels manageable. Pre-approval adds a review of your income, assets, and credit, so you and your agent can plan the next step with more information.
Start with a conversation
You don't need every answer before we talk.
Tell us where you are in the process. We'll help you understand what a review would involve and what information to gather.
What you're planning.
Your timeline, the kind of home you're considering, and whether you're already working with an agent.
What feels manageable.
Your monthly payment preference, cash for the purchase, and savings you want to keep afterward.
What we need to understand.
How you earn your income, current debts, and anything about your situation you'd like to talk through.
The difference is the review
Three steps that answer different questions.
Explore
A budget estimate
“What payment and home price might work for me?”
Based on the assumptions you enter. Useful for planning; no financial information has been verified.
Review
A pre-approval
“What financing may be available based on my reviewed information?”
Income, assets, and credit are reviewed. Any letter states its amount and conditions — it isn't final loan approval.
Confirm
Final loan approval
“Have the borrower, property, and loan conditions been met?”
The lender completes underwriting and resolves outstanding requirements before the loan can proceed to closing.
What to prepare
A starting list — not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Start with the common documents below, then open any income details relevant to you. We'll confirm what your particular review needs.
Start with the essentials.
- Funds for the purchase
- Bank and asset statements showing the money available for your purchase.
- Identity & credit review
- Identification and the information needed for a credit check you authorize.
For employment income
Salary or wages from an employer:
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2 forms
For self-employment income
Business, freelance, or contract income:
- Personal and, where applicable, business tax returns
- Current business financial statements, such as a year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, if requested
For retirement or other income
Documents supporting the income you want considered, such as retirement award letters or distribution records.
Before sending financial records, contact Kinship for the approved secure submission method. Please don't attach account statements or identification to an introductory email.
After the review
A useful answer includes the next step.
If pre-approval is available.
We explain the amount, assumptions, and conditions, and discuss how they relate to your preferred payment.
If more information is needed.
We explain what's missing and why it matters to the financing review.
If the timing isn't right.
We talk through what would need to change, so you understand what to work on next.
Before you get started
Tell us where you are
Just exploring, actively shopping, or ready to make an offer — we can start there. No online form to fill out blind, just tell us where you are.