Because of the market conditions in Arizona houses are selling rather quickly. A homeowner can get several offers at once. Its time to give yourself the best chance to get your offer accepted! Having your loan amount pre-approved by a lender will in most cases strengthen your negotiating position. You spent your valuable time looking for a property and getting pre-approved financing which can take as little as 2 days. You can make a better commitment with less of a risk when your authorizing a purchase agreement that requires and earnest money ( good faith ) deposit. Remember being pre- approved can give you an advantage over another buyer when it comes to negations with the seller. Documents generally asked for by a lender are income tax filings form the last couple of years. Proof of income from W2's. Your banking records and statements proving any additional income you are claiming to qualify for the mortgage. If you have not checked your credit report lately you might want to consider doing so in the early stages of home shopping.